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Lesson 6 - Cricket Skills in Pairs

Tactical Cricket Strategies

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Year 4

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Cricket

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Big Question

How can we use our cricket skills strategically to outwit opponents in competitive games?

Learning Objectives

Apply developed batting, bowling and fielding skills in competitive game situations
Demonstrate tactical awareness when batting and fielding to outwit opponents
Work collaboratively in teams to achieve shared objectives while maintaining fair play

Key Outcomes

Students will consolidate their cricket skills through pairs competition games
Students will demonstrate strategic thinking when batting and fielding
Students will show improved teamwork and communication during competitive play

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

1 per pair (15)

Ensure appropriate bat size for each student's height

Alternative: Tennis rackets, rounders bats for smaller hands

Tennis Balls

2 per group of 8 students (8 balls total)

Check balls are not too bouncy for indoor use

Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls for safety

Rackets

1 set per group + 4 spares

Position wickets 20 metres apart for Year 4

Alternative: Cones, plastic bottles, or painted targets on walls

Sun Markers

8 cones per playing area

Create clear boundaries appropriate to space available

Alternative: Rope, painted lines, or natural boundaries

Tees

2 (for differentiation)

Height adjustable for different student heights

Alternative: Traffic cones, adjustable tee stands

Scorecards

1 per group (4)

Laminated cards with wipeable markers work well

Alternative: Whiteboard, digital scoring app, or simple tally sheets

Key Vocabulary

Pairs Cricket

A modified cricket game played between pairs of students, with each pair taking turns to bat, bowl and field

Tactical Batting

Choosing where and how to hit the ball based on fielder positions to score maximum runs

Strategic Fielding

Positioning fielders and planning bowling to prevent the batting pair from scoring runs

Overarm Bowling

Bowling technique where the arm moves over the shoulder in a windmill motion for increased speed and bounce

Run Out

When fielders return the ball to the wickets before the batter reaches the crease safely

Wicketkeeper

The fielder positioned behind the wickets who catches balls and attempts run outs

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic underarm bowling technique and accuracy
Striking the ball with intent using correct grip and stance
Fundamental fielding positions and catching technique
Understanding of basic cricket rules and scoring

Current Skills

Strategic application of batting skills in competitive situations
Tactical fielding placement and communication
Bowling variation for competitive advantage
Team collaboration and problem-solving during games

Next Steps

Advanced batting techniques including overarm bowling defence
Complex fielding strategies and position rotation
Leadership roles in organising and officiating games
Introduction to 11-a-side cricket formations and tactics

Milestone Indicators

Students consistently make tactical decisions based on field placement

Teams communicate effectively to prevent runs and take wickets

Students adapt their techniques based on game situation

Strong collaborative play with partners supporting each other's strengths

Key Teaching Points

Tactical awareness is as important as technical skill in cricket
Communication between teammates is essential for successful fielding
Observation of opponent positioning leads to better batting decisions
Fair play and sportsmanship enhance everyone's enjoyment of cricket
Practice and persistence lead to improvement in all cricket skills
Cricket involves both individual skills and team collaboration
Adaptation during games shows advanced understanding of cricket tactics

Common Misconceptions

Cricket is only about hitting the ball hard - actually placement and timing are more important
Getting out means you stop playing - in pairs cricket you continue but lose runs
Fielders should all stand close to the batter - strategic positioning covers more area effectively
Bowling fast is always better - accuracy and variation are more effective
Only batters can affect the score - fielders have equal impact through preventing runs
Cricket is too complicated for Year 4 - simplified versions develop real understanding

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break games into shorter segments, provide clear role definitions, regular movement breaks between batting

dyspraxia

Use larger, softer balls, provide additional practice time, modify grip techniques, allow batting from tee if needed

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of rotations, quiet spaces available if needed, consistent routines for game setup

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of field layout, assign sighted guide for movement between wickets

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for game starts/stops, written rule cards available, ensure face-to-face communication for instructions

physical disability

Modify batting stance as needed, allow seated fielding positions, use larger or lighter equipment, adjust pitch distances

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Developing sports vocabulary, explaining tactics and strategies, listening to instructions and rules

Maths

Calculating scores, measuring distances between wickets, timing overs and rotations, collecting and interpreting game statistics

Science

Understanding forces when bowling and batting, trajectory of ball flight, effect of surface on ball bounce and movement

Geography

Understanding field positions and spatial awareness, mapping different cricket grounds and playing conditions around the world

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration, dealing with competitive pressure, showing resilience when not successful, celebrating others' achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position allowing observation of all groups, move around to provide support and coaching

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical decision-making, skill application under pressure, and positive collaboration between pairs

Intervention Points

Step in to clarify rules, resolve conflicts, provide technique tips, or address safety concerns

Demonstration Notes

Use students as examples of good play, stop games briefly to highlight tactical successes, demonstrate techniques during natural breaks

Verbal Cues

•'Look where the fielders are standing before you hit!'
•'Communicate with your partner about field placement!'
•'Remember to bowl accurately to put pressure on batters!'
•'Excellent sportsmanship - that's what cricket is about!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m for 4 groups, or adapt to available space with shorter pitches

Surface Check

Level, dry surface free from holes or obstacles that could cause tripping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check bats for cracks or splinters
•Ensure balls are appropriate softness for age group
•Verify wickets are stable and won't cause injury if knocked over

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Being hit by ball during play
•Collision between players running between wickets
•Tripping over equipment or boundaries
•Overexertion during competitive play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries between playing groups
•Soft tennis balls rather than hard cricket balls
•Supervision of all groups during play
•Regular reminders about awareness of others

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all four playing groups
•Move between groups to monitor safety and rule following
•Watch for any signs of overexertion or conflict

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students are supervised and calm