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Lesson 4 - Wicket Running & Bowling

Progressive Skill Integration

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Year 4

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Cricket

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1h 11min

Big Question

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

Cricket Equipment

12-15 bats

Check balls for damage, ensure appropriate hardness for age group

Alternative: Tennis balls, soft-touch balls for safety

Cricket Stumps

4 sets (12 stumps total)

Secure firmly in ground, appropriate height for Year 4

Alternative: Cones, skittles, or marked targets

Chalk

4-6 pieces

Use to mark clear crease lines on playing surface

Alternative: Cones to mark lines, spray paint for permanent lines

Gloves

6 pairs

Ensure correct size fit, check for damage

Alternative: Gardening gloves, no gloves for soft balls

Key Vocabulary

Crease

The line marking the safe area for batsmen - must ground bat behind this line

Non-striking batsman

The batsman at the opposite end who is not facing the current ball

Calling

Verbal communication between batting partners: 'Yes', 'No', 'Wait'

Chase and retrieve

Fielding technique of quickly collecting and returning the ball

Wicket keeper

The fielder behind the stumps who collects the ball

Seam

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

Clear, confident calling between wickets

Consistent bowling accuracy under pressure

Effective partnership communication

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