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Lesson 7 - Cricket Game Roles and Strategies

Cricket Skills & Team Play

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Year 4

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Cricket

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51 min

Big Question

How can we use different cricket skills and tactics to work effectively as a team in a game?

Learning Objectives

To demonstrate competency in all four cricket roles: bowler, batter, wicket keeper and fielder
To apply fielding and batting strategies in game situations
To show understanding of fair play and cricket etiquette

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully play in all cricket positions with appropriate technique
Students will demonstrate improved accuracy in throwing, catching and bowling
Students will show understanding of team tactics and honest gameplay

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Used for boundaries, wickets, and running markers

Alternative: Markers, bibs, chalk marks

Cricket Equipment

Size 4 or 5 cricket bats appropriate for Year 4

Alternative: Tennis rackets, mini cricket bats, rounders bats

Cricket Wickets

Portable stumps or improvised wickets

Alternative: Cones, skittles, plastic bottles

Tennis Balls

Softer balls for safety while maintaining bounce

Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls, bean bags

Key Vocabulary

Bowler

The player who delivers the ball towards the wickets to try to get the batter out

Batter

The player who tries to hit the ball and score runs for their team

Wicket keeper

The fielder positioned behind the wickets who catches the ball and tries to stump batters

Fielder

Players positioned around the field who try to catch or stop the ball

Stumped out

When the wicket keeper breaks the wickets with the ball while the batter is running

Caught out

When a fielder catches the ball before it touches the ground

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of cricket equipment
Knowledge of cricket pitch layout
Basic batting and bowling techniques

Current Skills

Playing in all four cricket positions effectively
Using tactical awareness in fielding positions
Demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship
Quick transition between offensive and defensive roles

Next Steps

Advanced cricket tactics and field placement
Competitive cricket matches with official rules
Leadership roles in team organisation
Analysis of professional cricket strategies

Milestone Indicators

Student can explain their role in each cricket position

Student demonstrates accurate throwing under pressure

Student shows good decision-making during gameplay

Student encourages teammates and plays honestly

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise watching the ball at all times during catching and batting
Develop quick communication between fielders for effective teamwork
Focus on fair play and honest decision-making throughout games
Build accuracy in throwing before increasing speed or distance
Encourage tactical thinking about field placement and shot selection
Reinforce the importance of each position in team success
Promote positive encouragement and support between teammates

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking only catching ability matters for fielding - correct by emphasising quick ball retrieval and accurate throwing
Belief that batters should always hit the ball as hard as possible - teach placement and timing over power
Assumption that wicket keeper just stands behind stumps - explain active role in directing field and quick stumping
Thinking that bowling is just throwing hard - emphasise accuracy and the one-bounce rule
Students believing individual skill is more important than teamwork - reinforce how positions work together

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, regular position changes, additional movement breaks

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, extra practice time, simplified movement patterns initially

autism spectrum

Clear structured routines, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet zones available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of all actions, partner buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for key information

physical disability

Modified equipment (larger bats, softer balls), adapted distances, seated or supported positions

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting runs and scores, measuring distances for field setup, timing activities and calculating averages

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, friction between ball and surfaces, reaction times and reflexes

Geography

Understanding directions and spatial relationships on cricket field, mapping field positions

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions during competition, showing respect for opponents and officials

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during practice, central position during demonstrations and discussions

Observation Focus

Watch for accurate technique, safe play, tactical understanding and positive team dynamics

Intervention Points

Step in for safety concerns, technique corrections, or to resolve disputes about rules

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements when showing techniques. Involve students in demonstrations when possible to maintain engagement

Verbal Cues

•'Watch the ball all the way to your hands!'
•'Quick feet to get behind the ball!'
•'Think about where to place your shot!'
•'Communicate with your teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear playing area for multiple cricket games

Surface Check

Flat, even surface free from stones, holes or wet patches

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis balls are in good condition without splits
•Ensure cricket bats are appropriate size with no cracks
•Verify wickets are stable and safe to run past

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions between runners and fielders
•Trips over equipment or boundary markers

Risk Mitigation

•Use soft tennis balls instead of hard cricket balls
•Clear running lanes with adequate spacing between games
•Establish stop signals for immediate safety
•Regular reminders about spatial awareness

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all cricket games
•Monitor throwing technique to prevent dangerous deliveries
•Watch for fatigue affecting concentration

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid or call for support