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Lesson 5 - Striking Angles & Speeds

Tactical Cricket Strategies

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Year 4

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Cricket

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Big Question

How can we outwit fielders by choosing where and how to strike the ball?

Learning Objectives

Develop understanding of how, where and why to strike the ball to score runs
Learn to vary speed and direction when striking to outwit fielding teams
Build tactical awareness of field positioning and space identification

Key Outcomes

Students will strike the ball with intent towards specific targets
Students will demonstrate tactical decision-making when batting
Students will show improved control over ball direction and speed

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

6-8 (appropriate size for Year 4)

Check bat size is appropriate - should reach mid-thigh when standing

Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis rackets for adapted version

Softballs

12-15

Use appropriate ball hardness for student confidence

Alternative: Foam balls for nervous students

Rackets

6 sets

Position 22 yards apart for authentic cricket experience

Alternative: Large cones, skittles

Markers

15-20

Place at various angles and distances from batting area

Alternative: Chalk marks, rope circles

Tees

3-4

For students needing support with moving ball

Alternative: Traffic cones with ball balanced on top

Clipboards

One per group for tracking runs and targets hit

Alternative: Laminated sheets with whiteboard markers

Key Vocabulary

Striking

Hitting the ball with the bat with purpose and control

Target

A specific area or gap to aim the ball towards

Intent

Batting with a clear purpose and plan

Field Position

Where fielders are standing on the field

Space

Areas on the field where there are no fielders

Angle

The direction the ball travels when struck

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic bat holding technique
Simple striking of stationary ball
Understanding of runs and wickets

Current Skills

Striking moving balls with direction
Tactical decision making in batting
Reading field positions

Next Steps

Advanced batting techniques (drives, cuts)
Complex game situations and pressure batting
Leadership in team strategy

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact with moving ball

Clear evidence of tactical thinking

Successful targeting of spaces

Key Teaching Points

Tactical thinking is as important as physical skill in cricket
Target selection should always consider fielder positions
Communication between team members improves tactical success
Adaptation and flexibility are essential cricket skills
Both power and placement have roles in effective batting
Fielding teams can influence batting decisions through positioning
Practice and reflection lead to improved tactical awareness

Common Misconceptions

Hitting the ball hard is always better than hitting it accurately - explain that placement often beats power
Tactics are only for advanced players - show that even simple tactical thinking improves success
Fielders just stand anywhere - demonstrate how field positions are strategic choices
Cricket is too complicated for Year 4 - break down concepts into manageable learning steps
You need expensive equipment for good cricket - show adaptations using basic school equipment

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, use clear boundaries and signals, provide specific roles and responsibilities

dyspraxia

Use larger, softer balls, provide extra practice time for batting technique, simplify tactical concepts initially

autism spectrum

Provide clear routines for role rotations, use visual schedules for game structure, offer quiet zone if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and targets, provide clear verbal descriptions of field layout, assign sighted peer support

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for game starts/stops, provide written strategy cards, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Modify batting stance as needed, use lighter bats or batting tees, adjust target distances for accessibility

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Angles of ball travel, scoring calculations, distance estimation, data collection on target success rates

Science

Forces and motion in ball striking, trajectory and gravity effects, energy transfer from bat to ball

Geography

Field positions and spatial awareness, mapping strategies and formations

PSHE

Teamwork and communication, decision-making under pressure, resilience when facing challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during activities, positioned to see all students and intervene quickly if needed

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical thinking development, safe technique, and positive team interactions

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with tactical concepts, safety concerns arise, or negative behaviour impacts learning

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for all technique demonstrations, involve students in examples where possible

Verbal Cues

•'Think about the fielders!'
•'Choose your target first!'
•'Watch the ball!'
•'Great tactical thinking!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m area, ideally grass or artificial turf suitable for cricket

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or standing water

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all bats are appropriate size and in good condition
•Ensure balls are soft enough for year group but firm enough for realistic play
•Verify wickets/targets are stable and won't topple easily

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions between students during running or fielding
•Trips and falls on uneven ground
•Bat swings hitting other students

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established between different groups
•Adequate spacing maintained during all batting activities
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic situations
•Constant supervision during bat use
•Safe storage area for equipment when not in use

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor batting areas for safe swing zones
•Watch for signs of fatigue or loss of concentration
•Ensure fair play and positive interactions

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students remain calm and safe