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Lesson 2 - Running Between the Wickets

Role-Specific Skills

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Year 4

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Cricket

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45 min

Big Question

How can we work as a batting partnership to score runs safely and effectively?

Learning Objectives

To anticipate when to run to score singles in cricket
To work effectively with a partner to score runs between wickets
To develop techniques to avoid being run out when running between wickets

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate decision-making skills when choosing to run or wait
Students will show effective communication with batting partners
Students will execute safe running techniques between wickets

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

15 (1 per 2 students)

Distributed at batting stations around the activity area

Alternative: Tennis rackets, rounders bats

Tennis Balls

6 balls per group station

Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls for safety

Cones

Used for wickets, creases, and boundary markers

Alternative: Markers, witches hats

Cricket Stumps

12 sets

2 sets per group of 6 students

Alternative: Cones, skittles, posts

Measuring Tapes

For setting correct pitch distances (15-20 metres)

Alternative: Pre-measured rope

Key Vocabulary

Crease

The line marked on the ground that batters must reach to be safe when running

Run out

When a batter is dismissed because the wickets are broken before they reach the crease

Singles

Scoring one run by running from one end of the pitch to the other

Grounding

Placing bat or foot securely behind the crease line to be safe

Calling

Verbal communication between batting partners about whether to run

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of cricket batting stance and grip
Knowledge of cricket field positions and basic rules
Experience hitting a stationary ball from a cone

Current Skills

Decision-making for when to attempt runs
Communication between batting partners
Running technique between wickets
Understanding of run out rules and crease positioning

Next Steps

Batting against moving bowled balls
Advanced running strategies including calling for twos
Field placement and tactical bowling

Milestone Indicators

Quick reaction to running opportunities

Clear and confident communication with partner

Consistent grounding of bat or foot in the crease

Understanding of when NOT to run

Key Teaching Points

The striking batter always makes the decision to run or wait
Communication must be immediate, clear and loud enough for partner to hear
Watch where the ball goes before making any running decision
Grounding technique requires bat or foot to touch ground behind the crease
Running between wickets requires commitment - run through, don't slow down near crease
Fielders must hit the wickets with the ball to achieve a run out
Good partnerships involve constant communication and mutual support

Common Misconceptions

Thinking the non-striking batter can make running decisions - correct this by emphasising striker's responsibility
Believing that reaching the crease line is sufficient - demonstrate that grounding behind the line is essential
Assuming any fielder contact with wickets constitutes a run out - clarify that ball must hit wickets
Thinking communication is only needed when running - emphasise that 'WAIT' calls are equally important
Believing that slowing down near the crease is safer - explain that commitment to running through is more effective

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear physical boundaries, regular positive feedback and encouragement

dyspraxia

Larger, softer equipment, reduced complexity in initial stages, extra practice time for techniques

autism spectrum

Clear routines and structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet reflection zones available

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured cones for creases, verbal descriptions of field positions, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual signals for running decisions, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards

physical disability

Seated batting options, modified running distances, adapted equipment for easier grip

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Clear verbal communication, following and giving instructions, descriptive vocabulary

Maths

Counting runs scored, measuring pitch distances, calculating team totals and averages

Science

Forces and motion in ball travel, friction affecting running surfaces, reaction times

Geography

Understanding field positions and spatial awareness, directions and movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and communication skills, resilience when facing challenges, fair play values

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position allowing view of all groups, move between stations during skill development

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grounding technique, clear communication, and safe running practices

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with decision-making or if safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for key techniques - grounding, calling, and ready positions

Verbal Cues

•'Watch the ball placement!'
•'Ground that bat safely!'
•'Clear calling - YES or WAIT!'
•'Run through the crease!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m area, clear of obstacles, multiple pitch areas possible

Surface Check

Flat, dry surface suitable for running, free from holes or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Cricket bats checked for damage and appropriate size
•Soft tennis balls used to minimise injury risk
•Wickets securely positioned and stable

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between runners and fielders
•Ball strikes during fielding activities
•Trips and falls while running at speed
•Bat strikes during swing actions

Risk Mitigation

•Clear running lanes established with adequate space
•Soft balls used throughout to reduce impact injuries
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
•Clear safety boundaries and activity zones marked

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all active groups simultaneously
•Monitor high-activity areas during running between wickets
•Check student understanding of safety rules before activities begin

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, apply appropriate first aid, contact school office if needed