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Big Question

How can we strike a ball accurately and work together as a team to field it quickly?

Learning Objectives

  • To strike a ball off a tee with control and accuracy
  • To field a ball by getting in line with it using both hands
  • To understand the concept of running to accumulate points after striking

Key Outcomes

  • Students will be able to strike a ball off a tee towards a target area
  • Students will demonstrate basic fielding technique using both hands
  • Students will show understanding of running after striking to score points

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment
1 per group of 4 (8 total)

Check bat size appropriate for Year 1 hands

Alternative: Cricket stumps, rounders bats, or wooden bats

Tennis Balls
12-15 balls

Ensure balls bounce consistently

Alternative: Softer foam balls for less confident students

Tees
7 tees

Adjust tee height to student waist level

Alternative: Large cones with small cones balanced on top

Dish Cones
30-40 cones various colours

Use bright colours for clear visibility

Alternative: Bean bags, hoops, or chalk marks

Chalk
2-3 pieces

For drawing crease lines on playground

Alternative: Rope, tape, or marker cones for lines

Key Vocabulary

Tee

A stand that holds the ball still for striking

Strike

To hit the ball with the bat using a swinging motion

Fielding

Collecting and returning the ball to stop the other team scoring

Crease

The line that batters must cross to score a run

Accumulate

To collect or gather points by running between markers

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic ball handling skills
  • Simple running and stopping on command
  • Understanding of taking turns in activities

Current Skills

  • Striking a stationary ball with a bat
  • Basic fielding using both hands
  • Running between markers to score points

Next Steps

  • Striking moving balls
  • Advanced fielding positions and tactics
  • Team game strategies and communication

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent contact when striking off tee
2
Getting behind ball when fielding
3
Understanding when to run after striking

Key Teaching Points

  • Use both hands for all ball handling - pick up, secure, place down
  • Striking stance: side-on position with feet shoulder width apart
  • Crease running: bat touches over line, slide on final run
  • Fielding teamwork: work together, back each other up, communicate
  • Safety first: controlled movements, awareness of others, appropriate equipment use
  • Target striking: aim for accuracy rather than power
  • Positive encouragement: celebrate effort alongside achievement

Common Misconceptions

  • Students think they must run into crease with feet - teach bat touching over line only
  • Belief that harder striking is always better - emphasise accuracy and control
  • Fielders think individual effort matters most - teach teamwork and backing up
  • Running must be as fast as possible - teach controlled, safe movement
  • Only batting matters in cricket - emphasise fielding skills equally
  • Mistakes mean failure - teach that practice and effort lead to improvement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Break activities into shorter segments, provide movement breaks, use clear boundary markers and signals
dyspraxia
  • Use larger equipment for easier handling, provide extra practice time, break skills into smaller steps
autism spectrum
  • Provide clear routine structure, use visual schedule of activities, offer quiet space if overstimulated
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, assign sighted partner for guidance
hearing impairment
  • Use visual signals alongside verbal instructions, demonstrate all activities clearly, provide written instruction cards
physical disability
  • Modify striking to seated position if needed, use larger/lighter bats, adjust running distances appropriately

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following complex instructions, using new vocabulary (tee, crease, fielding), describing actions and techniques

Science

Understanding forces when striking ball, effects of different striking angles, teamwork as cooperation in nature

PSHE

Taking turns fairly, supporting teammates, managing emotions during competition, celebrating others' achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around activity perimeter for optimal view of all groups, avoid standing in batting or running areas

Observation Focus

Watch for striking technique development, two-handed fielding, safe movement patterns, positive teamwork interactions

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for safety concerns, correct technique gently when students struggling, redirect attention if students become distracted

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique demonstrations, involve students in showing good examples, repeat key points multiple times for Year 1 understanding

Verbal Cues
  • 'Two hands for fielding!' when students revert to one hand
  • 'Side-on stance!' to improve striking position
  • 'Touch bat over the line!' for crease running
  • 'Great teamwork!' when students support each other

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or playground area minimum 30m x 20m, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, even surface suitable for running, check for loose equipment or hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Check bats appropriate size for Year 1 students
  • Ensure tees stable and height appropriate
  • Verify tennis balls in good condition without cracks
  • Confirm cones have no sharp edges or damage

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Bat strikes to other students during swinging
  • Collisions during running between creases
  • Balls hitting students unexpectedly during fielding
  • Trips over equipment or boundary markers
Risk Mitigation
  • Clear boundaries and spacing between batting groups
  • Supervised bat handling with safety demonstrations
  • Controlled running paths with adequate space
  • Fielders positioned safely away from striking areas

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position to observe all batting areas simultaneously
  • Monitor safe equipment handling throughout
  • Watch for fatigue during running activities
  • Ensure clear sight lines to all student activity
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess severity, apply appropriate first aid, contact office if needed