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Lesson 6 - Mini Games for Skill Building

Team Tactics & Strategy

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Year 3

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Cricket

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45 min

Big Question

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

Cricket Equipment

6-8 (one per group)

Place near each playing area

Alternative: Rounders bats, plastic cricket bats

Tennis Balls

6-8 (one per group)

Ensure good bounce for batting practice

Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls

Cones

21 (3 per group for stumps, extras for markers)

Set up as wickets and running markers

Alternative: Cones, skittles, bottles

Tees

3.5 (for differentiation)

Available for students needing extra support

Alternative: Traffic cones with ball balanced on top

Bibs

20-30 (for identifying batters)

Help distinguish between batters and fielders

Alternative: Different coloured cones for identification

Key Vocabulary

Batting

Using the bat to hit the ball and score runs

Fielding

Stopping the ball and returning it to prevent runs being scored

Bowling

Throwing the ball underarm towards the stumps to get the batter out

Wicket keeper

The fielder who stands behind the stumps to collect the ball

Runs

Points scored by the batting team when they hit the ball and run

Stumps

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

Consistent tactical decision making

Effective application of skills under pressure

Understanding of game strategy

Ability to coach and support teammates

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