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Lesson 1 - Understanding Batting and Fielding

Team Tactics & Strategy

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Year 3

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Cricket

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45 min

Big Question

How do batting and fielding teams work together to create an exciting cricket match?

Learning Objectives

Understand the different objectives of batting and fielding teams
Develop basic striking and throwing skills in game situations
Learn how teamwork helps achieve team objectives in cricket

Key Outcomes

Students can explain the aims of batting and fielding teams
Students can demonstrate safe batting techniques and accurate throwing
Students understand how fielders work together to prevent runs

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

15 (1 per pair + spares)

Distributed around activity area perimeter

Alternative: Bean bags for students with catching difficulties

Dish Cones

Define running targets and field boundaries

Alternative: Spot markers or bean bags

Tees

Positioned at batting stations for higher ability students

Alternative: Traffic cones for ball placement

Large Soft Balls

Placed centrally for Crossfire activity

Alternative: Medicine balls or large bean bags

Key Vocabulary

Batting

The team trying to score points by striking the ball and running

Fielding

The team trying to stop the batting team from scoring points

Strike

To hit or throw the ball with purpose towards a target area

Run out

When fielders return the ball to the base before the batter gets back

Wicket keeper

Special fielder who stands behind the batting area to catch the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching from Year 2
Understanding of simple game rules
Basic spatial awareness in games

Current Skills

Distinguishing between batting and fielding objectives
Striking with intent towards spaces
Coordinated fielding to prevent scoring

Next Steps

Advanced batting techniques with cricket bat
Strategic field placement
Understanding cricket-specific rules

Milestone Indicators

Students can consistently identify team objectives

Striking shows clear intention towards space

Fielding demonstrates basic teamwork

Key Teaching Points

Batting teams aim to score points by striking ball into spaces and running
Fielding teams work together to prevent scoring by quick ball return
Accurate throwing is more effective than powerful throwing
Looking for spaces is key to successful batting
Communication and teamwork improve fielding effectiveness
Both teams have important but opposite objectives in cricket
Fair play and sportsmanship are essential in all cricket activities

Common Misconceptions

Thinking batting is only about hitting hard - correct by emphasising accuracy and placement
Believing fielding is just catching - show how throwing and teamwork are equally important
Assuming all team members do the same thing - explain different roles and responsibilities
Thinking cricket is too difficult for Year 3 - demonstrate with simplified versions building confidence
Believing winning is most important - emphasise learning, improvement and enjoyment

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity bursts, provide clear physical boundaries, offer regular positive feedback, allow movement breaks between explanations

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment for easier handling, reduce complexity of multi-step instructions, provide extra practice time, offer alternative striking methods

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, use visual schedule of lesson sections, offer quiet zones for breaks if needed, maintain consistent rules throughout

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of spatial layout, implement buddy system for guidance during activities

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and clear hand signals, provide written instructions on cards, ensure face-to-face communication for lip reading

physical disability

Offer seated batting options, modify throwing distances, provide larger/lighter equipment as needed, adapt running requirements

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting points scored, measuring throwing distances, understanding of spatial concepts and directions

Science

Forces in throwing and striking, understanding of motion and friction, observing how ball movement changes with different forces

Geography

Directional language (towards, away from, left, right), spatial awareness and mapping of field positions

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions in competitive situations, showing respect for opponents and teammates

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between team areas during games to observe and support all students equally

Observation Focus

Watch for understanding of team objectives, quality of striking/throwing technique, and effective teamwork

Intervention Points

Step in if students show confusion about batting vs fielding roles, unsafe equipment use, or poor sportsmanship

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements when showing techniques. Pause frequently to check understanding. Use students as positive examples when appropriate.

Verbal Cues

•'Batters - look for the spaces!'
•'Fielders - work together!'
•'Accuracy beats power!'
•'Help your team!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum sports hall size 20m x 30m with clear run-off areas for safe movement

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from water, equipment, or debris that could cause falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis balls are not split or damaged
•Ensure marker cones are stable and have no sharp edges
•Verify large balls are properly inflated but not over-pressurised

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face or body
•Collisions between students during active games
•Slips and falls during quick direction changes
•Overcrowding in ball collection areas

Risk Mitigation

•Clear throwing directions established and enforced
•Adequate spacing between teams maintained throughout
•Safe collection procedures taught and practiced
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear visibility of all team areas
•Monitor middle collection zone during Crossfire activity
•Watch for safe throwing technique throughout lesson

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, and contact office if further assistance needed