🏏

Lesson 6 - Striking & Fielding in Games

Cricket Skill Progression

•

Year 2

•

Striking & Fielding

•

59 min

Big Question

How can we use all our striking and fielding skills together to play a fair and exciting game?

Learning Objectives

To apply previously learned striking and fielding skills in a game context
To demonstrate good sportsmanship and school games values
To show awareness of boundaries, rules, and tactical positioning

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully apply multiple striking and fielding techniques in game situations
Students will demonstrate fair play and positive communication during games
Students will show understanding of fielding positions and basic tactics

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

15 (1 per pair, plus spares)

Distribute around activity area, keep spares in central location

Alternative: Foam balls for students needing softer equipment

Cricket Equipment

6 (1 per group)

Check for damage before use, ensure appropriate size for students

Alternative: Rounders bats, table tennis bats for smaller hands

Cricket Stumps

6 sets

Place securely to prevent falling, check stability regularly

Alternative: Cones, skittles, or foam posts if wickets unavailable

Coloured Cones

20 mixed colours

Use bright colours for visibility, ensure they're stable on surface

Alternative: Bean bags or markers of different colours

Hoops

6 large hoops

Position 5 metres from throwing positions, secure against wind

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, or target mats

Sun Markers

20 cones or rope

Create clear, visible boundaries around all game areas

Alternative: Chalk lines on hard surfaces, natural boundaries where safe

Key Vocabulary

Wicket-keeper

The fielder who stands behind the stumps to catch the ball and attempt run-outs

Backing up

Supporting a teammate by positioning yourself to collect the ball if they miss it

Crease

The line that marks the safe area for the batsman

Run out

When a batsman is dismissed by the ball reaching the stumps before they reach the crease

Ready position

Alert fielding stance with knees bent, weight on balls of feet, and hands ready

Overarm throw

Throwing technique with arm coming over the shoulder for distance and accuracy

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic overarm and underarm throwing techniques
Fundamental catching and fielding skills
Understanding of striking with bat control
Knowledge of basic game rules and boundaries

Current Skills

Application of skills in competitive game situations
Tactical awareness and field positioning
Advanced communication and teamwork
Demonstration of school games values

Next Steps

Introduction to more complex striking and fielding games
Advanced tactical concepts and team strategies
Leadership roles within team games
Assessment of personal performance and goal setting

Milestone Indicators

Consistent application of technical skills under pressure

Effective communication during fast-paced activities

Understanding of tactical concepts like backing up and field positioning

Demonstration of fair play and positive sportsmanship

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise communication as essential for successful team games
Maintain focus on technique even under competitive pressure
Promote positive sportsmanship and fair play throughout
Encourage backing up teammates in all fielding situations
Develop tactical awareness through questioning and observation
Celebrate both skill achievement and positive attitude equally
Use peer demonstration and coaching to reinforce learning

Common Misconceptions

That speed is more important than technique in throwing - emphasise accuracy over power
That only the best players can contribute to team success - highlight roles for all abilities
That competitive games require negative behaviour - model positive competition
That fielding is less important than batting - emphasise equal value of all roles
That mistakes are failures - frame errors as learning opportunities

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with clear transitions, movement breaks between explanations, clear role definitions

dyspraxia

Larger equipment, reduced complexity in multi-step skills, additional practice time for technique development

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedules, predictable routines, quiet spaces available during competitive activities

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of positioning, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Seated striking options, modified equipment sizes, adapted distances for throwing and running

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting runs accurately, measuring throwing distances, angles of bat position and ball flight

Science

Forces involved in throwing and batting, friction effects on ball movement, physics of ball bounce

Geography

Direction awareness in field placement, spatial concepts in game positioning

PSHE

Teamwork skills, fair play values, managing emotions during competition, supporting others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all groups, position centrally during instruction phases

Observation Focus

Monitor technique application under pressure, communication effectiveness, and fair play

Intervention Points

Step in for safety concerns, technique breakdowns, or negative behaviour immediately

Demonstration Notes

Use skilled students as models frequently, demonstrate techniques slowly for clarity, emphasise key points visually

Verbal Cues

•'Call your name when fielding!'
•'Bat high, head still!'
•'Back your teammate up!'
•'Great sportsmanship!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor space minimum 30m x 40m, or full sports hall with adequate ceiling height

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas that could cause falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check cricket bats for damage, splinters, or loose handles before use
•Ensure tennis balls are in good condition and appropriately pressurised
•Verify wickets are stable and won't fall during play
•Check hoops and cones are undamaged and won't cause trips

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between running students and fielders
•Ball strikes to head or body during game play
•Trips and falls during running between creases
•Bat strikes during batting practice

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established between game areas
•Adequate spacing between groups (minimum 15m)
•Progressive skill building before competitive games
•Clear communication protocols to prevent collisions
•Appropriate bat size and weight for students
•Soft tennis balls rather than cricket balls

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all game areas simultaneously
•Monitor batting technique and bat control carefully
•Watch for appropriate competitive behaviour
•Ensure equipment is used correctly and safely

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed