Lesson 2 - Tracking and Catching High Balls
Tactical Game Insights
•Year 6
•Cricket
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Distributed to each group workspace
Alternative: Cricket balls, foam balls for beginners
Placed at each group station for target practice
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
Used as catching targets in skill development
Alternative: Small cones, marker spots
Key Vocabulary
Following the ball with your eyes from the moment it leaves the thrower's hand until it reaches you
Absorbing the impact of the ball by giving slightly with your hands as you catch
Moving your body to get directly underneath where the ball will land
A ball thrown or hit high into the air that requires you to look up to catch it
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
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