Lesson 1 - Understanding Batting and Fielding
Team Tactics & Strategy
•Year 3
•Cricket
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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
Distributed around activity area perimeter
Alternative: Bean bags for students with catching difficulties
Define running targets and field boundaries
Alternative: Spot markers or bean bags
Positioned at batting stations for higher ability students
Alternative: Traffic cones for ball placement
Placed centrally for Crossfire activity
Alternative: Medicine balls or large bean bags
Key Vocabulary
The team trying to score points by striking the ball and running
The team trying to stop the batting team from scoring points
To hit or throw the ball with purpose towards a target area
When fielders return the ball to the base before the batter gets back
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
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