Lesson 1 - Throwing & Catching Skills
Cricket Skills Foundation
•Year 7
•Cricket
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Distribute around area perimeter for easy collection
Alternative: Soft cricket balls, rounders balls
Use for boundaries, target areas, and position markers
Alternative: Markers, bibs as markers
Set up in diamond formation for main game
Alternative: Cones, posts, or improvised wickets
For 'Hit It' activity - needs to be easily knocked over
Alternative: Football, basketball
Mark creases clearly - batting and bowling lines
Alternative: Cones for crease markers
Key Vocabulary
Reading the flight and direction of the ball before it arrives to position yourself optimally
Following the ball's path with your eyes from release to catch
Absorbing the ball's force by giving with your hands and arms upon contact
Athletic stance with knees bent, weight on balls of feet, hands ready
Throwing technique with arm going over shoulder, elbow high, for distance and power
Throwing technique with arm swinging below waist, for accuracy over short distances
Lines marked on the ground that define the batting and bowling areas in cricket
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
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