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Lesson 3 - Stopping and Returning the Ball

Tactical Cricket Strategies

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Year 4

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Cricket

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Big Question

How can we become defensive champions who stop runs and get batters out?

Learning Objectives

Develop different techniques for stopping and returning the ball effectively
Learn when and why to use specific fielding techniques in game situations
Understand the importance of quick and accurate returns to prevent runs

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate proficient use of long barrier technique
Students will return the ball quickly and accurately to wicketkeeper or bowler
Students will make tactical decisions about fielding positioning and techniques

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

5 (1 per group)

Distributed to each wicketkeeper position

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam cricket balls

Cricket Stumps

10 sets (2 per group)

Set up at each end of playing areas, 22 metres apart

Alternative: Cones, marker posts

Sun Markers

20 cones

Mark playing areas and running markers

Alternative: Bibs, rope

Tees

5 (for differentiation)

Available for easier batting option

Alternative: Traffic cones with tennis balls

Key Vocabulary

Long Barrier

A defensive technique where fielders get their body behind the ball to stop it

Attacking the Ball

Moving quickly towards the ball rather than waiting for it to reach you

Wicketkeeper

The fielder positioned behind the stumps who collects the ball

Underarm Throw

Throwing technique used for short, accurate returns

Overarm Throw

Throwing technique used for longer, powerful returns

Run Out

Getting a batter out by hitting the stumps before they reach the crease

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic catching and throwing skills
Understanding of cricket basic rules
Simple fielding positions awareness

Current Skills

Long barrier stopping technique
Quick ball return methods
Attacking the ball movement
Decision making for fielding techniques

Next Steps

Advanced fielding positions and roles
Anticipating batter intentions
Team fielding strategies and communication

Milestone Indicators

Consistently stops balls using appropriate technique

Returns ball to target within 3 seconds of pickup

Makes correct technique choices without prompting

Key Teaching Points

Long barrier technique requires body behind ball with leg as backup wall
Attacking the ball means moving towards it, not waiting for it to arrive
Quick returns prevent batters scoring runs - field with urgency
Choose throwing technique based on distance - underarm for accuracy, overarm for power
Fielding positions should adapt to where the batter hits the ball
Communication between fielders is essential for successful run outs
Practice techniques slowly first, then apply at match speed with confidence

Common Misconceptions

Students think they should wait for ball to come to them - emphasise attacking movement
Belief that hands alone will stop all balls - teach importance of body barrier
Assumption that power throwing is always better - explain accuracy vs distance trade-offs
Thinking fielding positions don't matter - demonstrate impact of good positioning
Misconception that one technique works for all situations - teach decision making

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, specific roles to maintain focus, positive reinforcement system

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls for easier handling, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time for technique, step-by-step visual prompts

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, visual cards showing activity sequence, offer quiet space if overwhelmed, use consistent verbal cues

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of fielding positions, assign buddies for guidance, add audio cues for ball direction

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, visual cards showing techniques, ensure good sight lines for lip reading

physical disability

Adapt long barrier to seated version, modify throwing distances, provide larger targets, allow rolling instead of throwing

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating distances between stumps, measuring angles for throwing, timing runs and returns, analysing success rates and statistics

Science

Understanding forces in throwing and ball movement, friction effects on ball stopping, reaction times and human body responses

Geography

Directional awareness for field positioning, understanding angles and trajectories for optimal throwing routes

PSHE

Teamwork and communication in fielding units, resilience when making mistakes, leadership in organising team positions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during practice, position centrally during demonstrations for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for correct long barrier positioning, quick ball attack movement, and accurate return techniques

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with barrier technique, poor throwing safety, or showing frustration with missed attempts

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate long barrier from side view so students can see leg position, show attacking movement with exaggerated forward lean

Verbal Cues

•'Attack the ball!'
•'Body behind the ball!'
•'Quick hands, quick feet!'
•'Make yourself big like a wall!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m indoor space, or outdoor cricket field area

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from obstacles, suitable for kneeling and running

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check cricket balls are in good condition with no cracks
•Ensure stumps are stable and have no sharp edges
•Verify bats have no splinters or damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head/body
•Collisions between running batters and fielders
•Knee injuries from long barrier technique
•Overexertion in continuous play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries between groups established
•Emphasis on controlled throwing, not power
•Progressive introduction of long barrier on suitable surface
•Regular water breaks and monitoring for fatigue
•Clear rules about running paths to avoid collisions

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Pay special attention to long barrier technique practice
•Monitor continuous cricket for safe play
•Watch for signs of overexertion in active games

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, contact school nurse/emergency services if required