Lesson 1 - Throwing & Catching Skills
Cricket Basics & Strategy
•Year 6
•Cricket
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can mastering throwing accuracy and catching consistency help us become better cricket players and team communicators?
Learning Objectives
- To develop and refine overarm throwing accuracy with consistent technique
- To improve catching skills under pressure and in game situations
- To enhance communication and teamwork through fielding coordination
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate consistent overarm throwing technique hitting targets from various distances
- Students will catch balls successfully under pressure and in competitive situations
- Students will communicate effectively with teammates during fielding activities
Equipment & Resources Required
Used for boundaries, targets, and spacing markers
Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk lines
One per group for target practice and games
Alternative: 3 cones stacked, or single tall cones
Distribute around playing area perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Soft cricket balls, or foam balls for safety
Key Vocabulary
A throwing technique where the arm moves over the shoulder to generate power and accuracy
How to hold the ball in the fingers (not palm) for maximum control
Sideways body position with throwing arm furthest from target
Continued arm and body movement after releasing the ball
Clear verbal calls to coordinate team fielding efforts
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic underarm throwing technique
- Static catching with larger balls
- Understanding of personal space and safety
Current Skills
- Overarm throwing with accuracy and power
- Dynamic catching under pressure
- Team communication and positioning
Next Steps
- Bowling technique development
- Batting stance and timing
- Advanced fielding positions and tactics
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Overarm throwing requires sideways stance with throwing arm furthest from target
- High elbow position above shoulder generates power and accuracy in throws
- Step forward with opposite foot to throwing arm for maximum force transfer
- Ball grip in fingers (not palm) provides better control and accuracy
- Communication before throwing ensures partner safety and readiness
- Follow-through across body after release improves accuracy and prevents injury
- Catching requires watching ball into hands and bringing into body for control
Common Misconceptions
- Students often think throwing harder is better than throwing accurately - emphasise technique over power
- Many students grip ball in palm rather than fingers - regularly check and correct grip technique
- Students frequently stand square to target rather than sideways - demonstrate stance repeatedly
- Some students stop arm movement at release rather than following through - show complete throwing action
- Students may not communicate before throwing, creating safety risks - enforce communication protocols consistently
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent movement breaks, use clear visual and auditory signals for transitions
dyspraxia
- Use larger, softer balls for easier handling, provide additional technique demonstrations, allow extra practice time for skill development
autism spectrum
- Establish clear routines and predictable lesson structure, provide visual schedule of activities, create quiet zone for breaks if needed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and high contrast cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, implement buddy system for positioning
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations with exaggerated movements, establish hand signal system for communication, provide written instruction cards
physical disability
- Offer seated throwing variations, provide lightweight foam balls, allow shorter distances and modified targets
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication skills, following and giving instructions, vocabulary development in cricket terminology
Maths
Measuring distances accurately, counting throws and catches, calculating success rates and improvements
Science
Forces and motion in throwing trajectory, momentum transfer in catching, body mechanics and lever systems
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of direction and angles in field placement
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move actively between groups during practice, position at corner during demonstrations for maximum visibility of all students
Observation Focus
Watch for correct grip and stance, monitor throwing action sequence, check catching technique and communication quality
Intervention Points
Step in when technique deteriorates significantly, address safety concerns immediately, provide individual support for struggling students
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate from multiple angles, exaggerate key technique points for visibility, use students as positive examples when appropriate
Verbal Cues
- •'Elbow high like you're picking fruit from a tall tree!'
- •'Step forward with opposite foot - left foot for right arm!'
- •'Follow through across your body like you're pulling a rope!'
- •'Catch with soft hands and bring ball into your body!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor area or large sports hall with clear boundaries
Surface Check
Level, dry surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Tennis balls checked for damage and proper bounce
- •Cones stable and visible with no sharp edges
- •Cricket wickets securely placed and stable
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Collisions between students during games
- •Slips and falls during dynamic movements
- •Overarm throwing strain if technique incorrect
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing lanes established with adequate spacing
- •Communication protocols enforced before all throws
- •Progressive skill building to develop technique before power
- •Regular technique checks to prevent injury-causing movements
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all throwing activities
- •Monitor high-activity game areas closely
- •Check technique frequently to prevent overuse injuries
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury severity, apply appropriate first aid protocols, summon additional help if required