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Lesson 1 - Batting Tactics and Shot Selection

Advanced Strategies & Team Play

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Year 5

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Cricket

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Big Question

How can we use tactical batting to outwit the opposition and score maximum runs?

Learning Objectives

Refine batting technique with tactical awareness of field placement
Develop decision-making skills when selecting shots and running between wickets
Apply pressure to fielders through intelligent batting choices

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate tactical batting by directing the ball away from fielders
Students will make effective decisions about when and where to run
Students will communicate effectively with their batting partner

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

8-10

Various sizes available, check grip and weight

Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis racquets

Tennis Balls

6-8

Ensure balls are in good condition for consistent bounce

Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls

Cricket Stumps

4 sets

Set up at appropriate height for Year 5

Alternative: Cones, skittles

Sun Markers

20-25

Mark clear boundaries and running targets

Alternative: Sports spots, chalk lines

Tees

4-6

Available for differentiation support

Alternative: Traffic cones with tennis balls

Key Vocabulary

Shot Selection

Choosing the appropriate batting stroke based on the ball delivery and field positions

Field Placement

The strategic positioning of fielders to prevent runs and take wickets

Running Between Wickets

The skill of judging when to run and communicating with your partner

Tactical Batting

Using skill and intelligence to score runs while minimising risk

Pressure Batting

Putting fielders under stress by forcing them to make quick, accurate returns

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic batting grip and stance from Year 4
Understanding of cricket scoring system
Basic fielding positions and roles

Current Skills

Tactical shot selection based on field placement
Communication with batting partner
Decision-making under pressure

Next Steps

Advanced batting techniques (cut, pull shots)
Team captaincy and leadership skills
Complex tactical planning

Milestone Indicators

Consistently hitting ball away from fielders

Making quick running decisions

Effective partner communication

Key Teaching Points

Tactical awareness is more important than power in cricket batting
Communication between batting partners prevents run-outs and maximises scoring
Field placement directly influences shot selection decisions
Quick decision-making under pressure is a crucial cricket skill
Leadership and encouragement build stronger teams
Adaptation to changing game situations shows cricket intelligence
Risk assessment in running decisions prevents unnecessary dismissals

Common Misconceptions

Hitting harder always scores more runs - correct with tactical placement examples
Always run when you hit the ball - teach selective running based on fielding
Fielders should spread out evenly - show tactical field settings
Communication slows you down - demonstrate how it prevents run-outs
Only the striker makes running decisions - emphasise partnership responsibility
Same tactics work against all field positions - show adaptation necessity

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular movement breaks built in, shorter activity periods, clear visual boundaries, positive reinforcement for focus

dyspraxia

Larger/lighter equipment options, extra practice time for skills, simplified instructions broken into small steps, celebrating effort over outcome

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet zone available if overwhelmed, consistent routines and predictable structure

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and equipment, provide detailed verbal descriptions of field positions, assign sighted partner for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for communication, written tactical instructions available, ensure good positioning to see teacher demonstrations

physical disability

Shorter batting tee available, reduced running distances, wheelchair-accessible fielding positions, modified equipment as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating run totals, measuring distances between targets, angles of bat placement, probability of successful runs

Science

Forces in batting - angle of bat affects ball direction, friction between ball and ground, momentum in running

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, mapping field positions, understanding of distance and direction

PSHE

Leadership and responsibility as team captain, supporting teammates, making decisions under pressure, resilience when tactics fail

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position allowing view of all groups, move between activities to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical thinking evidence, quality of communication between partners, adaptation to changing game situations

Intervention Points

Step in when safety compromised, when tactical understanding unclear, or when communication breaks down

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show tactical concepts clearly, involve students in demonstrations as fielders and batters, emphasise thinking process not just physical execution

Verbal Cues

•'Look before you hit - where are the gaps?'
•'Communicate with your partner - yes, no, or wait!'
•'Think chess not checkers - outmanoeuvre them!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

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

Surface Check

Dry, even surface with no holes or obstacles that could cause trips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all bats for splinters or cracks before use
•Ensure balls are appropriate softness for indoor/outdoor use
•Verify wickets are stable and won't topple easily

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions between running batters and fielders
•Trips and falls during running
•Bat strikes during swing follow-through

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise controlled bowling/rolling speeds only
•Clear running lanes marked to avoid collisions
•Safe spacing between batting groups (minimum 15m)
•No overarm bowling without proper supervision

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for overview of all batting areas
•Watch for safe bat handling and storage
•Monitor running areas for potential collisions

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately on whistle, assess any injury, apply appropriate first aid, contact school office if required