Lesson 3 - Fielding Skills Development
Advanced Strategies & Team Play
•Year 5
•Cricket
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How can effective fielding skills and teamwork prevent the batting team from scoring runs?
Learning Objectives
- To refine fielding skills including catching, stopping and throwing under pressure
- To develop strategic thinking about fielding positions based on game situations
- To apply fielding techniques effectively in competitive game scenarios
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved accuracy in catching, stopping and throwing techniques
- Students will show strategic awareness when choosing fielding positions
- Students will work effectively as a team to prevent runs being scored
Equipment & Resources Required
Check balls are in good condition, no cracks or damage
Alternative: Tennis balls, rounders balls for safety
Place securely, check bails are balanced properly
Alternative: Cones arranged in wicket formation, skittles
Use to mark zones and boundaries clearly
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, rope boundaries
Distribute to identify teams clearly during games
Alternative: Coloured cones to identify teams
Key Vocabulary
A fielding technique where the fielder gets behind the ball with their body as a secondary barrier
A throwing technique using a full arm action over the shoulder for distance and power
The fielder who stands behind the wickets to collect the ball and attempt run outs
Dismissing a batter by breaking the wickets with the ball before they reach the crease
Supporting the primary fielder by positioning behind them to collect overthrows
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching skills
- Understanding of cricket rules and basic game structure
- Experience with underarm throwing techniques
Current Skills
- Refining catching technique with focus on hand positioning
- Developing overarm throwing for longer distances
- Learning strategic fielding positions
- Improving reaction time and ball tracking
Next Steps
- Advanced fielding positions and roles
- Wicket keeping skills
- Captain and field placing decisions
- Communication and team coordination under pressure
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Two hands for safety - always catch with both hands when possible
- Get behind the ball - move feet to position body behind ball's path
- Overarm throwing technique - step through with opposite foot, high elbow, follow through to target
- Tactical fielding positions - spread out to cover more area, back up teammates
- Communication is crucial - call for catches, organise fielding positions as team
- Quick reactions and anticipation - be ready before ball is struck, watch batter's technique
- Accuracy over power - controlled, accurate throws are more effective than wild powerful ones
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking catching is just about hand strength rather than technique and positioning
- Believing all throws should be overarm - understanding when underarm is more effective
- Assuming fielding is just about individual skills rather than teamwork and strategy
- Focusing only on the ball rather than anticipating where it might go
- Thinking louder communication is better rather than clear, specific calls
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, offer regular movement breaks, use positive reinforcement frequently
dyspraxia
- Use larger, lighter balls, reduce complexity of movements, provide extra demonstration time, allow additional practice of skills
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedules for rotations, create quiet zones for breaks, give advance warning of activity changes
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal cues for ball direction, assign sighted buddy for guidance, describe fielding positions clearly
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual signals for instructions, position where students can see teacher, provide written strategy cards, use visual cues for game changes
physical disability
- Adapt throwing distance based on ability, allow seated fielding positions, modify catching height, use lightweight equipment as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Cricket vocabulary development, following and giving instructions clearly, match commentary and description skills
Maths
Calculating runs scored and lost, measuring throwing distances, angles and trajectories of throws, data collection on accuracy percentages
Science
Forces in throwing and catching, friction between ball and hands, trajectory and gravity effects, body mechanics in overarm throwing action
Geography
Understanding field positions and spatial relationships, mapping movement patterns, compass directions for field placements
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between activities to provide individual coaching, position at corner of playing area for game overview
Observation Focus
Watch for correct catching technique, overarm throwing progression, tactical understanding development
Intervention Points
Step in if throwing becomes too aggressive, if students show poor sportsmanship, or if safety concerns arise
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements to show correct technique, involve students in demonstrations, provide both correct and incorrect examples for comparison
Verbal Cues
- •'Soft hands for catching!'
- •'Get behind the ball!'
- •'Step and throw through your target!'
- •'Talk to your teammates!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 40m outdoor area or large sports hall, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, check for holes or uneven areas in grass
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check cricket balls are soft training balls appropriate for age
- •Ensure wickets are stable and bails balanced correctly
- •Verify bats have secure handles and no splinters
- •Inspect cones for cracks or sharp edges
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Collisions during fielding movements
- •Slips and falls on grass surface
- •Overarm throwing strain injuries
Risk Mitigation
- •Use soft training balls only, no hard cricket balls
- •Establish clear boundaries and no-go zones
- •Progressive build-up of throwing intensity
- •Adequate spacing between activities
- •Constant supervision during games
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups during games
- •Monitor throwing technique to prevent overexertion
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
- •Ensure students stay in designated playing areas
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, apply first aid knowledge, call for assistance if needed, ensure other students are safe