Start Planning Better PE Lessons

Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.

What's included

  • Complete activity instructions & timing
  • Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
  • Assessment guidance & success criteria
  • Downloadable lessons & units
No credit card
Free forever
Big Question

How can we use accurate throwing to prevent runs and get batters out in cricket?

Learning Objectives

  • To throw a ball accurately over short distances to hit specific targets
  • To understand and execute run-out tactics effectively in game situations
  • To position correctly as fielders to support run-out attempts

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate accurate throwing technique hitting stumps 6/10 times
  • Students will work as a team to execute successful run-outs in game scenarios
  • Students will show understanding of fielding positions for run-out situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket balls
6-8

One ball per group of 6-8 students

Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls for safety

Stump Sets
4-6 sets

Place in centre of each group circle

Alternative: Cones stacked in triangles, skittles

Cones
20-30

Mark throwing circles and running boundaries

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines

Cricket Equipment
8-10

For batting team during run-out game

Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis bats

Key Vocabulary

Run out

A method of dismissing a batsman by hitting the stumps with the ball before the batsman reaches the crease

Stumps

The three wooden posts that form the wicket at each end of the cricket pitch

Crease

The marked line that defines the batsman's safe area at each end of the pitch

Wicketkeeper

The fielder positioned behind the stumps to collect the ball and attempt run outs

Overarm throw

A throwing technique where the arm comes over the shoulder for power and accuracy

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic overarm throwing technique
  • Understanding of cricket field positions
  • Experience with catching and fielding activities

Current Skills

  • Accurate throwing over short distances
  • Run-out execution and tactics
  • Fielding positioning for defensive play

Next Steps

  • Long-distance accurate throwing
  • Advanced fielding strategies
  • Wicket-keeping skills

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent accuracy hitting targets from 10+ metres
2
Quick decision-making for run-out attempts
3
Effective team communication during fielding

Key Teaching Points

  • Non-throwing arm acts as a sight to aim at the target
  • Step forward with opposite foot to throwing arm for maximum power
  • Follow through down and across body after ball release
  • Communication is essential for successful fielding teamwork
  • Accuracy is more important than power in run-out situations
  • Fielding positions must work together as a chain
  • Decision-making under pressure improves with practice

Common Misconceptions

  • Throwing harder will be more accurate - teach controlled power
  • Any foot can be used for stepping - emphasise opposite foot rule
  • Fielders work individually - stress team coordination
  • Run outs are just about the thrower - highlight whole team involvement
  • Leading arm doesn't matter - demonstrate its importance for accuracy

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Shorter activity segments, clear physical boundaries, regular movement breaks, immediate feedback
dyspraxia
  • Larger targets initially, simplified throwing technique, extra practice time, step-by-step visual guides
autism spectrum
  • Clear visual schedules for rotations, consistent routines, quiet zones available, structured team roles
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide audio cues for throwing direction, buddy system for navigation
hearing impairment
  • Use visual signals and demonstrations, written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
  • Modify throwing distances, provide seated throwing options, adapted equipment for different grip needs

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills for fielding teamwork, following and giving instructions clearly

Maths

Measuring throwing distances, calculating accuracy percentages, tracking team scores and statistics

Science

Forces and motion in throwing, trajectory and angles, energy transfer from body to ball

Geography

Understanding angles and directions, spatial awareness and positioning on field

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with competition and pressure, leadership development

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around outside of activities to observe all groups, position near most challenging activities

Observation Focus

Watch for throwing technique development, teamwork quality, and safety compliance

Intervention Points

Step in when safety protocols are not followed or when students need technique correction

Demonstration Notes

Show throwing technique in slow motion, emphasise key body positions, demonstrate fielding positions clearly

Verbal Cues
  • 'Point that leading arm like a rifle sight!'
  • 'Step with opposite foot for power!'
  • 'Quick hands for successful run outs!'
  • 'Communicate with your fielding team!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m area, clear of obstacles and other activities

Surface Check

Level, non-slip surface suitable for running and quick directional changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Check balls are appropriate hardness for age group
  • Ensure stumps are stable and have rounded edges
  • Inspect bats for damage or splinters

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Ball impact from wild throws
  • Collisions during running or fielding
  • Slips and falls during quick direction changes
Risk Mitigation
  • Clear throwing lanes established with adequate spacing
  • Partners positioned opposite each other for safety
  • Progressive skill building from stationary to moving activities
  • Clear boundaries and safe zones marked

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position to observe all throwing activities simultaneously
  • Monitor crossfire activity closely for proper positioning
  • Watch game application for appropriate competitive intensity
Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students remain in designated safe areas