Lesson 6 - Striking & Fielding in Games
Cricket Skill Progression
•Year 2
•Striking & Fielding
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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
Distribute around activity area, keep spares in central location
Alternative: Foam balls for students needing softer equipment
Check for damage before use, ensure appropriate size for students
Alternative: Rounders bats, table tennis bats for smaller hands
Place securely to prevent falling, check stability regularly
Alternative: Cones, skittles, or foam posts if wickets unavailable
Use bright colours for visibility, ensure they're stable on surface
Alternative: Bean bags or markers of different colours
Position 5 metres from throwing positions, secure against wind
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, or target mats
Create clear, visible boundaries around all game areas
Alternative: Chalk lines on hard surfaces, natural boundaries where safe
Key Vocabulary
The fielder who stands behind the stumps to catch the ball and attempt run-outs
Supporting a teammate by positioning yourself to collect the ball if they miss it
The line that marks the safe area for the batsman
When a batsman is dismissed by the ball reaching the stumps before they reach the crease
Alert fielding stance with knees bent, weight on balls of feet, and hands ready
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
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