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Big Question

How can we work together as a team to score runs and prevent the opposition from scoring?

Learning Objectives

  • Work as a team to score points as batters in a competitive game
  • Work as a team to restrict runs through effective fielding
  • Demonstrate accurate underarm bowling technique consistently

Key Outcomes

  • Students will apply striking and fielding skills in team game situations
  • Students will understand and execute team tactics for batting and fielding
  • Students will bowl underarm with improved accuracy and consistency

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls
6-8 balls

3 balls balanced on cones for scatter ball, remainder for bowling practice

Alternative: Bean bags, soft balls for safety

Cones
4 sets

3 for ball balance, remainder scattered for collection game

Alternative: Markers, bean bags

Hoops
7 hoops

Scoring zones and bowling targets

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Mats
4-6 bats

For more able students or extension activities

Alternative: Hands for striking, tennis rackets

Key Vocabulary

Underarm bowling

Rolling or throwing the ball with an underhand action towards the target

Wicketkeeper

The fielder who stands behind the stumps to collect the ball

Backstop

A fielder positioned behind the wicketkeeper to stop balls

Innings

The period when one team bats while the other team fields

Runs

Points scored by successfully running between bases or cones

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic striking and hitting techniques with hand and bat
  • Understanding of simple fielding positions
  • Introduction to underarm bowling action

Current Skills

  • Applying skills in competitive team game situations
  • Developing accuracy in underarm bowling
  • Understanding team tactics in batting and fielding

Next Steps

  • More complex striking and fielding games
  • Introduction to overarm bowling techniques
  • Advanced team strategies and game understanding

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent underarm bowling technique
2
Effective teamwork in game situations
3
Understanding of basic game tactics

Key Teaching Points

  • Underarm bowling technique requires step with opposite foot, smooth pendulum arm action, and release pointing at target
  • Team cooperation in striking and fielding games involves communication, role understanding, and mutual support
  • Game tactics include strategic field positioning, quick ball collection, and efficient base running
  • Safety awareness through controlled movements, spatial understanding, and following stop signals immediately
  • Skill progression from individual practice to competitive game application builds confidence and competence

Common Misconceptions

  • Students often step with same foot as bowling arm - correct by practicing opposite foot stepping pattern
  • Batters may think they can run immediately after hitting first ball - reinforce waiting until third ball is hit
  • Fielders might move before all balls are hit in Scatter Ball - emphasise staying frozen until signal
  • Teams may not understand when innings end - clarify freeze signal and rotation procedures clearly
  • Students sometimes forget wicketkeeper role importance - highlight specialist fielding positions and their value

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Use shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, provide specific roles and responsibilities, offer regular positive feedback
dyspraxia
  • Use larger equipment for easier handling, reduce complexity of movements initially, provide additional practice time and support
autism spectrum
  • Establish clear routines and expectations, provide visual schedule of lesson activities, offer quiet zones if overstimulated
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of game setup, implement buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
  • Use clear visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instruction cards, ensure students can see teacher clearly
physical disability
  • Adapt striking to seated position where needed, modify running distances, provide appropriate equipment and support

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Developing vocabulary related to striking and fielding games, following and giving instructions, descriptive language for game evaluation

Maths

Counting runs scored by each team, measuring distances between bases, calculating team totals and comparing scores

Science

Understanding forces involved in bowling and striking, observing trajectory of balls, discussing body movement and coordination

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation skills, resilience when facing challenges, celebrating others' achievements, fair play and respect

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at corner or edge of activity area for clear view of all students, move between groups during skill practice

Observation Focus

Monitor bowling technique development, team cooperation levels, game understanding, and safety awareness

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggle with technique, need tactical guidance, or require behaviour management support

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate techniques clearly and slowly, use students as positive examples, emphasise key coaching points through exaggerated movements

Verbal Cues
  • 'Step and swing!' for bowling technique
  • 'Work together team!' for cooperation
  • 'Watch the ball!' for fielding focus
  • 'Freeze!' for immediate stop signal

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m area, clear of obstacles, suitable for running and ball activities

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, appropriate footwear worn by all students

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Check all balls are inflated correctly and free from damage
  • Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
  • Verify bats are appropriate size and condition for Year 2 students
  • Confirm hoops are stable and positioned safely

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Ball strikes to head or face during bowling and striking
  • Collisions between students during running and fielding
  • Trips and falls over equipment or during running
  • Overexertion during competitive game play
Risk Mitigation
  • Clear boundaries established and communicated to all students
  • Adequate spacing maintained between different activity areas
  • Progressive skill building before competitive game play
  • Constant supervision and monitoring during active phases
  • Clear stop signals established and practiced
  • Appropriate ball types used for age group

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position for maximum visibility of all students during games
  • Monitor high-activity areas such as batting and base running
  • Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
  • Ensure fair play and positive interactions throughout
Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop signal, assess injury or concern, appropriate first aid response, contact school procedures if required