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Lesson 4 - Catching Skills Development

Foundational Skills & Games

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Year 5

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Cricket

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1h 1min

Big Question

How can we become reliable catchers who help our team succeed in cricket?

Learning Objectives

To develop close catching techniques with control and consistency
To master deep catching skills using proper positioning and hand placement
To apply catching skills effectively in game situations under pressure

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct catching technique for both close and deep catches
Students will show improved consistency in catching under game conditions
Students will understand the tactical importance of reliable catching in cricket

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

15 (1 per 2 students + extras)

Distribute around activity areas for easy access

Alternative: Soft cricket balls, rounders balls

Cricket Equipment

5 (1 per group of 6)

Check for damage, appropriate sizes for Year 5

Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis rackets

Cricket Wickets

5 sets

Set up in designated areas, ensure stable placement

Alternative: Cones stacked to make wickets, skittles

Cones

Various colours for different activities and boundaries

Alternative: Markers, bean bags

Cricket Batting Tee

1-2 (optional)

For differentiation support during game activity

Alternative: Upturned cone with ball balanced on top

Key Vocabulary

Close catching

Catching technique used near the wicket with little fingers together and hands cupped

Deep catching

Catching technique for high balls with thumbs together and tracking the ball's path

Wicket keeper

The player who stands behind the stumps to catch the ball and attempt stumpings

Stumping

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

Tracking

Following the ball's flight path with your eyes to position yourself correctly

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills
Simple throwing and catching at close range
Understanding of cricket basics and equipment

Current Skills

Close catching with correct hand positioning
Deep catching with tracking and footwork
Catching under pressure in game situations
Wicket keeping basics

Next Steps

Advanced wicket keeping techniques
Catching in competitive match situations
Specialist fielding positions
Leadership in fielding teams

Milestone Indicators

Consistent catching success rate of 70%+ in practice

Correct hand position without reminders

Confident catching attempts in game situations

Supportive communication with teammates

Key Teaching Points

Close catching uses little fingers together, deep catching uses thumbs together
Always track the ball with your eyes from throw to catch
Move your feet to get into the best catching position
Bring the ball into your body after catching to secure it
Support and encourage teammates - catching is challenging for everyone
Apply correct technique even under game pressure
Understand when to use each catching technique in cricket situations

Common Misconceptions

Using thumbs together for all catches - explain different techniques for different situations
Standing still and reaching for catches - emphasise moving feet to best position
Giving up after dropping catches - reinforce that practice leads to improvement
Thinking catching is just about hands - explain importance of body position and movement
Believing some people 'can't catch' - emphasise that catching is a learnable skill

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, offer specific roles and responsibilities

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment, reduce complexity of movements, provide extra practice time, focus on one technique at a time

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine and expectations, offer quiet space if needed, use visual activity schedules

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of ball flight, partner with sighted buddy for positioning

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Adapt catching height and distance, allow seated catching positions, use larger/softer balls if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting catches and runs, measuring distances, calculating success percentages, timing activities

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, reaction times, hand-eye coordination, physics of catching

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of areas and boundaries, directional movement

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience and perseverance, supporting others, managing disappointment

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position for demonstrations, circulate between pairs/groups during practice, corner position for game observation

Observation Focus

Technique accuracy, safety compliance, positive team dynamics, individual progress

Intervention Points

Incorrect hand positioning, unsafe wicket keeping, negative team behaviour, students struggling with confidence

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for technique, show common mistakes for contrast, involve confident students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Little fingers for close, thumbs for deep!'
•'Track the ball with your eyes!'
•'Move your feet, don't reach!'
•'Great attempt - that's how we learn!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 25m x 20m clear area, additional height clearance for high throws

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from loose objects or water

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis balls for splits or damage
•Ensure cricket bats are appropriate size and condition
•Verify wickets are stable and safely positioned
•Cones placed to avoid trip hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body during high catches
•Collisions between students moving for catches
•Wicket keeper safety when positioned behind stumps
•Trip hazards from equipment

Risk Mitigation

•Clear instruction on throwing heights and distances
•Safe wicket keeper positioning behind stumps
•Adequate spacing between groups during activities
•Controlled throwing techniques throughout

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups during game activities
•Monitor wicket keeper safety closely
•Watch for correct catching technique to prevent finger injuries

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school emergency procedures if needed