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Lesson 1 - Throwing & Catching Under Pressure

Advanced Skills & Application

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Year 6

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Cricket

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Big Question

How can we maintain accurate throwing and catching skills when under pressure in game situations?

Learning Objectives

To catch consistently well under pressure using correct technique
To throw accurately using overarm technique with proper body positioning
To demonstrate batting technique including safe running between wickets

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate consistent catching under pressure
Students will show accurate overarm throwing with technical precision
Students will link cricket skills to perform effective game sequences

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

4-8 depending on group size

Check all balls for damage, ensure appropriate firmness for age group

Alternative: Bean bags, softball, foam balls for beginners

Cricket Stumps

4 sets (16 stumps total)

Position at North, East, South, West points of diamond shape

Alternative: Cones, markers, or posts if stumps unavailable

Cones

Sufficient for marking creases

Mark clear crease lines at each set of stumps

Alternative: Cones, rope, or tape for ground markings

Key Vocabulary

Overarm throwing

Throwing technique with arm going over the shoulder for power and accuracy

Position of anticipation

Ready stance as a fielder with knees bent, hands ready, eyes focused

Soft hands

Catching technique where hands give slightly on contact to cushion the ball

Sliding the bat

Running technique where bat is slid along ground over the crease line

Crossfire

Practice situation where multiple pairs throw and catch simultaneously

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic underarm throwing and catching
Simple striking with bat
Understanding of basic cricket rules

Current Skills

Catching under pressure
Overarm throwing technique
Safe running between wickets
Linking skills in game situations

Next Steps

Advanced fielding positions
Tactical bowling variations
Complex batting strategies

Milestone Indicators

Maintains technique when under pressure

Shows consistent accuracy in throwing

Demonstrates anticipation in fielding

Key Teaching Points

Catching technique: soft hands, eye tracking, cushioning on contact
Overarm throwing: high elbow, side-on stance, complete follow through
Pressure application: maintain technique quality when distracted or rushed
Game awareness: link individual skills into effective team performance
Safety consciousness: spatial awareness and appropriate force in throws
Teamwork: communication, encouragement and shared responsibility
Progressive challenge: adapt difficulty to maintain engagement for all

Common Misconceptions

Hard hands will catch better - actually soft hands cushion and control the ball
Throwing harder means more accurate - technique and consistency matter more than power
Individual skills are enough - cricket requires linking skills together effectively
All batsmen must run every time - it's a strategic choice based on situation
Catching is just about hand position - whole body positioning affects success
Pressure always makes performance worse - practice helps maintain skills under pressure

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity bursts with clear boundaries, provide movement breaks, offer specific roles and responsibilities, use positive behaviour support

dyspraxia

Use larger, slower balls initially, break skills into smaller steps, provide extra practice time, offer alternative success criteria

autism spectrum

Provide clear structured routines, use visual schedules for activity sequence, offer quiet zones if overwhelmed, maintain consistent rules

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls with different textures, provide verbal descriptions of positioning, use buddy system for navigation, add audible signals for game events

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instructions, ensure face-to-face communication, use visual score boards

physical disability

Adapt to seated throwing and catching positions, use lighter balls or bean bags, modify running to wheeling or walking, adjust target sizes

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, trajectory and gravity effects, body mechanics in throwing actions, reaction times in catching

Geography

Compass directions for diamond layout (North, East, South, West), spatial awareness and positioning, mapping field positions

Mathematics

Counting catches and runs, measuring distances for throwing, calculating team scores, understanding angles for fielding positions

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, celebrating others' success, managing disappointment positively

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of activities for optimal viewing of all students, position centrally during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct technique execution under pressure, note students struggling with coordination, assess teamwork quality

Intervention Points

Step in if technique deteriorates significantly, address unsafe throwing, support students experiencing frustration

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate techniques slowly first, then at full speed, use students to demonstrate good examples, emphasise safety throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Soft hands, cushion the catch!'
•'High elbow, side-on stance!'
•'Eyes on the ball throughout its flight!'
•'Work together, support your partner!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area minimum 30m x 40m or sports hall, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, debris or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all balls for proper inflation and no damage
•Ensure stumps are stable and properly positioned
•Verify bats have secure handles and no damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body during throwing activities
•Collisions between students during running or game play
•Trips and falls on uneven surfaces
•Overexertion during intensive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Adequate spacing between pairs and groups maintained
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Appropriate ball type for age group (tennis balls recommended)
•Clear rules about entering central areas during games

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Monitor high-activity areas like diamond cricket centre
•Watch for students following throws into danger areas
•Ensure technique demonstration before pressure activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required