🏏

Lesson 3 - Fielding Skills Development

Advanced Strategies & Team Play

•

Year 5

•

Cricket

•

Big Question

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

Cricket Equipment

5 (size 5 or 6)

Check balls are in good condition, no cracks or damage

Alternative: Tennis balls, rounders balls for safety

Cricket Stumps

4 sets

Place securely, check bails are balanced properly

Alternative: Cones arranged in wicket formation, skittles

Dish Cones

Use to mark zones and boundaries clearly

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, rope boundaries

Bibs

2 sets of different colours

Distribute to identify teams clearly during games

Alternative: Coloured cones to identify teams

Key Vocabulary

Long Barrier

A fielding technique where the fielder gets behind the ball with their body as a secondary barrier

Overarm Throw

A throwing technique using a full arm action over the shoulder for distance and power

Wicket Keeper

The fielder who stands behind the wickets to collect the ball and attempt run outs

Run Out

Dismissing a batter by breaking the wickets with the ball before they reach the crease

Backing Up

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

Consistent catching using two hands with soft fingers

Quick, accurate returns to wicket keeper or bowler

Strategic positioning based on batter tendencies

Effective team communication during fielding

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