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Lesson 1 - Throwing & Catching Skills

Technical Mastery & Analysis

•

Year 8

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Cricket

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1h 4min

Big Question

How can you maintain accuracy and consistency when throwing and catching under pressure in game situations?

Learning Objectives

Link skills to perform actions and sequences of movement in cricket contexts
Demonstrate consistent catching under pressure using proper technique
Apply overarm throwing technique with accuracy in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will catch consistently under pressure in game-like scenarios
Students will throw accurately using overarm technique from various distances
Students will link throwing and catching skills in flowing movement sequences

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

15 (1 per pair plus extras)

Distributed around perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Soft cricket balls, rounders balls

Cricket Equipment

4-6 for advanced groups

Only for experienced catchers

Alternative: Weighted tennis balls

Cones

25 (various colours)

For boundaries and activity zones

Alternative: Markers, spots, chalk lines

Stumps

4 sets (12 stumps total)

Positioned at North, East, South, West points

Alternative: Cones, posts, markers

Large Ball

1 size 4 football

For Hit It target activity

Alternative: Medicine ball, basketball

Chalk

4 pieces different colours

For marking creases and boundaries

Alternative: Rope, cones, painted lines

Key Vocabulary

Overarm throw

A throwing technique where the arm comes over the shoulder in a high arc

Anticipation

Reading the ball flight early and moving into position before it arrives

Tracking

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

Cushioning

Absorbing the impact of the ball by 'giving' with hands and arms

Wicketkeeper

The fielder who stands behind the stumps to collect the ball

Crease

The line marked on the ground that defines the safe area for batsmen

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills from primary cricket
Understanding of overarm and underarm throwing differences
Basic catching technique with two hands

Current Skills

Throwing and catching under pressure
Overarm throwing technique refinement
Anticipation and tracking skills

Next Steps

Wicket-keeping specific techniques
Advanced fielding positions and tactics
Batting technique development

Milestone Indicators

Catches 8/10 balls under pressure

Demonstrates consistent overarm technique

Shows anticipation before ball arrives

Key Teaching Points

Overarm throwing requires high elbow position and side-on stance for accuracy and power
Anticipation and early positioning are more important than quick reactions for good catching
Soft hands and cushioning prevent drops - give with the ball rather than stopping it dead
Eyes must track the ball from release to catch - never look away early
Under pressure, maintain technique quality rather than rushing movements
Communication with teammates is essential for successful games and safety
Practice makes permanent - ensure correct technique before increasing speed or difficulty

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Throwing harder always means throwing further' - Correction: Technique and follow-through are more important than force
Misconception: 'Catching is just about hand position' - Correction: Whole body positioning and footwork are crucial
Misconception: 'You can't improve if you're not naturally good at catching' - Correction: All skills improve with proper practice and technique
Misconception: 'Overarm throwing is just a harder version of underarm' - Correction: Completely different technique requiring different body mechanics
Misconception: 'In games, technique doesn't matter as long as you get results' - Correction: Good technique becomes more important under pressure, not less

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, clear and simple instructions, immediate feedback

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls initially, reduced complexity in movements, extra practice time, break skills into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available if overwhelmed, consistent routines, advance warning of activity changes

visual impairment

Use bright yellow tennis balls, provide verbal descriptions of activities, buddy system for positioning, audible balls if available

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations emphasised, written activity cards, hand signals for communication, ensure student can see teacher

physical disability

Seated throwing and catching versions, adapted equipment like larger balls, modified distances, wheelchair-accessible positioning

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication during games, following and giving instructions, using subject-specific vocabulary accurately

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, air resistance affecting throws, reaction time and coordination, understanding of physics in sport

Geography

Directions and spatial awareness (North, East, South, West positioning), map reading skills through diamond layout

Mathematics

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

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, managing emotions under pressure, supporting others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly around activities to observe all students, position at corner of diamond cricket for best visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for proper throwing technique, anticipation skills, and safe movement patterns

Intervention Points

Step in when technique deteriorates, students become unsafe, or engagement drops

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for visibility, demonstrate from side angle for overarm technique, show common mistakes as well as correct technique

Verbal Cues

•'High elbow for overarm!'
•'Soft hands, cushion the catch!'
•'Eyes on the ball!'
•'Move your feet to get in position!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m outdoor space or large sports hall

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, no wet patches or obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis balls are not split or damaged
•Ensure stumps are safely positioned with adequate space
•Verify large ball is properly inflated
•Check chalk markings are clear and non-slip

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head during throwing activities
•Collisions during running and catching
•Slips on wet surfaces
•Overarm throwing technique causing strain

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Adequate spacing maintained between groups
•Progressive skill building prevents overexertion
•Constant supervision of throwing techniques

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all throwing activities
•Monitor overarm technique for shoulder safety
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique
•Ensure safe transitions between activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, apply first aid as needed, remove student to safe area