Lesson 6 - Fielding Skills & Tactics
Progressive Skill Integration
•Year 4
•Cricket
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
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
Distributed around area perimeter for easy collection
Alternative: Bean bags or rounders balls for safety
Positioned 8 metres apart for wicket practice
Alternative: Traffic cones or markers
Sized appropriately for Year 4 hands
Alternative: Regular gloves or bare hands
Positioned in corners for self-assessment activity
Alternative: Coloured bibs or markers
For marking 5m and 8m distances accurately
Alternative: Paced distances or visual markers
Key Vocabulary
Supporting a fielder by positioning behind them to collect the ball if they miss it
The fielder who stands behind the stumps and collects the ball
The line that batsmen must reach to be safe from being run out
When a batsman is dismissed by having the stumps broken before reaching the crease
The strategic positioning of fielders around the cricket field
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
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