🏏

Lesson 4 - Catching Skills Development

Cricket Basics & Strategy

•

Year 6

•

Cricket

•

45 min

Big Question

How can we master different catching techniques to become more effective cricket fielders?

Learning Objectives

To develop close catching skills with accuracy and consistency under pressure
To master deep catching techniques for fielding situations
To understand the role of wicket keeper and demonstrate effective stumping

Key Outcomes

Students will consistently demonstrate close catching techniques with proper hand positioning
Students will successfully track and catch high balls using correct deep catching form
Students will apply catching skills effectively in game situations with tactical awareness

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Distributed for boundaries, square formations, and running markers

Alternative: Markers, spot markers, or bean bags

Cricket Equipment

One per group for batting activities

Alternative: Rounders bats or tennis rackets

Cricket Wickets

Set up for wicket keeping practice and games

Alternative: Cones stacked or stumps improvised with equipment

Tennis Balls

Softer than cricket balls for safety, one per pair minimum

Alternative: Soft-touch balls or foam balls for less confident students

Tees

2-3

For students needing support with batting consistency

Alternative: Traffic cones or improvised stands

Key Vocabulary

Close catching

Catching technique used when fielding near the batsman, with little fingers together

Deep catching

Catching technique for high balls, using thumbs together and tracking the ball's flight

Wicket keeper

The fielder positioned behind the stumps who catches the ball and attempts stumpings

Stumping

Getting a batsman out by removing the bails when they are out of their crease

Tracking

Following the ball's flight path with your eyes and body position

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and throwing skills
Understanding of personal space and safe movement
Experience with simple catching activities

Current Skills

Close catching with proper hand positioning
Deep catching with tracking and footwork
Wicket keeping basics for stumping

Next Steps

Advanced fielding positions and tactics
Diving catches and advanced techniques
Full cricket match situations with strategic fielding

Milestone Indicators

Consistent catching success rate above 80%

Smooth transition between different catching techniques

Confident application in game pressure situations

Key Teaching Points

Close catching uses little fingers together, deep catching uses thumbs together
Always move feet to get body behind or under the ball
Soft hands and cushioning prevent the ball bouncing out
Track the ball from thrower's hand to your hands throughout its flight
Consistency in catching is more valuable than spectacular one-off catches
Wicket keeper role requires quick hands and reliable catching for effective stumping
Team support and encouragement create positive learning environment for all

Common Misconceptions

Thinking all catches use the same hand position - emphasise different techniques for different situations
Believing you should reach for the ball rather than moving feet to get in position
Assuming hard hands make catches more secure - demonstrate how soft hands are more effective
Thinking fast throwing makes better practice - show how controlled throws improve technique
Believing only spectacular catches matter - emphasise value of consistent, reliable catching

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear physical boundaries, regular movement breaks, engaging challenges

dyspraxia

Larger equipment, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step demonstrations

autism spectrum

Clear routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, consistent structure

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, verbal cues for ball direction, buddy system for guidance and support

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Seated catching variations, use of larger/softer balls, adapted distances and heights

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following instructions, using cricket vocabulary, explaining techniques to others

Maths

Counting catches, measuring distances, calculating success rates and averages, timing activities

Science

Understanding forces in catching, trajectory of balls, friction between hands and ball

Geography

Understanding directions and positioning on field, mapping fielding positions and tactics

PSHE

Teamwork, resilience when making mistakes, building confidence, supporting others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during skill practice, position centrally during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct hand positioning, footwork, and ball tracking techniques

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggle with technique, safety concerns arise, or negative behaviour develops

Demonstration Notes

Show techniques clearly with exaggerated movements, repeat key points regularly, use students as positive examples

Verbal Cues

•'Little fingers together for close catches!'
•'Thumbs together for high balls!'
•'Soft hands, cushion the ball!'
•'Move your feet to the ball!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m outdoor space or large sports hall, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Level surface free from holes, debris, or standing water that could cause slips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Tennis balls checked for wear - no splits that could cause injury
•Cricket bats inspected for loose handles or cracked blades
•Wickets stable and properly assembled
•Cones positioned away from main activity areas to prevent trips

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions between students during catching activities
•Trips over equipment or uneven surfaces
•Overexertion during running activities

Risk Mitigation

•Use of tennis balls instead of cricket balls reduces impact injury risk
•Clear boundaries and spacing between groups prevents collisions
•Proper warm-up prepares muscles for activity
•Graduated difficulty from static to dynamic catching
•Emphasis on controlled throwing and catching

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups during skill practice
•Monitor closely during game application for safe play
•Watch for fatigue or overexertion, especially during competitive elements
•Ensure equipment is used correctly and safely

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school office if required