Cricket - Lesson 6

In the sixth lesson of the Year 3 cricket curriculum, students are taught to master fielding techniques. The session begins with a ten-minute warm-up where pupils practice bowling, aiming to land the ball in designated hoops as directed by the wicketkeeper. This activity not only serves as a recap of the previous bowling lesson but also incorporates a fun element where players swap roles after a set time. The warm-up can be adjusted in difficulty by changing the distance to the target or by including a batter in a modified game scenario, enhancing the challenge for the children.

The main part of the lesson, lasting 30 minutes, is dedicated to various fielding exercises performed in pairs. Students practice overarm throwing in different body positions, starting from a seated position and progressing to standing throws that engage the whole body. The long barrier stop is another technique covered, where pupils roll the ball towards each other and learn to stop it effectively while maintaining a low stance. Additionally, the two-handed pick-up and throw drill teaches them to swiftly collect the ball and throw it back in a fluid motion, incorporating a 'crow hop' to improve their throwing stance. To further extend the learning, a more complex activity is introduced, involving a pyramid of wickets as targets and a scoring system that rewards correct techniques and accuracy. The lesson concludes with a cool-down that involves jogging, skipping, or walking, interspersed with dynamic stretches that mimic cricket positions such as the wicketkeeper stance and high or low catches.