Lesson 1 - Throwing & Catching Skills
Skill Integration & Mastery
•Year 5
•Cricket
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How can we maintain accuracy and consistency under pressure in cricket situations?
Learning Objectives
- To catch consistently well under pressure with proper technique
- To throw accurately using overarm technique with good body positioning
- To apply batting safety techniques including sliding the bat over the crease
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate consistent catching under pressure situations
- Students will execute accurate overarm throws with correct technique
- Students will show understanding of fielding positions and batting safety
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around activity area perimeter
Alternative: Softer practice balls, bean bags for SEND students
Arranged in diamond formation for main game
Alternative: Cones with pool noodles, foam stumps
Size 3 and 4 bats for Year 5 students
Alternative: Wooden paddles, tennis rackets
For marking creases and boundaries
Alternative: Rope, cones to mark boundaries
For Hit It activity target
Alternative: Football, medicine ball
Key Vocabulary
A throwing technique where the ball is released above shoulder height with high elbow position
A ready fielding stance with knees bent, weight forward, hands ready to catch
The marked line at each end of the pitch that batsmen must reach to be safe
Dragging the bat along the ground to reach the crease safely when running
Absorbing the impact of the ball by drawing hands back into the chest
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic underarm throwing and catching
- Understanding of cricket basic rules
- Simple batting stance and grip
Current Skills
- Overarm throwing technique development
- Catching under pressure situations
- Game application of skills in diamond cricket
- Batting safety and crease awareness
Next Steps
- Advanced bowling techniques
- Strategic field placement
- Complex batting strategies and shot selection
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Eyes must track ball flight from release to catch
- W-shaped hands create perfect catching target
- Overarm throwing requires high elbow and side-on stance
- Slide bat over crease for safe running in cricket
- Position of anticipation shows readiness to field
- Cushioning catches prevents ball bouncing out
- Team communication essential for successful running
Common Misconceptions
- Catching with palms facing away instead of towards thrower
- Throwing overarm with low elbow reduces accuracy and power
- Running without sliding bat increases dismissal risk
- Standing upright when fielding reduces reaction time
- Hard catching creates more drops than soft hands technique
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, regular position changes, clear boundaries and expectations
dyspraxia
- Larger balls initially, simplified throwing technique, extra practice time
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual timetable, quiet zones available for breaks
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, verbal cues for ball flight, buddy system for orientation
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written rule cards
physical disability
- Adapted equipment sizes, seated catching options, modified throwing distances
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting catches, measuring throwing distances, calculating team scores, understanding angles
Science
Forces in throwing, trajectory and gravity effects, body mechanics and movement
Geography
Compass directions (North, East, South, West) for diamond cricket setup
PSHE
Teamwork, resilience, fair play, supporting others, handling pressure situations
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter to observe all students, central position during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Focus on catching technique, overarm throwing form, and game application
Intervention Points
Step in for safety issues, technique correction, and rule clarification
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate techniques slowly first, then at game speed, use students as positive examples
Verbal Cues
- •'Eyes on the ball!'
- •'Make that W-shape!'
- •'High elbow for overarm!'
- •'Slide your bat!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large outdoor area minimum 30m x 20m, or sports hall
Surface Check
Even, dry surface free from holes or debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Tennis balls checked for wear and appropriate bounce
- •Cricket stumps secured and positioned safely
- •Cricket bats appropriate size and weight for Year 5
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Collisions during running
- •Trips over equipment
- •Overarm throwing strain
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and throwing areas established
- •Appropriate spacing maintained throughout
- •Progressive skill building prevents overexertion
- •Clear rules about equipment handling
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe overarm throwing technique
- •Monitor diamond cricket game closely
- •Watch for fatigue during extended activities
Emergency Procedures
First aid kit accessible, emergency contact available, clear injury reporting process