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Lesson 1 - Throwing & Catching Skills

Cricket Basics & Strategy

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Year 6

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Cricket

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1h 1min

Big Question

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

Cones

Used for boundaries, targets, and spacing markers

Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk lines

Cricket Wickets

7 sets

One per group for target practice and games

Alternative: 3 cones stacked, or single tall cones

Tennis Balls

Distribute around playing area perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Soft cricket balls, or foam balls for safety

Key Vocabulary

Overarm throw

A throwing technique where the arm moves over the shoulder to generate power and accuracy

Grip

How to hold the ball in the fingers (not palm) for maximum control

Stance

Sideways body position with throwing arm furthest from target

Follow-through

Continued arm and body movement after releasing the ball

Communication

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

Consistent target hitting from increasing distances

Successful catches in dynamic game situations

Clear communication leading to team success

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