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Lesson 6 - Cricket Skills & Mini-Game

Advanced Strategies & Team Play

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Year 5

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Cricket

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Big Question

How can I combine all cricket skills and tactics to become an effective team player in a competitive game?

Learning Objectives

To apply and consolidate all cricket skills (batting, bowling, fielding) in competitive game situations
To demonstrate tactical awareness in both batting and fielding positions
To evaluate team performance and adapt tactics based on game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully combine cricket skills in a mini-game format
Students will demonstrate tactical decision-making during competitive play
Students will evaluate and improve team tactics throughout the lesson

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

8 (2 per group)

Check all bats are appropriate size for Year 5 students

Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis rackets for lighter option

Tennis Balls

12 (3 per group)

Ensure balls are in good condition and appropriate for indoor/outdoor use

Alternative: Softball cricket balls, foam balls for safety

Rackets

4 sets (1 per group)

Set up wickets at regulation height for Year 5

Alternative: Cones with pool noodles, marker cones stacked

Markers

Create clear boundaries appropriate for space size

Alternative: Rope boundary, painted lines if permanent setup

Scorebook

4 (1 per group)

Ensure scorers understand the scoring system

Alternative: Digital scoring apps on tablets, simple tally sheets

Tees

4 (for differentiation)

Available for students who need additional support

Alternative: Traffic cones with rubber tube attachments

Key Vocabulary

Tactics

Planned strategies used by teams to gain advantage during the game

Field Placement

The positioning of fielders to prevent runs and take wickets

Shot Selection

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

Game Situation

The current state of the match that influences tactical decisions

Rotation

Systematic changing of bowlers and positions during the game

Evaluation

Assessing performance to identify strengths and areas for improvement

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic overarm bowling technique
Fundamental batting stance and grip
Basic fielding positions and roles
Understanding of cricket scoring system

Current Skills

Tactical application of all cricket skills
Team strategy development and implementation
Advanced decision-making during competitive play
Leadership and officiating skills

Next Steps

Advanced cricket tactics and field settings
Tournament play with multiple teams
Specialist bowling techniques (spin, swing)
Advanced batting shots and placement

Milestone Indicators

Consistently applies appropriate tactics

Makes quick tactical adjustments during play

Demonstrates leadership in team situations

Shows understanding of game momentum

Key Teaching Points

Tactical thinking must adapt continuously based on game situations and opponent responses
Communication is essential for successful team tactics - every player must understand their role
Skills and tactics must work together - technique provides the foundation for tactical success
Leadership develops through responsibility and decision-making under pressure
Sportsmanship and integrity are as important as winning - character development through sport
Evaluation and reflection help teams improve - learning from both success and failure
Cricket combines individual skills with team strategy - balance personal performance with team needs

Common Misconceptions

Thinking tactics are only for advanced players - correct by showing how everyone contributes to team strategy
Believing winning is more important than fair play - emphasise character development through sport
Assuming tactics never change during games - demonstrate the importance of adaptation and flexibility
Thinking only captains need to understand tactics - show how every player's tactical awareness helps the team
Believing cricket is just about individual batting/bowling skills - highlight the team strategic elements
Assuming competition means aggression - model how intensity and sportsmanship work together

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Provide regular tactical focus points, use active roles throughout games, break complex tactics into simple steps, celebrate tactical successes frequently

dyspraxia

Allow extra time for tactical understanding, use simplified communication signals, provide additional demonstration of complex movements, focus on tactical thinking over physical execution

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure for tactical discussions, use visual tactics boards, allow processing time for strategic decisions, maintain consistent routines

visual impairment

Use bright coloured boundaries and equipment, provide detailed verbal descriptions of tactical setups, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for game management, ensure tactical discussions include visual diagrams, provide written game rules and tactics

physical disability

Modify batting with tee if needed, adjust field sizes appropriately, consider seated umpiring roles, adapt running requirements

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills development, tactical discussion and explanation, presentation of team strategies

Maths

Scoring calculations, statistics tracking, angles for batting shots, time management during overs

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, biomechanics of bowling action, physics of bat and ball impact

Geography

Field positioning and spatial awareness, reading angles and directions for tactical placement

PSHE

Leadership development, teamwork and cooperation, resilience under pressure, respect and integrity

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Circulate between both games during competitive play, position centrally during instruction phases for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical implementation, skill application under pressure, sportsmanship, and safety compliance throughout

Intervention Points

Step in if tactics become too complex, if safety is compromised, or if sportsmanship standards drop during competition

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate tactical concepts clearly using visual aids, model positive sportsmanship throughout, show calm leadership during competitive pressure

Verbal Cues

•'Use your tactics!'
•'Communication!'
•'Trust your skills!'
•'Sportsmanship first!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor space minimum 30m x 40m per game, or school hall with appropriate ceiling height

Surface Check

Level playing surface free from holes, debris, or slippery conditions

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all bats for cracks or damage before use
•Ensure tennis balls are in good condition with no splits
•Verify wickets are stable and properly assembled
•Confirm boundary markers are visible and secure

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head/body during batting and fielding
•Collisions between players during running
•Trips and falls during dynamic play
•Overexertion during competitive games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established with adequate run-off space
•Tennis balls used instead of harder cricket balls for safety
•Supervision of batting areas to prevent unauthorized access
•Regular breaks and hydration during competitive play
•Clear communication protocols to prevent collisions

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position between games for optimal visibility of both matches
•Monitor competitive intensity to ensure safety
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overheating
•Ensure fair play and safety protocols are maintained

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately on injury, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students continue safely away from incident