Lesson 6 - Mini Games for Skill Building
Team Tactics & Strategy
•Year 3
•Cricket
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How can we use batting and fielding skills strategically to outwit our opponents in cricket games?
Learning Objectives
- To consolidate batting and fielding skills through competitive mini games
- To apply tactical thinking when batting and fielding
- To demonstrate understanding of cricket rules and scoring in game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will apply batting and fielding skills effectively in mini games
- Students will demonstrate tactical awareness when choosing where to hit and how to field
- Students will show understanding of cricket scoring and rules through game play
Equipment & Resources Required
Place near each playing area
Alternative: Rounders bats, plastic cricket bats
Ensure good bounce for batting practice
Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls
Set up as wickets and running markers
Alternative: Cones, skittles, bottles
Available for students needing extra support
Alternative: Traffic cones with ball balanced on top
Help distinguish between batters and fielders
Alternative: Different coloured cones for identification
Key Vocabulary
Using the bat to hit the ball and score runs
Stopping the ball and returning it to prevent runs being scored
Throwing the ball underarm towards the stumps to get the batter out
The fielder who stands behind the stumps to collect the ball
Points scored by the batting team when they hit the ball and run
The three wooden posts that the bowler aims at
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic underarm throwing technique
- Simple striking skills with bat
- Understanding of fielding positions
- Basic catching and stopping skills
Current Skills
- Consolidating all cricket skills in game situations
- Tactical application of batting and fielding
- Strategic thinking and decision making
- Understanding of cricket scoring system
Next Steps
- More complex cricket game formats
- Introduction to overarm bowling
- Advanced fielding strategies
- Team-based cricket matches
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise tactical thinking over power in batting
- Encourage communication and teamwork in fielding
- Focus on accurate underarm bowling technique
- Celebrate effort and improvement, not just results
- Use questioning to develop strategic understanding
- Ensure all students experience success in their preferred role
- Connect skills practice to game application
Common Misconceptions
- Batting is just about hitting hard - teach placement and tactics
- Fielders should stand wherever they want - teach strategic positioning
- Bowling fast is better - emphasise accuracy over speed
- Only high scores matter - celebrate tactical improvement and teamwork
- Cricket is too complex for Year 3 - break into simple, engaging mini games
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear role definitions, movement breaks between activities, immediate feedback and praise
dyspraxia
- Larger, lighter equipment, reduced complexity in skills, extra practice time, step-by-step instruction breakdown, peer mentoring
autism spectrum
- Clear visual routine cards, predictable game structure, quiet zones available, advance warning of role changes, simplified rules
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of field positions, use sound cues for ball location, buddy system for navigation
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals and demonstrations, written or picture instructions, ensure student can see teacher's face, use gestures for communication
physical disability
- Seated bowling and batting options, modified equipment like larger bats, shorter distances, alternative scoring methods, peer support
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Scoring runs and calculating totals, measuring distances for playing areas, counting bowling turns and statistics
Science
Forces in striking and throwing, trajectory of balls through air, friction and ball movement
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of angles and directions, mapping field positions
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with winning and losing, leadership skills, fair play and honesty
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position with clear view of all groups, move around to provide individual feedback while maintaining overall supervision
Observation Focus
Watch for tactical decision-making, skill application under pressure, teamwork and communication, safe play adherence
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with game rules, safety concerns arise, equipment issues, or to highlight excellent tactical play
Demonstration Notes
Use students as positive examples during play, demonstrate tactical concepts as they arise in games, show alternative techniques when needed
Verbal Cues
- •'Look for the gaps in the field!'
- •'Aim for the stumps!'
- •'Work together as fielders!'
- •'Think before you hit!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall or outdoor area, minimum 30m x 20m to accommodate 6 groups safely
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for running and ball games
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check cricket bats for splinters or damage
- •Ensure balls are appropriate softness for indoor use
- •Verify stumps/cones are stable and safe
- •Check batting tees are secure if used
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Collisions between students running
- •Trips over equipment or uneven surfaces
- •Bat contact with other students
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries between group playing areas
- •Enforce underarm bowling only rule
- •Ensure adequate spacing during all activities
- •Establish clear running paths to markers
- •Students wait behind batting crease when not active
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all groups simultaneously
- •Circulate regularly to monitor technique and safety
- •Intervene immediately if safety rules broken
- •Check equipment before and during use
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately with loud whistle, assess any injuries, apply first aid as trained, seek additional support if needed