Lesson 4 - Wicket Running & Bowling
Progressive Skill Integration
•Year 4
•Cricket
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How can effective communication and accurate bowling skills create successful cricket partnerships?
Learning Objectives
- To bat successfully with a partner using clear communication
- To bowl with increasing accuracy and consistency
- To understand and apply appropriate calling techniques when running between wickets
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate effective batting partnerships through clear communication
- Students will show improved bowling accuracy and technique
- Students will apply correct calling rules and positioning when running between wickets
Equipment & Resources Required
Check balls for damage, ensure appropriate hardness for age group
Alternative: Tennis balls, soft-touch balls for safety
Secure firmly in ground, appropriate height for Year 4
Alternative: Cones, skittles, or marked targets
Use to mark clear crease lines on playing surface
Alternative: Cones to mark lines, spray paint for permanent lines
Ensure correct size fit, check for damage
Alternative: Gardening gloves, no gloves for soft balls
Key Vocabulary
The line marking the safe area for batsmen - must ground bat behind this line
The batsman at the opposite end who is not facing the current ball
Verbal communication between batting partners: 'Yes', 'No', 'Wait'
Fielding technique of quickly collecting and returning the ball
The fielder behind the stumps who collects the ball
The raised stitching on a cricket ball used for grip when bowling
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic cricket grip and stance
- Simple bowling action
- Understanding of cricket field positions
Current Skills
- Running between wickets with communication
- Accurate bowling with consistent technique
- Partnership batting with role awareness
Next Steps
- Advanced batting shots and placement
- Tactical field placement decisions
- Match situation awareness and strategy
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Thumb underneath ball, fingers along seam for bowling grip
- Side-on position with high arm action for accurate bowling
- Non-striker faces bowler, ready to run with bat in one hand
- Striker calls when hitting ball, non-striker calls for balls behind wicket
- Bat must be grounded behind crease for safety
- Pick up ball on outside of foot for quick fielding
- Clear, loud communication essential for successful partnerships
Common Misconceptions
- Both batsmen should call at the same time - only one person calls per situation
- Bowling faster means more accurate - controlled technique is more important
- Non-striker should watch the ball instead of bowler - face bowler for better awareness
- Running is more important than grounding bat - safety at crease is essential
- Fielders should throw immediately - pick up cleanly first, then accurate throw
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear role definitions, regular positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Simplified movements initially, larger equipment, extra practice time for coordination
autism spectrum
- Clear structured routines, visual aids for game rules, quiet spaces available
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of field positions, tactile marking of creases
hearing impairment
- Visual signals for calling, written instructions, clear visual demonstrations
physical disability
- Adapted equipment sizes, modified distances, seated batting variations where appropriate
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication skills, listening and responding, following and giving instructions
Maths
Counting runs and overs, measuring distances between wickets, angles of bowling and fielding
Science
Forces in bowling and batting, projectile motion of ball, friction and grip concepts
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience in competitive situations, fair play and honesty
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between groups actively, position for maximum visibility of all activities
Observation Focus
Watch for correct technique application, communication quality, and safety compliance
Intervention Points
Step in when technique breaks down, safety is compromised, or learning stalls
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique demonstration, involve students in modelling good examples
Verbal Cues
- •'Bat over the line!'
- •'Call loudly and clearly!'
- •'Thumb underneath, fingers on seam!'
- •'Head still, arm over at 12 o'clock!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large outdoor area minimum 40m x 30m or school hall with adequate ceiling height
Surface Check
Even, dry surface free from holes or obstacles, suitable for running
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check cricket balls for damage and appropriate hardness
- •Ensure bats are correct size (4-5) and damage-free
- •Verify stumps are securely positioned
- •Check wicket keeping gloves fit properly
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Collisions during running between wickets
- •Trips and falls on uneven surface
- •Bat injuries during swinging motions
Risk Mitigation
- •Adequate spacing between playing groups (minimum 10m)
- •Clear running lanes marked for wicket running
- •Proper supervision of all batting activities
- •Use of appropriate protective equipment for wicket keepers
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all groups simultaneously
- •Monitor high-activity areas like batting and bowling
- •Ensure equipment is used safely and appropriately
- •Maintain awareness of student energy levels
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required