Fielding and slip catching
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can prepare and catch the ball in the slips.
Key learning points
- Move: keeping eyes firmly on the ball from the moment it leaves the bowler's hand helps improve the chance of catching.
- Move: Positioning slip fielders according to the speed of the deliveries will lead to a catch before the ball bounces.
- Think: one handed catches are far less consistent but sometimes needed to reach a wide ball.
- Feel: taking a slip catch is a great feeling and should be celebrated with your teammates.
- Connect: regular communication with teammates can ensure everyone is present.
Keywords
Slip fielding - close catching position next to the wicketkeeper used to catch balls edged by the batter
Two handed catch - both hands making a cup shape to catch the ball
Communication - how teammates share information or stay connected during play
Common misconception
Pupils in fielding positions may lose focus when they are not involved for a spell of time and then miss an opportunity to field as a result.
Encourage pupils to communicate regularly and relay the ball back to the bowler via 1 or 2 fielders to keep everyone alert - e.g. the wicket keeper takes a catch, passes it to the slip fielder who sends it to another fielder and then to bowler.
Teacher tip
Manufacturing opportunities for slip catching in the game is difficult but a swinging ball can help. If you don't have access to half tennis/half synthetic 'swing balls', create your own using old tennis balls and electrical tape, taping around one half of the ball to create swing when bowled.
Equipment
bats, balls, swing balls, wickets
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What would be a supportive thing to do to a teammate who has made a mistake?
Q2.What can a teammate do if the chasing fielder can’t throw far enough to throw directly to the stumps?
Q3.How might you help a teammate who you sense is getting angry?
Q4.Why would a wicket keeper position themselves close to the stumps?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is one way of keeping your teammates present and alert when fielding?
Q2.Which type of catch is sometimes necessary but less consistent?
Q3.Which of these is part of the action position taken up by a slip fielder?
Q4.What is a good response to a fast reflex catch by a teammate?
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Fielding and slip catching, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Fielding and slip catching, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 4 physical education lessons from the Striking and fielding games: teaching others to play creative cricket games unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.