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Big Question

How can we work as a team to play cricket fairly and effectively in all positions?

Learning Objectives

  • To successfully perform the roles of bowler, batter, wicket keeper and fielder in a cricket game
  • To demonstrate understanding of cricket positions and their responsibilities
  • To apply fielding, throwing and catching skills in game situations

Key Outcomes

  • Students will confidently play in both fielding and batting teams
  • Students will demonstrate accurate overarm and underarm throwing and catching
  • Students will understand the specific roles and responsibilities in cricket

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones
30

Used for boundaries, running markers and position indicators

Alternative: Markers, bean bags for boundaries and positions

Cricket Equipment
10

Check for damage, appropriate size for students

Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis rackets for smaller students

Cricket Wickets
5

Set up at appropriate height for Year 3 students

Alternative: Plastic stumps, cones stacked together

Tennis Balls
10

Check balls are not damaged or too hard

Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls for safety

Key Vocabulary

Bowler

The player who delivers the ball towards the wickets to try to get the batter out

Batter

The player who tries to hit the ball and score runs for their team

Wicket Keeper

The player who stands behind the wickets to collect the ball and attempt stumpings

Fielder

Players positioned around the field to collect the ball and prevent runs

Stumping

Getting a batter out by hitting the wickets with the ball while they are running

Fair Play

Playing honestly, following rules, and being respectful to all players

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic throwing and catching skills
  • Understanding of cricket equipment
  • Simple batting and bowling techniques

Current Skills

  • Playing specific cricket roles effectively
  • Applying skills in game situations
  • Understanding team tactics and positioning

Next Steps

  • Advanced batting techniques and shot selection
  • Tactical field positioning
  • Developing leadership skills in different roles

Milestone Indicators

1
Confident role switching during games
2
Accurate throwing to specific targets
3
Understanding of game tactics and fair play

Key Teaching Points

  • Emphasise hands ready position with eyes tracking ball throughout catching practice
  • Ensure students understand each cricket role has specific responsibilities that help the team
  • Promote fair play and honest decision-making as essential parts of cricket enjoyment
  • Connect quick reactions from warm-up to fielding skills needed in cricket games
  • Encourage strategic thinking about when to run and when to stop to avoid getting out
  • Model and reinforce positive teammate support throughout all activities
  • Ensure safe, controlled bowling with proper bounce before wickets

Common Misconceptions

  • All fielders do the same job - clarify that different fielding positions have different responsibilities
  • Batters should always run after hitting - teach decision-making about when running is safe
  • Bowling can be done any way - emphasise need for bounce and controlled speed
  • Only catching counts as getting someone out - explain stumping and different dismissal methods
  • Cricket is just about individual skills - stress teamwork and role coordination

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Frequent position changes to maintain engagement, clear role responsibilities, positive behaviour reinforcement system
dyspraxia
  • Slower demonstrations with step-by-step breakdown, larger equipment for easier handling, extra practice time for skill development
autism spectrum
  • Clear, predictable routine for rotations, visual schedule showing lesson progression, quiet reflection space if needed
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for positioning guidance
hearing impairment
  • Clear visual demonstrations of all skills, hand signals for game instructions, written instruction cards available
physical disability
  • Adapted equipment like larger balls or modified bats, seated catching and throwing practice, alternative scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication during games, vocabulary development with cricket terminology, listening skills during instructions

Maths

Counting catches and balls bowled, measuring distances for cone placement, calculating runs scored and time challenges

Science

Understanding forces in throwing and catching, projectile motion of balls, body systems working during exercise

PSHE

Fair play and honesty, teamwork and cooperation, supporting others and managing emotions in competitive situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during demonstrations, circulate between groups during practice, position to see all groups during games

Observation Focus

Watch for proper catching technique, fair play during games, understanding of role responsibilities, safe movement patterns

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe play develops, support groups struggling with rotation, reinforce fair play principles when needed

Demonstration Notes

Show all techniques slowly first, emphasise key points like hand position and ball tracking, model fair play and positive attitude throughout

Verbal Cues
  • 'Hands ready, eyes on ball!'
  • 'Quick turn to see the next ball!'
  • 'Play honestly and fairly!'
  • 'Support your teammates!'
  • 'Think before you run!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area minimum 30m x 40m, or sports hall with high ceiling for safe batting

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from holes or obstacles that could cause tripping during running

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Check cricket bats for cracks or splinters before use
  • Ensure wickets are stable and appropriate height
  • Use only soft tennis balls, check they're not too hard or damaged
  • Cones positioned safely away from running paths

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Ball strikes to head or body during batting/fielding
  • Collisions between students during running
  • Trips and falls during rapid direction changes
  • Overexertion during continuous activity
Risk Mitigation
  • Clear boundaries established between game groups
  • Emphasis on controlled batting, not power hitting
  • Safe running paths marked and maintained
  • Regular breaks and rotation to prevent fatigue
  • Underarm throws only during practice phases

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position to observe multiple groups simultaneously
  • Circulate between groups during games
  • Monitor for signs of fatigue or overexertion
  • Watch for fair play and positive interactions
Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately on whistle signal, trained first aider available, clear access routes to medical assistance