Hit the Stumps

Develop accurate throwing skills with this cricket themed activity. Suits any number of children.

Set up

Set out a cricket stump, or use other objects like a large cushion or pool noodles standing up against a wall. Position your children a suitable distance from the stumps, and provide them with a supply of tennis balls (or small, easy to throw, soft toys).

How to play
Step 1:
  • On your instruction of "Ready, Aim, Fire!", the children throw their ball at the stumps and/or targets
  • Children get points by hitting the stumps/targets
Step 2:
  • Continue, ensuring everyone eventually has success (adjust distances or size of the ball used to suit).
Variations
Make it easier
  • Start the children closer to the targets
Make it harder
  • Each round, make the targets smaller, or every time a stump is hit, remove one stump
  • Introduce a cricket bowling action
  • Try your non-dominant hand!
Activity information
Age: Kindergarten, Pre-Primary, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6
Participants: 1 +
Equipment: Stumps, Targets (optional), Cones (optional), Tennis balls
Duration: 10 minutes
Skill focus
Explore these skills for teaching tips
Skill teaching

To practice the overarm throw, take some time before playing to remind your children of the teaching cues;

  1. Ready: Stand like a surfer (side-on)
  2. Aim: Make a muscle man (throwing arm bent up above shoulder), point non-throwing arm at target
  3. Fire: Step on the star (step with opposite foot onto star marker) and throw
Activity summary
Physical literacy tips
  • Provide a range of targets for children to hit if this suits
  • Have children stand in a circle around the stumps and all throw at once if desired