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Lesson 2 - Defending Targets & Kicking

Striking Basics

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Year 2

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Striking & Fielding

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45 min

Big Question

How can I use smart kicking to defend my target and score the most points?

Learning Objectives

To kick a bowled ball away from stumps to defend a target
To make strategic choices about cone selection and sprint effectively to score points
To recognise optimal kicking directions to maximise run scoring

Key Outcomes

Students will accurately kick balls away from targets under pressure
Students will demonstrate tactical awareness in cone selection and running
Students will show improved decision-making in kicking direction

Equipment & Resources Required

Large Soft Balls

6-8 balls

Distribute around playing area for quick retrieval

Alternative: Tennis balls, playground balls if large soft balls unavailable

Cricket Stumps

1 set per group (3 posts)

Place in centre of each group's playing area

Alternative: Button cones, plastic bottles, or tall markers

Coloured Cones

16 cones (4 different colours)

Place one of each colour in corners of playing areas

Alternative: Coloured markers, hoops, or chalk circles

Dish Cones

12-16 cones

Scattered around each group area at varying distances

Alternative: Markers, hoops, or ground spots

Key Vocabulary

Stumps

The target posts that the kicker must defend from the ball

Bowler

The player who rolls the ball along the ground to the kicker

Defending

Protecting your stumps by kicking the ball away from them

Fielders

Players who collect the ball and try to return it to the stumps

Strategic kicking

Choosing where to kick the ball to give yourself the best chance to score points

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic kicking technique with stationary balls
Understanding of simple target games
Experience running to markers in sequence

Current Skills

Defending targets through strategic kicking
Making quick tactical decisions under pressure
Coordinating kicking accuracy with running speed

Next Steps

Advanced fielding positioning strategies
Complex multi-directional running patterns
Introduction to batting techniques

Milestone Indicators

Consistently kicks ball away from stumps

Makes strategic cone choices based on field positions

Demonstrates tactical awareness in target defence

Key Teaching Points

Strategic kick placement is more important than power
Defending stumps must happen before attempting to score
Observation of fielder positions leads to better tactical decisions
Communication and teamwork enhance fielding effectiveness
Comparing different approaches (kicking vs hitting) develops analytical thinking
Safe movement and equipment handling must be maintained throughout
Tactical awareness develops through experimentation and reflection

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Kicking harder always leads to more points' - Correction: Show examples of controlled placement leading to better scoring opportunities
Misconception: 'Fielders should all chase the ball together' - Correction: Demonstrate effective positioning and communication strategies
Misconception: 'Standing close to stumps makes defence easier' - Correction: Show optimal positioning for effective defence
Misconception: 'The same tactics work regardless of field layout' - Correction: Demonstrate need to adapt to different cone positions
Misconception: 'Running immediately after kicking is always best' - Correction: Show importance of assessing fielder positions first

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with movement breaks, clear visual boundaries, regular positive feedback and encouragement

dyspraxia

Larger, slower balls for easier tracking, reduced complexity in tactical decisions initially, extra practice time for coordination

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of lesson phases, quiet zone available if overwhelmed, consistent routines and predictable structure

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of field layout, buddy system with sighted partner

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for game starts/stops, written instruction cards, clear visual demonstrations of all techniques

physical disability

Seated rolling version for wheelchair users, modified distances for reduced mobility, alternative scoring methods if running difficult

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting points scored, comparing scores between lessons, calculating total team scores, measuring distances to cones

Science

Forces involved in kicking and ball movement, friction between ball and ground, reaction times and reflexes

Geography

Directional language (left, right, behind, in front), spatial awareness, understanding of angles and positioning

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, fair play and sportsmanship, resilience when tactics don't work, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position with clear view of all groups, move between groups during activities to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Tactical decision-making, ball contact quality, safety awareness, team cooperation and communication

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with tactical concepts, if safety issues arise, or if group dynamics need support

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Use exaggerated movements for visibility, show tactical thinking process aloud, involve students in demonstrations when possible

Verbal Cues

•'Look for gaps where fielders aren't standing!'
•'Kick to defend first, then run smart!'
•'Great tactical thinking - you spotted that gap!'
•'Work together fielders - communicate who's getting the ball!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m per group, clear of obstacles and boundaries. Multiple group areas needed.

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas. Check for adequate grip for running and kicking.

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Soft balls only - check for wear and tear before use
•Stumps or markers stable and won't tip over during play
•Cones placed safely away from boundaries and walls
•No sharp edges on any equipment

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during running phases
•Slips and falls during direction changes
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Overexertion in competitive phases

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for each group area
•Adequate spacing between groups to prevent crossover
•Controlled pace during warm-up to prevent early fatigue
•Soft balls only and underarm bowling technique required
•Regular hydration breaks during longer activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups simultaneously
•Move between groups during activities to monitor safety
•Pay special attention during competitive phases for fair play
•Monitor exertion levels and provide rest as needed

Emergency Procedures

Stop, assess, appropriate first aid/support. Have first aid kit accessible. Know location of nearest qualified first aider.