🏏

Lesson 5 - Batting Tactics and Shot Selection

Advanced Strategies & Team Play

•

Year 5

•

Cricket

•

Big Question

How can we use tactical thinking to outwit fielders and score runs more effectively?

Learning Objectives

Refine batting techniques to direct the ball away from fielders
Create and apply batting tactics based on game scenarios
Understand how game situations affect batting approach and shot selection

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved shot placement and direction
Students will adapt their batting strategy based on field positions
Students will show tactical awareness in different game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

15 (1 per 2 students)

Check for correct size and condition before lesson

Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis rackets

Tennis Balls

8 balls per game area

Use softer balls for safety with this age group

Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls

Rackets

4 sets (stumps and bails)

Position securely to avoid injury from falling

Alternative: Cones, skittles, markers

Cones

20 for boundaries and markers

Bright colours for clear visibility

Alternative: Markers, bibs laid flat

Tees

4 for differentiation

Available for students needing additional support

Alternative: Traffic cones, improvised stands

Clipboards

4 for scoring practice

Simple scoring sheets appropriate for age group

Alternative: Paper and pencils, whiteboard

Key Vocabulary

Shot Selection

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

Field Placement

The positioning of fielders to prevent runs and create dismissal opportunities

Batting Partnership

Two batters working together to score runs and build an innings

Game Scenario

The current match situation that influences tactical decisions

Tactical Batting

Using strategy and planning to score runs effectively against different bowling and fielding

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic batting stance and grip
Fundamental striking technique
Understanding of basic cricket rules

Current Skills

Advanced shot placement and direction
Tactical decision making in batting
Reading field positions and adapting

Next Steps

Advanced batting strokes (cuts, pulls, drives)
Partnership batting strategies
Match situation management

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball-bat contact with direction

Evidence of tactical thinking in shot selection

Adaptation of technique based on field settings

Key Teaching Points

Shot selection must match field positions - always look for gaps before playing
Communication between batting partners is crucial for tactical success
Game scenarios change batting approach - adapt tactics to match objectives
Quality technique enables tactical options - work on basics to unlock strategy
Fielding teams create batting challenges - read their plans and respond
Risk assessment in batting - weigh potential runs against chance of dismissal
Team tactics require individual responsibility and collective thinking

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Hit every ball as hard as possible' - Correction: Emphasise placement and timing over power
Misconception: 'Always try to hit boundaries' - Correction: Explain value of singles and tactical batting
Misconception: 'Field positions don't matter' - Correction: Demonstrate direct connection between field position and shot selection
Misconception: 'Batting is individual skill only' - Correction: Show importance of partnerships and team tactics
Misconception: 'Same technique works in all situations' - Correction: Explain adaptation based on game scenarios

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear tactical objectives, use immediate feedback and positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Use larger, softer balls for easier contact, provide additional practice time, break complex tactics into simple steps

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure to tactical activities, visual tactical cards, predictable routines with advance notice of changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of field positions, pair with sighted guide partner

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for communication, written tactical cards for reference

physical disability

Modify batting technique for seated/supported positions, use lighter bats or alternative equipment, adjust playing area size

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Forces in batting - push, pull, trajectory; physics of ball flight and bounce; biomechanics of efficient movement

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions, mapping field positions, understanding of angles and positioning

PSHE

Team cooperation, leadership skills, decision-making under pressure, respect for opponents and officials

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly between groups to observe tactical application and provide immediate feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for evidence of tactical thinking, shot selection improvement, and team communication

Intervention Points

Step in when safety concerns arise, tactical understanding needs clarification, or conflict resolution needed

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate shots and tactics clearly, use students as positive examples, maintain enthusiasm for tactical thinking

Verbal Cues

•'Read the field placement!'
•'Where's the gap?'
•'What does your scenario require?'
•'Communicate with your partner!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m clear area, separate zones for different activities to prevent interference

Surface Check

Dry, even grass or artificial surface free from holes, stones, or other hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all bats for damage and appropriate size for students
•Ensure balls are appropriate softness for age group
•Verify wickets are stable and positioned safely
•Confirm boundaries are clearly marked and safe

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to students
•Bat contact between students
•Collision during running
•Tripping over equipment

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing between game areas and strict boundaries
•Controlled bat handling with safety reminders
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
•Appropriate ball choice for age group and ability

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all game areas
•Regular movement between groups to monitor safety
•Clear stop signal established and practiced

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop, assess injury severity, appropriate first aid response, incident recording as per school policy