🏏

Lesson 3 - Wicket Keeping Fundamentals

Core Skills & Tactics

•

Year 5

•

Cricket

•

Big Question

How can a wicketkeeper's positioning and anticipation change the outcome of a cricket match?

Learning Objectives

To develop wicket keeping skills including catching, stumping and run-outs
To anticipate the path and bounce of the ball as it approaches the wickets
To apply wicket keeping skills effectively in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct wicket keeping stance and positioning
Students will successfully track and receive balls from different angles and heights
Students will execute stumping and run-out attempts in game scenarios

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Stumps

4 sets (16 stumps, 8 bails)

Place in diamond formation 20m apart, plus extras for skills practice

Alternative: Cones with pool noodles, or skittles

Cricket Equipment

6-8 bats

Distributed around practice areas and with bowlers

Alternative: Tennis balls, soft cricket balls, or rounders balls

Gloves

4-6 pairs

One pair per wicketkeeper in practice groups

Alternative: Gardening gloves or goalkeeper gloves

Cones

20 cones

Mark boundaries, creases, and safe zones

Alternative: Bibs, bean bags, or chalk marks

Key Vocabulary

Wicketkeeper

The fielder who stands behind the wickets to catch the ball and attempt dismissals

Stumping

Dismissing a batsman by removing the bails when they are out of their crease

Run-out

Dismissing a batsman by breaking the wickets while they are running between wickets

Bails

Two small wooden pieces that sit on top of the three stumps

Crease

The line in front of the wickets that marks the batsman's safe area

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic catching skills with two hands
Understanding of cricket rules and wickets
Basic throwing and ball handling skills

Current Skills

Wicket keeping stance and positioning
Tracking ball flight and bounce
Collecting balls from different angles
Stumping and run-out techniques

Next Steps

Advanced wicket keeping under pressure
Tactical communication with captain and fielders
Specialist techniques for different bowling styles

Milestone Indicators

Maintains correct stance throughout over

Successfully collects 8/10 balls cleanly

Completes stumpings in under 2 seconds

Directs fielders to improve field positioning

Key Teaching Points

Wicketkeeper ready position: knees bent, weight on balls of feet, hands ready
Always try to get body behind the ball rather than reaching across
Step forward to meet the ball early, don't wait for it to come to you
Communication is crucial - call for the ball and direct fielders
Ball security first, then attempt dismissals - don't rush and drop the ball
Different hand positions for different ball heights - fingers up or down
Quick but controlled movements for stumping and run-outs

Common Misconceptions

Thinking wicketkeeper only needs to catch - they have multiple roles including stumping and run-outs
Standing too close to stumps for safety - arm's length is optimal distance
Believing only fast reactions matter - positioning and anticipation are equally important
Focusing only on own stumps in diamond cricket - need to support whole team

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts with clear transitions, hands-on immediate practice, clear boundaries marked, regular positive feedback

dyspraxia

Larger softer balls initially, extra practice time, simplified movements to start, clear step-by-step instructions

autism spectrum

Clear routine and structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet practice area available, consistent verbal cues

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of all actions, buddy system for guidance, audio cues for ball direction

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all skills, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Adapted equipment like larger gloves, seated wicketkeeping option, modified dismissal rules, peer support for movement

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating runs scored, measuring distances for field positioning, timing dismissals in seconds

Science

Understanding forces in ball flight, trajectory and bounce physics, reaction times

Geography

Understanding field positions and spatial awareness, using directional language

PSHE

Teamwork and communication skills, resilience when learning new skills, supporting teammates

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around diamond formation to observe all wicketkeepers, position for maximum visibility during skill practice

Observation Focus

Watch for correct ready position, ball tracking technique, and communication with teammates

Intervention Points

Step in if wicketkeepers are too close to stumps, if throwing becomes too aggressive, or if students show signs of frustration

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate all skills slowly first, then at game speed. Show common mistakes and corrections. Use student volunteers to demonstrate good technique.

Verbal Cues

•'Stay behind the line!'
•'Watch the ball onto your hands!'
•'Quick feet to get behind the ball!'
•'Call for the ball clearly!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 30m area for diamond cricket, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Level, dry surface free from holes or hazards that could cause trips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check stumps are securely placed and not loose
•Ensure balls are in good condition without cracks
•Wicketkeeping gloves properly fitted to avoid slipping
•Bats checked for splinters or damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision between wicketkeeper and running batsman
•Ball strikes to wicketkeeper without protection
•Trips over stumps during movement
•Collisions between fielders in diamond formation

Risk Mitigation

•Clear communication about batsman running directions
•Wicketkeepers maintain safe distance from stumps initially
•Progressive skill building before full-speed game
•Controlled throwing power during practice

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all four wicketkeepers during diamond cricket
•Monitor throwing power and accuracy during practice
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting concentration

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, call for additional support if needed