Lesson 6 - Team Competition and Tactics
Striking Basics
•Year 2
•Striking & Fielding
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How can we work together as a team to score runs and use tactics to win games?
Learning Objectives
- Play as part of a team to field and hit to score points
- Apply simple tactics to retrieve the ball and position effectively
- Play in different roles and positions within a team game
Key Outcomes
- Students will work collaboratively in teams to score runs and prevent opponents from scoring
- Students will demonstrate understanding of basic tactics through positioning and ball placement
- Students will experience different roles as batter, bowler, and fielder
Equipment & Resources Required
Keep spare balls ready for quick game flow
Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, foam balls
Use bright colours for clear visibility
Alternative: Spots, hoops, chalk marks
Position as retrieval targets for fielders
Alternative: Buckets, containers, cone targets
Provide range of sizes for different abilities
Alternative: Hands only, tennis rackets, foam bats
Clear team identification for competition
Alternative: Different coloured tops, wristbands
Key Vocabulary
Plans or strategies used to win the game
The area where batters are safe and can score points
Where players stand to catch or collect the ball
A competition format where each team plays every other team once
To collect or get the ball back quickly
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic hitting skills with hand and bat
- Understanding of fielding positions
- Knowledge of safe running techniques
- Experience with simple team games
Current Skills
- Strategic ball placement and hitting
- Team coordination in fielding
- Tactical decision making
- Role rotation and adaptation
Next Steps
- Advanced hitting techniques with equipment
- Complex fielding strategies
- Leadership roles in team sports
- Tournament play and competition
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Tactical thinking requires looking at fielder positions before hitting
- Team communication prevents collisions and improves ball retrieval
- Different opponents require adapted tactical approaches
- Sportsmanship is as important as tactical success
- Practice and reflection improve tactical decision-making
Common Misconceptions
- Students think hitting harder is always better than hitting tactically
- Belief that tactics are only for advanced players, not Year 2
- Assumption that winning is more important than learning and improvement
- Misunderstanding that tactics only apply to hitting, not fielding
- Thinking that communication is unnecessary if you're skilled individually
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter game segments with clear breaks, specific roles with defined responsibilities, regular positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment for easier handling, simplified tactical decisions, extra practice time with movement sequences
autism spectrum
- Clear game structure and rules posted visually, predictable rotation schedule, quiet zones available during breaks
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of field positions, buddy system for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
- Visual signals for game starts/stops, written tactical instructions, visual demonstrations of all strategies
physical disability
- Modify hitting position to seated/supported, adjust safe zone distances, alternative equipment like larger balls
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting points scored, calculating team totals, understanding tournament scoring systems (3 points win, 2 draw, 1 loss)
Science
Forces when hitting balls, angles of ball flight, speed and distance relationships during running
Geography
Spatial awareness, directions and positioning, understanding of area and boundaries
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, managing competition emotions, showing respect for opponents and officials
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand centrally between pitches during competition to observe all teams
Observation Focus
Tactical decision-making, team communication, sportsmanship, and safety
Intervention Points
Step in if tactics forgotten under pressure, poor sportsmanship occurs, or safety concerns arise
Demonstration Notes
Use live examples during games to highlight excellent tactical decisions and team communication
Verbal Cues
- •'Look before you hit!'
- •'Find the gap!'
- •'Communicate with your team!'
- •'Great tactical thinking!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 40m for two simultaneous pitches, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for running and direction changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check balls are soft and appropriate for hitting
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or damage
- •Verify hoops are stable and won't tip during ball retrieval
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between batters and fielders
- •Ball strikes to other students
- •Slips and falls during running
- •Fatigue from competitive activity
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear batting queues positioned safely away from play
- •Mandatory 'I've got it!' communication to prevent collisions
- •Soft balls only for hitting and throwing
- •Regular hydration breaks during competition
- •Clear boundaries and safe zones marked
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position between two pitches for visibility of all activity
- •Monitor competition intensity and sportsmanship
- •Watch for signs of fatigue during tournament play
Emergency Procedures
Stop all play immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, ensure other students remain safely positioned