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Lesson 2 - Tracking and Catching High Balls

Tactical Game Insights

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Year 6

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Cricket

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Big Question

How can we consistently track and catch high balls to become more effective fielders in cricket?

Learning Objectives

Track and catch a high ball consistently using proper technique
Apply catching skills to get players out in game situations
Evaluate what makes an effective high catch and improve performance

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully catch high balls using correct hand positioning and body movement
Students will demonstrate tactical awareness when attempting catches in competitive scenarios
Students will identify key success criteria for effective high catching technique

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

1 per group of 3 (10 balls)

Distributed to each group workspace

Alternative: Cricket balls, foam balls for beginners

Hoops

1 per group of 3 (10 hoops)

Placed at each group station for target practice

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Dish Cones

12 large cones

Used as catching targets in skill development

Alternative: Small cones, marker spots

Key Vocabulary

Tracking

Following the ball with your eyes from the moment it leaves the thrower's hand until it reaches you

Cushioning

Absorbing the impact of the ball by giving slightly with your hands as you catch

Positioning

Moving your body to get directly underneath where the ball will land

High ball

A ball thrown or hit high into the air that requires you to look up to catch it

Fielding

The team trying to prevent runs and get batters out by catching the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball throwing and catching skills
Understanding of cricket basic rules and positions
Experience with hand-eye coordination activities

Current Skills

Tracking high balls through their flight path
Positioning body underneath falling balls
Executing proper catching technique with cushioned hands

Next Steps

Catching balls hit with cricket bats
Advanced fielding positions and tactics
Wicket-keeping skills and stumpings

Milestone Indicators

Catches 7 out of 10 high balls consistently

Demonstrates correct body positioning automatically

Shows confidence when balls are hit towards them in games

Key Teaching Points

Track the ball with your eyes from the moment it leaves the thrower's hand until it reaches your hands
Position your body underneath the ball using small, quick steps to adjust
Keep hands together forming a cup shape to create a larger catching area
Cushion the ball by giving slightly with your hands as it makes contact
Practice in progressive stages from static targets to moving catches
Apply learned technique consistently even under game pressure
Communicate with teammates during fielding to avoid collisions and ensure coverage

Common Misconceptions

Students think they should wait for the ball to come to them instead of moving to position themselves
Belief that harder/stiffer hands make better catches when soft, cushioning hands are more effective
Assumption that looking away from the ball briefly doesn't matter when continuous tracking is essential
Thinking that game situations don't require the same technique as practice when consistency is key
Misconception that calling for a catch is showing off when communication prevents collisions and improves team performance

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear movement boundaries, regular position changes, immediate feedback and praise

dyspraxia

Larger balls initially, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, breaking skills into smaller components

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available for breaks, consistent partner pairings

visual impairment

Use larger, brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of ball flight, buddy system for positioning guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for instructions, written technique reminders on cards

physical disability

Adapted catching positions (seated), modified throwing distances, alternative equipment like bean bags

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating trajectories and angles, measuring throwing distances, scoring and adding points in games

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, gravity effects on falling objects, reaction times and human biology

Geography

Understanding space and position, directional movement, mapping playing areas

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, supporting others through encouragement

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during skill development, position at corner of playing area during games for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for correct eye tracking, hand positioning, body movement to ball, and application under pressure

Intervention Points

Step in if throwing becomes too aggressive, technique deteriorates significantly, or safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show technique clearly, involve confident students as demonstrators, repeat key demonstrations frequently

Verbal Cues

•'Eyes on the ball from hand to hands!'
•'Soft hands - cushion it down!'
•'Move your feet to get underneath!'
•'Two hands together like a cup!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor space or large sports hall, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Level playing surface free from holes, stones, or wet areas that could cause slips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Tennis balls checked for damage - no splits or hard areas
•Hoops inspected for cracks or sharp edges
•Cones stable and not cracked

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face or body from high catches
•Collisions between students during movement activities
•Trips and falls during running or catching movements
•Overexertion in competitive game situations

Risk Mitigation

•Clear safety briefing about controlled throwing heights
•Adequate spacing between groups during all activities
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic catching
•Clear boundaries and movement rules during games

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups during skill development
•Monitor throwing heights and ball speeds
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Ensure first aid kit accessible

Emergency Procedures

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

Lesson 2 - Tracking and Catching High Balls

How can we consistently track and catch high balls to become more effective fielders in cricket?

Learning Objectives

Key Outcomes

Equipment & Resources Required

Key Vocabulary

Skill Progression Pathway

Prior Learning

Current Skills

Next Steps

Milestone Indicators

Key Teaching Points

Common Misconceptions

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

dyspraxia

autism spectrum

visual impairment

hearing impairment

physical disability

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Science

Geography

PSHE

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Observation Focus

Intervention Points

Demonstration Notes

Verbal Cues

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Surface Check

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

Risk Management

Key Risks

Risk Mitigation

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

Emergency Procedures

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