Lesson 1 - Throwing & Catching Skills
Foundational Skills & Games
•Year 5
•Cricket
•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
How can precise throwing and reliable catching become the foundation of successful cricket fielding?
Learning Objectives
- To develop accurate overarm throwing technique using correct stance and follow-through
- To improve catching skills with consistent technique under varying pressure
- To apply throwing and catching skills effectively in competitive game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved overarm throwing accuracy to specific targets
- Students will show more consistent catching technique when receiving balls at different speeds
- Students will effectively communicate and coordinate as a team during fielding activities
Equipment & Resources Required
Use for creating boxes, boundaries, and target areas throughout lesson
Alternative: Markers, bibs, or chalk lines for boundaries
Position at various points for 5v1 catch cricket activity
Alternative: Traffic cones, posts, or marked stumps
Ensure adequate supply for pair work and group activities
Alternative: Rounders balls or soft cricket balls for younger students
Key Vocabulary
A throwing technique where the arm moves over the shoulder in a high arc motion
The positioning of feet and body when preparing to throw - sideways to target
The continuation of movement after releasing the ball to maintain accuracy and power
How to hold the ball correctly using fingertips rather than palm
Balanced stance with hands ready to catch - knees bent, eyes on ball
Calling clearly to teammates to coordinate who will catch the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic underarm throwing technique from Year 4
- Simple catching with two hands from stationary position
- Understanding of basic team cooperation in physical activities
Current Skills
- Overarm throwing with correct stance and follow-through
- Catching with improved hand-eye coordination under pressure
- Strategic thinking about field positioning and communication
Next Steps
- Advanced throwing techniques including bouncing and direct throws
- Catching while moving and diving catches
- Complex tactical understanding of cricket fielding strategies
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Overarm throwing requires sideways stance with opposite foot forward to throwing arm
- High elbow position is essential for effective overarm throwing technique
- Step forward during throwing action to generate power and accuracy
- Catching requires cupped hands and bringing ball into body to absorb impact
- Communication prevents collisions and improves team effectiveness
- Accuracy is more important than power when developing throwing skills
- Tactical thinking about ball placement can significantly advantage the batting side
Common Misconceptions
- Students often think power is more important than accuracy in throwing - emphasise technique first
- Many students face square to target instead of sideways - demonstrate and practice correct stance
- Catching misconception that catching is about grabbing rather than absorbing - teach 'soft hands' concept
- Students may think communication isn't necessary if they can see the ball - explain collision prevention
- Students might believe they need to throw as hard as possible - focus on controlled, accurate throwing
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments with regular movement, clear boundaries and expectations, positive behaviour reinforcement
dyspraxia
- Larger balls initially, reduced complexity in multi-step activities, additional practice time for skill development
autism spectrum
- Clear, predictable routines, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls for better visibility, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, partner support for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, visual signals instead of only verbal commands
physical disability
- Seated throwing and catching variations, modified distances, use of ramps or adapted equipment as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring distances accurately, counting runs and catches, calculating success rates and improvements
Science
Forces and motion in throwing, trajectory and gravity effects, muscle groups and coordination
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and distances
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, celebrating others' success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move constantly around teaching space to observe all groups, position at corner for maximum visibility during throwing activities
Observation Focus
Watch for correct grip and stance, monitor communication during team games, check safety awareness
Intervention Points
Step in when technique significantly incorrect, if safety compromised, or if students becoming frustrated
Demonstration Notes
Use slow motion demonstrations for technique teaching, show common mistakes as well as correct technique, involve students in demonstrations when appropriate
Verbal Cues
- •'High elbow!' to remind of overarm technique
- •'Check ready?' to prompt safety awareness
- •'Cup your hands!' for catching preparation
- •'Step and throw!' to coordinate footwork
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor area or large sports hall, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Even, dry surface suitable for running and catching activities
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Tennis balls checked for damage or excessive wear
- •Cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Cricket wickets stable and properly positioned
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to face or body during throwing activities
- •Collisions during running between wicket and cone
- •Slips and falls on unsuitable surfaces
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing lanes established with no students in throwing paths
- •Always check partner readiness before throwing
- •Proper warm-up to prepare muscles and joints
- •Gradual progression from static to dynamic activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear visibility of all throwing activities
- •Monitor high-activity areas during game applications
- •Check communication between students to prevent collisions
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or seek additional support