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Lesson 1 - Throwing & Catching Skills

Skill Integration & Mastery

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Year 5

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Cricket

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Big Question

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

Tennis Balls

1 per student (30)

Distributed around activity area perimeter

Alternative: Softer practice balls, bean bags for SEND students

Cricket Stumps

4 sets (16 stumps total)

Arranged in diamond formation for main game

Alternative: Cones with pool noodles, foam stumps

Cricket Equipment

8-12 bats

Size 3 and 4 bats for Year 5 students

Alternative: Wooden paddles, tennis rackets

Sun Markers

4 sets

For marking creases and boundaries

Alternative: Rope, cones to mark boundaries

Playground balls

For Hit It activity target

Alternative: Football, medicine ball

Key Vocabulary

Overarm throw

A throwing technique where the ball is released above shoulder height with high elbow position

Position of anticipation

A ready fielding stance with knees bent, weight forward, hands ready to catch

Crease

The marked line at each end of the pitch that batsmen must reach to be safe

Slide the bat

Dragging the bat along the ground to reach the crease safely when running

Cushioning catch

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

Catches 8/10 balls thrown from 5 metres consistently

Demonstrates correct overarm throwing sequence

Shows appropriate anticipation position in fielding

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