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Lesson 1 - Throwing & Catching Skills

Foundational Skills & Games

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Year 5

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Cricket

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56 min

Big Question

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

Cones

Use for creating boxes, boundaries, and target areas throughout lesson

Alternative: Markers, bibs, or chalk lines for boundaries

Cricket Wickets

Position at various points for 5v1 catch cricket activity

Alternative: Traffic cones, posts, or marked stumps

Tennis Balls

Ensure adequate supply for pair work and group activities

Alternative: Rounders balls or soft cricket balls for younger students

Key Vocabulary

Overarm throw

A throwing technique where the arm moves over the shoulder in a high arc motion

Stance

The positioning of feet and body when preparing to throw - sideways to target

Follow-through

The continuation of movement after releasing the ball to maintain accuracy and power

Grip

How to hold the ball correctly using fingertips rather than palm

Ready position

Balanced stance with hands ready to catch - knees bent, eyes on ball

Communication

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

Consistent step forward with opposite foot when throwing

Natural 'giving' motion when catching to absorb ball impact

Proactive communication calling 'mine' during catching opportunities

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