🏏

Lesson 6 - Team Competition and Tactics

Striking Basics

•

Year 2

•

Striking & Fielding

•

45 min

Big Question

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

Softballs

1 per game (4-6 total)

Keep spare balls ready for quick game flow

Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, foam balls

Dish Cones

22 (bases and boundaries)

Use bright colours for clear visibility

Alternative: Spots, hoops, chalk marks

Hoops

1 per game (4-6 total)

Position as retrieval targets for fielders

Alternative: Buckets, containers, cone targets

Bats

1 per batter (optional)

Provide range of sizes for different abilities

Alternative: Hands only, tennis rackets, foam bats

Bibs

12-16 total

Clear team identification for competition

Alternative: Different coloured tops, wristbands

Key Vocabulary

Tactics

Plans or strategies used to win the game

Safe zone

The area where batters are safe and can score points

Fielding positions

Where players stand to catch or collect the ball

Round-robin

A competition format where each team plays every other team once

Retrieve

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

Consistently hits ball away from fielders

Communicates effectively with teammates

Shows understanding of field positioning

Demonstrates fair play and sportsmanship

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