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Lesson 1 - Throwing & Catching Skills

Cricket Skills Foundation

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Year 7

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Cricket

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Big Question

How can we maintain accurate throwing and catching when under pressure from opponents and time constraints?

Learning Objectives

Develop consistent catching technique under pressure situations
Master accurate overarm and underarm throwing techniques
Link skills to perform fluid sequences of movement in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate confident catching with good anticipation and tracking
Students will execute accurate throws using appropriate technique for distance and situation
Students will apply throwing and catching skills effectively in competitive game scenarios

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

15 (1 per 2 students)

Distribute around area perimeter for easy collection

Alternative: Soft cricket balls, rounders balls

Cones

Use for boundaries, target areas, and position markers

Alternative: Markers, bibs as markers

Cricket Stumps

4 sets (12 stumps total)

Set up in diamond formation for main game

Alternative: Cones, posts, or improvised wickets

Balls

For 'Hit It' activity - needs to be easily knocked over

Alternative: Football, basketball

Sun Markers

Mark creases clearly - batting and bowling lines

Alternative: Cones for crease markers

Key Vocabulary

Anticipation

Reading the flight and direction of the ball before it arrives to position yourself optimally

Tracking

Following the ball's path with your eyes from release to catch

Cushioning on impact

Absorbing the ball's force by giving with your hands and arms upon contact

Position of readiness

Athletic stance with knees bent, weight on balls of feet, hands ready

Overarm throw

Throwing technique with arm going over shoulder, elbow high, for distance and power

Underarm throw

Throwing technique with arm swinging below waist, for accuracy over short distances

Crease

Lines marked on the ground that define the batting and bowling areas in cricket

Wicketkeeper

Player positioned behind the stumps who catches balls and attempts run-outs and stumpings

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills from KS2
Understanding of simple catching with two hands
Experience with underarm throwing in primary PE

Current Skills

Consistent catching under pressure
Accurate overarm throwing technique
Anticipation and positioning skills
Linking catching and throwing in sequences

Next Steps

Advanced fielding positions and roles
Wicket-keeping specific techniques
Bowling actions and accuracy
Tactical awareness in cricket situations

Milestone Indicators

Catches 8/10 balls thrown at chest height from 5m

Hits target area 7/10 times with overarm throw

Demonstrates ready position without prompting

Moves feet to get behind the ball consistently

Key Teaching Points

Soft hands with cushioning action are essential for consistent catching
Eyes must track the ball from release to catch - never look away
Ready position with knees bent and weight forward enables quick reactions
Overarm throwing requires side-on stance, high elbow, and follow-through
Anticipation and positioning are more important than spectacular catches
Team communication and decision-making are crucial in game situations
Progressive challenge builds confidence while maintaining success

Common Misconceptions

Thinking harder throws are more accurate - emphasise control over power
Believing catching is just about hands - whole body positioning is crucial
Assuming fast reactions are enough - anticipation and reading the game is key
Focusing on individual performance rather than team success in games
Thinking technique doesn't matter if you can catch - proper form prevents injury and improves consistency

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, specific roles and responsibilities, regular positive feedback, movement breaks

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, reduced throwing distances, extra practice time, step-by-step skill breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, consistent routines, reduced sensory overload

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls with bells inside, provide verbal descriptions of ball flight, buddy system for positioning

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Seated catching variations, modified throwing distances, use of ramps or adapted equipment, alternative scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting catches and runs, calculating team scores, measuring throwing distances, understanding angles of throws

Science

Forces involved in throwing and catching, trajectory and gravity effects on ball flight, reaction times and reflexes

Geography

Compass directions for diamond cricket (North, East, South, West), spatial awareness and positioning

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, leadership in team situations, respectful peer assessment

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of activity areas for optimal visibility, position near highest-risk activities

Observation Focus

Watch for correct catching technique, throwing accuracy, safety compliance, and positive participation

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for safety issues, provide technique correction when students struggling, mediate any conflicts

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations for technique, exaggerate key points for visibility, involve confident students as demonstrators

Verbal Cues

•'Soft hands, cushion the catch!'
•'Eyes on the ball from hand to glove!'
•'Side-on stance for overarm throws!'
•'Ready position - knees bent, hands ready!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

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

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or slip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis balls are in good condition with no splits
•Ensure stumps are stable and positioned safely
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions during running activities
•Slips and falls during direction changes
•Tripping over equipment or other students

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and maintained throughout
•Adequate spacing between activities (minimum 5m)
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•No entry zones clearly marked and enforced
•Controlled throwing with emphasis on accuracy over power

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activity areas
•Monitor crossfire activities closely for collisions
•Ensure running activities have clear pathways
•Watch for inappropriate throwing behaviour

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required