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Lesson 5 - Striking with Intent

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 outwit fielders by striking the ball with purpose and precision?

Learning Objectives

Students will learn to strike the ball with intent away from fielders to score runs
Students will develop understanding of how to outwit the fielding team by varying speed and direction
Students will apply tactical thinking to identify spaces and direct the ball effectively

Key Outcomes

Students can hold the bat safely and strike with control
Students can direct the ball away from fielders into space
Students demonstrate tactical awareness when batting

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

6-8 (child-sized)

Check bat weight is appropriate for Year 3 students

Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis rackets for smaller students

Tennis Balls

6-8

Ensure balls are in good condition and appropriate bounce

Alternative: Foam balls, softer cricket balls

Tees

6-8

Adjust height to students' waist level

Alternative: Traffic cones with tennis balls balanced on top

Cones

20-30

Bright colours for clear visibility

Alternative: Markers, hoops, small goals

Markers

6-8

Position 10 metres from batting area

Alternative: Cones, bean bags, spots

Bibs

15 (3 colours)

Different colours for batting teams and fielders

Alternative: Coloured bands, team identifiers

Key Vocabulary

Intent

Striking the ball with a specific purpose and direction in mind

Fielders

Players positioned around the field to stop and catch the ball

Target

Specific areas marked by cones that batters aim to hit through

Batting tee

A stand that holds the ball stationary for easier striking

Grip

How to hold the bat correctly for safe and effective striking

Stance

The body position when preparing to strike the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic bat grip and stance
Striking a stationary ball from batting tee
Understanding of scoring in cricket

Current Skills

Striking with intent towards specific targets
Tactical awareness of field positions
Varying speed and direction of strikes

Next Steps

Striking moving balls from underarm bowling
Advanced placement techniques
Running between wickets with partner

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact with ball using correct technique

Regular success hitting through target areas

Evidence of tactical thinking in shot selection

Key Teaching Points

Always scan the field before striking to identify gaps
Batting with intent means thinking before hitting, not random swinging
Vary both direction and power of strikes to keep fielders guessing
Encourage peer coaching and tactical discussions within groups
Celebrate tactical thinking as much as successful strikes
Connect individual batting success to team performance
Emphasise safety through controlled technique and awareness

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Hitting harder always scores more runs' - Correction: 'Placement and timing often beat power'
Misconception: 'Good batters never get out' - Correction: 'Good batters make smart choices and help their team'
Misconception: 'You should always hit to the same place' - Correction: 'Vary your shots to keep fielders confused'
Misconception: 'Fielders can't affect batting' - Correction: 'Watch fielder positions and adapt your shots accordingly'
Misconception: 'Fast bowling is always better' - Correction: 'Different situations need different batting approaches'

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent role changes to maintain engagement, clear boundaries and expectations, positive reinforcement, structured break opportunities

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls for easier contact, simplified target arrangements, additional practice time, step-by-step skill breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedules for rotations, consistent group membership, quiet zones available if overwhelmed, predictable routines

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of field positions, buddy system for guidance around playing area

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and gestures for instructions, written instruction cards, clear line-of-sight for lip reading during demonstrations

physical disability

Adapted equipment including lighter bats, larger balls, seated batting positions if needed, modified field sizes and distances

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting runs scored, calculating double points for target hits, measuring distances for field setup, angles of ball travel

Science

Forces and motion in striking, trajectory and speed of ball flight, balance and leverage in batting stance

Geography

Directional language (left/right/forward/back), spatial awareness of field positions, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, leadership through coaching others, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move continuously between groups during activities, positioning at corners for maximum visibility of all batting areas

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical thinking in shot selection, technical improvement in striking, and quality of peer interactions

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggle with concept of intent, technique needs correction, or group dynamics become problematic

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show scanning field, vary own striking technique to demonstrate different shots, model positive coaching language

Verbal Cues

•'Look before you strike!'
•'Find the gaps!'
•'Think tactics!'
•'Help your teammate!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m outdoor area or large sports hall, clear of overhead obstacles

Surface Check

Level grass or indoor surface, free from holes, wet patches, or debris that could cause slips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check cricket bats for cracks, splinters, or loose handles before use
•Ensure tennis balls are not split or damaged
•Verify batting tees are stable and appropriate height
•Confirm cones are not cracked and have no sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body from batting
•Collisions between moving fielders
•Trips from equipment on ground
•Muscle strains from sudden movements

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established between groups with adequate spacing
•Fielders positioned safely behind targets until ball is struck
•Progressive skill building from stationary to moving ball
•Proper warm-up and cool-down routines implemented
•Teacher supervision focused on highest activity areas

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all batting areas simultaneously
•Monitor group rotations to ensure safe transitions
•Watch for fatigue affecting concentration and safety
•Intervene immediately if unsafe behaviour observed

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, seek additional help if required