Lesson 5 - Striking with Intent
Team Tactics & Strategy
•Year 3
•Cricket
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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
Check bat weight is appropriate for Year 3 students
Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis rackets for smaller students
Ensure balls are in good condition and appropriate bounce
Alternative: Foam balls, softer cricket balls
Adjust height to students' waist level
Alternative: Traffic cones with tennis balls balanced on top
Bright colours for clear visibility
Alternative: Markers, hoops, small goals
Position 10 metres from batting area
Alternative: Cones, bean bags, spots
Different colours for batting teams and fielders
Alternative: Coloured bands, team identifiers
Key Vocabulary
Striking the ball with a specific purpose and direction in mind
Players positioned around the field to stop and catch the ball
Specific areas marked by cones that batters aim to hit through
A stand that holds the ball stationary for easier striking
How to hold the bat correctly for safe and effective striking
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
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