Lesson 3 - Stopping and Returning the Ball
Tactical Cricket Strategies
•Year 4
•Cricket
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Distributed to each wicketkeeper position
Alternative: Tennis balls, foam cricket balls
Set up at each end of playing areas, 22 metres apart
Alternative: Cones, marker posts
Mark playing areas and running markers
Alternative: Bibs, rope
Available for easier batting option
Alternative: Traffic cones with tennis balls
Key Vocabulary
A defensive technique where fielders get their body behind the ball to stop it
Moving quickly towards the ball rather than waiting for it to reach you
The fielder positioned behind the stumps who collects the ball
Throwing technique used for short, accurate returns
Throwing technique used for longer, powerful returns
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
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