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Lesson 4 - Retrieving and Returning the Ball

Tactical Cricket Strategies

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Year 4

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Cricket

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50 min

Big Question

How can we work as a team to prevent batters from scoring runs by retrieving and returning the ball quickly and accurately?

Learning Objectives

To develop effective techniques for retrieving the ball when fielding
To learn how to return the ball accurately using overarm throwing
To understand the importance of quick ball retrieval in preventing runs

Key Outcomes

Students will retrieve the ball efficiently and return it accurately to the wicketkeeper or bowler
Students will demonstrate improved overarm throwing technique over longer distances
Students will work as a team to keep the batting team's score as low as possible

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

1 per group of 6 (5 total)

Check balls are in good condition and age-appropriate

Alternative: Tennis balls or rounders balls for safety

Cricket Stumps

1 set per group (5 sets total)

Position stumps at appropriate heights for Year 4

Alternative: Cones or markers to represent wickets

Sun Markers

20-30 cones

Clearly mark fielding zones and running areas

Alternative: Rope, chalk lines, or other visible markers

Measuring Tapes

For setting consistent distances between activities

Alternative: Marked distances using cones

Key Vocabulary

Retrieve

To go and collect the ball quickly when it has been hit by the batter

Overarm throw

A throwing technique where the arm goes over the shoulder for power and distance

Wicketkeeper

The fielder who stands behind the stumps to collect the ball

Run out

When a fielder breaks the stumps with the ball before the batter reaches the crease

Fielding zone

The designated area where fielders must start before the ball is bowled

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of cricket rules and positions
Fundamental throwing and catching skills
Experience with simple striking and fielding games

Current Skills

Efficient ball retrieval techniques
Overarm throwing with accuracy and power
Quick decision-making in fielding situations

Next Steps

Advanced fielding positions and tactics
Wicketkeeping skills
Bowling techniques and strategies

Milestone Indicators

Students consistently pick up ball with throwing hand

Ball reaches target area 8 out of 10 times

Teams reduce opposition scoring through quick fielding

Key Teaching Points

Always pick up the ball with your throwing hand to save time
Run directly to where the ball is going, not where it has been
Use overarm throwing for power and accuracy over distance
Quick ball retrieval and return prevents batters from scoring runs
Fielding is a team effort requiring communication and cooperation
Position yourself strategically within the fielding zone
Focus on accuracy rather than power when returning the ball

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking they should chase behind the ball rather than anticipate its path
Believing underarm throwing is acceptable for all distances in cricket
Assuming fielding is less important than batting in cricket
Thinking individual brilliance is more important than teamwork
Misunderstanding that quick ball retrieval directly impacts game outcomes

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries and expectations, regular movement breaks

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, larger equipment for easier handling

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet reflection space available

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of field layout, buddy system for positioning

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written strategy cards

physical disability

Adapted throwing techniques, seated fielding positions, modified distances and timing

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating scoring systems, measuring distances for fielding zones, angles for throwing accuracy

Science

Forces and motion in ball trajectory, reaction times and coordination, energy transfer in throwing

Geography

Understanding direction and positioning, spatial awareness, mapping field positions

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration, resilience when facing challenges, respect for opponents and teammates

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups to provide individual coaching while maintaining overview of whole class

Observation Focus

Watch for proper pickup technique, throwing accuracy, teamwork and understanding of tactical objectives

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggle with overarm throwing, if competitive spirit becomes negative, or if safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for skill demonstrations, involve students in demonstrations where appropriate, always link demonstrations to game application

Verbal Cues

•'Pick up with throwing hand!'
•'Run to where the ball is going!'
•'Quick return to the wicketkeeper!'
•'Work as a team!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m outdoor space or large sports hall

Surface Check

Even surface free from holes, wet patches or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check cricket balls are not damaged or too hard for age group
•Ensure stumps are securely positioned and appropriate height
•Verify bats are correct size and in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to body or head
•Collisions between students running
•Slips and falls during quick direction changes
•Overexertion during competitive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Use softer cricket balls or tennis balls for practice
•Establish clear running paths and boundaries
•Teach proper ball handling to avoid fumbling
•Monitor competitive activities to prevent overexcitement

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups simultaneously
•Move between groups during activities
•Watch for fatigue and adjust intensity accordingly

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if required