Lesson 5 - Striking Angles & Speeds
Tactical Cricket Strategies
•Year 4
•Cricket
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Check bat size is appropriate - should reach mid-thigh when standing
Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis rackets for adapted version
Use appropriate ball hardness for student confidence
Alternative: Foam balls for nervous students
Position 22 yards apart for authentic cricket experience
Alternative: Large cones, skittles
Place at various angles and distances from batting area
Alternative: Chalk marks, rope circles
For students needing support with moving ball
Alternative: Traffic cones with ball balanced on top
One per group for tracking runs and targets hit
Alternative: Laminated sheets with whiteboard markers
Key Vocabulary
Hitting the ball with the bat with purpose and control
A specific area or gap to aim the ball towards
Batting with a clear purpose and plan
Where fielders are standing on the field
Areas on the field where there are no fielders
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
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