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Lesson 1 - Batting and Fielding Understanding

Tactical Cricket Strategies

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Year 4

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Cricket

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Big Question

How can we use tactical thinking to score runs when batting and prevent runs when fielding?

Learning Objectives

Develop understanding of batting tactics to score runs by striking into space
Understand fielding strategies to prevent batters from scoring runs
Apply cooperative skills to work effectively as batting partnerships and fielding teams

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate purposeful batting by directing the ball away from fielders
Students will show effective fielding through quick, accurate returns and strategic positioning
Students will work cooperatively in pairs during batting and as a team when fielding

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

1 per 4 students (shared in pairs)

Check bats are appropriate size for Year 4 students

Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis rackets for striking practice

Tennis Balls

1 per group of 8 students

Ensure balls are in good condition and appropriately soft

Alternative: Softer cricket balls, foam balls for safety

Rackets

2 sets per group of 8

Position wickets at appropriate distance for Year 4 (15-20 metres apart)

Alternative: Cones, skittles, or marked ground areas

Tees

2-3 for differentiation support

Available for students needing additional support with striking

Alternative: Cones with tennis balls balanced on top

Sun Markers

8-12 cones per playing area

Create clear playing area boundaries for each group

Alternative: Painted lines, rope boundaries

Key Vocabulary

Batting partnership

Two batters working together to score runs and support each other

Fielding position

Where fielders stand to best prevent runs and create chances to get batters out

Striking into space

Hitting the ball deliberately to areas where there are no fielders

Run out

When fielders return the ball to break the wicket before batters complete their run

Wicketkeeper

The fielder who stands behind the wicket to collect the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic striking skills with hand-eye coordination
Simple throwing and catching techniques
Understanding of taking turns and following rules
Experience with partner work activities

Current Skills

Tactical batting - striking with intent into space
Coordinated fielding with quick ball returns
Understanding game objectives for batting and fielding teams
Cooperative teamwork in competitive situations

Next Steps

Advanced bowling techniques including overarm delivery
Complex fielding positions and strategic placement
Understanding of cricket scoring systems and match formats
Leadership roles in organising team tactics

Milestone Indicators

Consistently strikes ball away from fielders rather than random hitting

Communicates effectively with batting partner about running opportunities

Positions themselves strategically when fielding to cover likely ball directions

Maintains positive attitude when getting out and supports teammates

Key Teaching Points

Batting success comes from placement and timing, not just power
Effective fielding requires teamwork, communication, and quick thinking
Tactical awareness develops through experience and reflection
Cooperation between batting partners is essential for success
Learning from mistakes is more important than avoiding them
Sportsmanship and fair play are as valuable as competitive success
Skills transfer between cricket and other striking and fielding games

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Hitting harder always scores more runs' - Correction: Controlled placement into space is more effective
Misconception: 'Fielders should all stand close to catch the ball' - Correction: Strategic positioning covers likely ball directions
Misconception: 'Good batters never get out' - Correction: Taking calculated risks is part of tactical batting
Misconception: 'Cricket is only about individual skills' - Correction: Teamwork and cooperation are fundamental to success
Misconception: 'You need to be naturally good at cricket to enjoy it' - Correction: Skills develop through practice and tactical understanding

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with clear transitions, movement opportunities between static positions, frequent positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls for easier catching, batting tees for consistent striking height, extra practice time for motor skills

autism spectrum

Clear, predictable routine structure, visual sequence cards showing activity order, quiet zones available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of field layout, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals and demonstrations, written instruction cards, ensure students can see teacher's face for lip reading

physical disability

Adapted equipment like lighter bats, closer wickets, seated batting positions, modified throwing distances

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Score calculation, addition and subtraction of runs, counting deliveries, measuring distances between wickets

Science

Forces in striking and throwing, trajectory of ball flight, reaction times and coordination

Geography

Understanding directions and spatial awareness, field positioning and movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing setbacks, communication skills and leadership

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move continuously between groups, spending 2-3 minutes observing each before moving on. Position where you can see multiple groups when possible.

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical understanding (shot placement, field positioning), cooperation (communication, support), and skill development (technique improvement)

Intervention Points

Step in when safety concerns arise, when groups need tactical guidance, or when conflicts need resolution. Allow students to problem-solve first.

Demonstration Notes

Use students as positive examples when possible. Demonstrate tactical concepts clearly. Show rather than just tell when explaining techniques.

Verbal Cues

•'Look where the fielders are before you strike!'
•'Quick return to the wickets!'
•'Talk to your partner!'
•'Cover the space!'
•'Controlled swing, watch the ball!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m playing area per group of 8 students, with 5m safety buffer between groups

Surface Check

Flat, even grass or playground surface free from holes, stones, or other hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check cricket bats for cracks or splinters before use
•Ensure tennis balls are not too hard - softer alternatives for safety
•Verify wickets are stable and won't topple easily
•Confirm batting tees are height-appropriate and stable

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head, body, or fingers
•Collisions between students during running or fielding
•Tripping over equipment or uneven surfaces
•Bat swings hitting other students or equipment

Risk Mitigation

•Clear safety boundaries established for each group
•Students reminded to check surroundings before batting
•Fielders maintain safe distance from batter
•Controlled bowling pace appropriate for age group
•Equipment stored safely when not in use

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups simultaneously
•Monitor batting technique to ensure controlled swings
•Watch for overcrowding around ball during fielding
•Check communication between batters to prevent collisions

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately with whistle signal, assess injury severity, apply appropriate first aid, contact school office if required