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Lesson 6 - Fielding Skills & Tactics

Progressive Skill Integration

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Year 4

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Cricket

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Big Question

How can I work as part of a fielding team to prevent runs and take wickets?

Learning Objectives

To back up fellow fielders effectively in the field
To demonstrate tactical awareness in competitive game situations
To play purposefully in a competitive game, taking on multiple roles

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to position themselves to support teammates in fielding
Students will show understanding of when to move and when to stay still in the field
Students will communicate effectively with teammates during fielding

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

Distributed around area perimeter for easy collection

Alternative: Bean bags or rounders balls for safety

Cricket Stumps

6 sets

Positioned 8 metres apart for wicket practice

Alternative: Traffic cones or markers

Gloves

6 pairs

Sized appropriately for Year 4 hands

Alternative: Regular gloves or bare hands

Coloured Cones

4 different colours

Positioned in corners for self-assessment activity

Alternative: Coloured bibs or markers

Measuring Tapes

For marking 5m and 8m distances accurately

Alternative: Paced distances or visual markers

Key Vocabulary

Backing up

Supporting a fielder by positioning behind them to collect the ball if they miss it

Wicket keeper

The fielder who stands behind the stumps and collects the ball

Crease

The line that batsmen must reach to be safe from being run out

Run out

When a batsman is dismissed by having the stumps broken before reaching the crease

Field placement

The strategic positioning of fielders around the cricket field

Tactical awareness

Understanding the game situation and making smart decisions

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic catching and throwing skills
Understanding of cricket basic rules
Experience with running between wickets
Basic bowling and batting techniques

Current Skills

Fielding positioning and backing up
Tactical awareness in game situations
Communication during fielding
Multiple role performance in cricket

Next Steps

Advanced fielding strategies
Captaincy and team leadership
Tournament play and competition
Specialist fielding positions

Milestone Indicators

Consistently backs up fielders without prompting

Calls clearly when going for catches

Demonstrates understanding of field positioning

Shows tactical thinking in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Backing up means positioning 3-4 metres behind the primary fielder to provide support
Call your name early and loudly when going for high catches to avoid collisions
Walk in with the bowler's run-up but stop moving when the ball is released
Keep hands ready in front of you in an athletic position when fielding
Communication between teammates is essential for effective fielding
Tactical awareness means understanding the game situation and positioning accordingly
Multiple roles in cricket require different skills but the same level of concentration

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: Backing up means standing right behind the fielder. Correction: Stand 3-4 metres back to have time to react
Misconception: You should keep moving throughout the bowler's delivery. Correction: Stop moving when the ball is released
Misconception: Only the wicket keeper needs to call for catches. Correction: Any fielder going for a catch should call clearly
Misconception: Fielding positions don't matter in Year 4 cricket. Correction: Good positioning helps the whole team succeed
Misconception: You only need to focus when the ball comes to you. Correction: Always be ready to back up teammates

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent position changes, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback, movement-based activities

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier catching, reduced throwing distances, extra practice time, simplified movements

autism spectrum

Clear routines for position changes, visual schedules for activities, quiet zones available if needed

visual impairment

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

hearing impairment

Visual signals for game starts/stops, demonstration-based teaching, written instruction cards

physical disability

Modified distances for fielding, seated wicket keeping option, adapted throwing techniques

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating runs and scores, measuring distances for field setup, timing activities

Science

Understanding forces in throwing and catching, studying trajectory of ball flight

Geography

Exploring cricket's global reach, mapping countries where cricket is played

PSHE

Teamwork, leadership, dealing with competition pressure, respecting opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position with visibility of all groups, move around to provide individual coaching

Observation Focus

Look for backing up positioning, communication quality, tactical awareness in games

Intervention Points

Step in to clarify rules, improve safety, provide technique coaching, manage competitive pressure

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for fielding positions, demonstrate timing of movements, show proper calling technique

Verbal Cues

•'Back up your teammate!'
•'Call your name for the catch!'
•'Walk in with the bowler!'
•'Watch the ball all the way!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large sports hall or outdoor area, minimum 30m x 20m per group of 6

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, clear of obstacles, appropriate cricket boundary markers

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check cricket balls are appropriate size and hardness for Year 4
•Ensure bats are correct size and weight for students
•Wickets or cones securely positioned and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes from simultaneous throwing
•Collisions during running between wickets
•Trips from equipment placement
•Overexertion during competitive games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing between practice groups
•Supervised throwing activities
•Progressive skill building before full games
•Clear equipment placement and storage

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups during games
•Monitor simultaneous catching activity closely
•Ensure safe technique in all cricket skills
•Watch for fatigue during extended activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, apply first aid as needed, contact school office if required