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Lesson 8 - Mini Cricket Game Application

Cricket Skills & Team Play

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Year 4

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Cricket

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49 min

Big Question

How can we combine all our cricket skills to play as an effective team?

Learning Objectives

To apply fielding skills effectively in a game situation
To hit the ball strategically to help the team score runs
To demonstrate fair play and sportsmanship throughout the game

Key Outcomes

Students will use a variety of fielding techniques appropriately during gameplay
Students will make tactical decisions about where to hit the ball
Students will show respect and honesty during competitive play

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

Check for cracks or splinters before use

Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis rackets for lighter option

Cricket Wickets

10 sets

Ensure wickets are stable and won't fall over easily

Alternative: Cones or posts with cricket stumps drawn on

Tennis Balls

Check balls are properly inflated and not split

Alternative: Foam balls for safety, incrediball for beginners

Tees

Adjust height to suit different student sizes

Alternative: Traffic cones or plastic plant pots

Sun Markers

20 cones

Create clear boundaries for playing areas

Alternative: Rope, chalk lines on hard surface

Key Vocabulary

Fielder

A player who tries to catch or retrieve the ball to prevent runs

Batter

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

Bowler

The player who delivers the ball towards the wickets

Wicket keeper

The player positioned behind the wickets to catch the ball and stump batters

Sportsmanship

Playing fairly, honestly and with respect for opponents

Short barrier

A fielding technique using foot behind hand to stop rolling balls

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching techniques
Underarm and overarm bowling actions
Two-handed pick up and short barrier techniques
Understanding of cricket positions and roles

Current Skills

Applying fielding skills under game pressure
Strategic batting to score runs
Understanding game tactics and roles
Demonstrating sportsmanship and fair play

Next Steps

Advanced fielding positions and tactics
More complex batting techniques
Team strategy and communication
Officiating and umpiring skills

Milestone Indicators

Selects appropriate fielding technique without prompting

Consistently hits ball away from fielders

Takes on leadership role in promoting fair play

Explains tactical decisions during gameplay

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise fair play and honest decision-making throughout all activities
Connect each skill practice to its use in real game situations
Encourage supportive communication between team members
Focus on improvement and effort rather than just winning
Ensure all students experience success in at least one cricket role
Build confidence through progressive skill development
Promote tactical thinking about batting placement and field positions

Common Misconceptions

Thinking cricket is only about hitting the ball hard rather than placing it strategically
Believing that being 'out' means you've failed rather than it being part of the game
Not understanding that fielding is as important as batting in team success
Assuming that cricket rules are too complex for primary age students
Thinking that sportsmanship is less important than winning
Believing that only naturally sporty students can succeed at cricket

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback, movement breaks as needed

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier catching, reduced complexity of movements, extra practice time, step-by-step instruction

autism spectrum

Clear routine and structure, visual timetable of activities, quiet area available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, verbal description of field positions, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all skills, clear hand signals for instructions, written rules displayed

physical disability

Seated batting option, modified throwing distances, lightweight equipment, adapted rules as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting runs and balls bowled, measuring distances, calculating team scores and statistics

Science

Forces when hitting and throwing, friction affecting ball movement, balance and coordination

Geography

Understanding field positions and spatial relationships, directions and angles

PSHE

Teamwork, leadership, resilience, managing emotions during competition, respect for others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around different groups during practice, central position during game to observe all students

Observation Focus

Watch for correct technique application, fair play, and tactical understanding

Intervention Points

Step in if technique is unsafe, if disputes arise, or if students need encouragement

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for skill demonstrations, involve students in showing good examples

Verbal Cues

•'Remember opposite foot forward!'
•'Watch the ball all the way!'
•'Great sportsmanship there!'
•'Think about where to place that hit!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor area or large sports hall, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Level, dry surface free from holes, stones or other hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check cricket bats for cracks or splinters before use
•Ensure balls are not split or damaged
•Verify wickets are stable and won't fall over easily
•Test batting tees for stability if using

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions between players
•Trips from equipment or uneven surface
•Bat strikes during batting practice

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between groups
•Emphasis on looking where throwing/hitting
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Constant supervision during batting activities
•Use of softer balls (tennis balls) rather than cricket balls

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all groups during paired batting
•Monitor batting technique to ensure safety
•Watch for fatigue affecting concentration
•Be alert during transitions between activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school office if serious injury