Lesson 4 - Catching Skills Development
Foundational Skills & Games
•Year 5
•Cricket
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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
Distribute around activity areas for easy access
Alternative: Soft cricket balls, rounders balls
Check for damage, appropriate sizes for Year 5
Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis rackets
Set up in designated areas, ensure stable placement
Alternative: Cones stacked to make wickets, skittles
Various colours for different activities and boundaries
Alternative: Markers, bean bags
For differentiation support during game activity
Alternative: Upturned cone with ball balanced on top
Key Vocabulary
Catching technique used near the wicket with little fingers together and hands cupped
Catching technique for high balls with thumbs together and tracking the ball's path
The player who stands behind the stumps to catch the ball and attempt stumpings
Getting a batsman out by removing the bails when they are out of their crease
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
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