Lesson 6 - Fielding Strategy
Core Skills & Tactics
•Year 5
•Cricket
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How can we use fielding positions strategically to limit runs and create tactical advantages in cricket?
Learning Objectives
- Attempt a range of shots in competitive game situations
- Bowl with accuracy using proper technique and short run-up
- Understand and apply field-setting strategies to limit scoring opportunities
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate varied batting shots during tournament play
- Students will bowl consistently with improved accuracy from short run-ups
- Students will explain and implement basic field-setting principles
Equipment & Resources Required
Check bat size appropriate for Year 5 students
Alternative: Tennis rackets, rounders bats
Use softer balls for safety in confined spaces
Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls
Set up two sets per pitch, 15 metres apart
Alternative: Cones, chairs, marked lines
Create clear boundary approximately 25m from stumps
Alternative: Sports markers, rope
Include space for runs, wickets, and points
Alternative: Whiteboard, clipboards
Different colours for each team identification
Alternative: Coloured t-shirts, wristbands
Key Vocabulary
The strategic placement of fielders to limit runs and create wicket-taking opportunities
A tournament format where each team plays every other team once
The average number of runs scored per over or per ball
When a batter is dismissed (bowled, caught, run out, etc.)
A set of six balls bowled from one end of the pitch
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic cricket skills: bowling, batting, and catching
- Understanding of basic game rules and scoring
- Experience with modified cricket games
Current Skills
- Strategic field placement and tactical thinking
- Accurate bowling under pressure
- Varied shot selection and adaptation to field settings
Next Steps
- Advanced tactical play and captain decision-making
- Specialised bowling techniques (spin, swing)
- Complex field settings for different game situations
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Field setting is about strategic thinking - watch where the ball goes and move fielders accordingly
- Captains must communicate clearly and make decisive tactical decisions
- Bowling accuracy becomes crucial under tournament pressure
- Batters need to adapt their shots based on field placements
- Good sportsmanship and team support are as important as individual skills
- Tournament format creates realistic pressure that improves performance
- Tactical awareness develops through game experience and reflection
Common Misconceptions
- Students think fielders should be spread evenly around the boundary - explain that strategic clustering is more effective
- Belief that bowling faster is always better - emphasise accuracy over pace for this age group
- Assumption that the same field setting works for all batters - demonstrate need for adaptation
- Thinking that captains should never change field positions - show that flexibility is key to good tactics
- Misconception that winning is only about individual skill - highlight importance of team strategy
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Use shorter game segments, provide clear role definitions, offer regular position changes to maintain engagement
dyspraxia
- Use larger, softer equipment, reduce complexity of tactical decisions, provide extra practice time for skills
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure for tournament format, offer quiet zone for breaks, use visual schedules for game rotations
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and boundary markers, provide clear verbal descriptions of field positions, assign sighted partner for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual signals for game management, provide written game rules, ensure visual demonstrations of tactical concepts
physical disability
- Adapt bowling distances and techniques, provide seated batting options, modify fielding positions to suit mobility
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Use appropriate cricket vocabulary, develop communication skills through captaincy, write match reports or tactical analyses
Maths
Calculate team scores, work out run rates, measure distances for boundaries and pitch setup, analyse statistics from tournament results
Science
Understand forces involved in ball flight, trajectory and angles in batting shots, study reaction times in fielding
Computing
Use spreadsheets to record tournament results, create tactical diagrams, research cricket statistics online
Geography
Learn about cricket-playing countries, understand how weather affects play, explore famous cricket grounds worldwide
PSHE
Develop leadership skills through captaincy, build resilience under competitive pressure, practice fair play and sportsmanship
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Circulate between both pitches to provide coaching and ensure safety, central position for demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for tactical awareness development, skill application under pressure, and positive team dynamics
Intervention Points
Step in if field setting becomes overly complex, if competitive spirit turns negative, or if safety issues arise
Demonstration Notes
Use students as examples for field positions, exaggerate tactical decisions to make them clear, maintain enthusiasm throughout tournament
Verbal Cues
- •'Watch the batting pattern!'
- •'Where should we put fielders?'
- •'Great tactical thinking!'
- •'Find the gaps!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large outdoor space minimum 40m x 30m per pitch, or sports hall with high ceiling
Surface Check
Even, dry surface free from holes or debris that could cause trips
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check bats for cracks or splinters before use
- •Ensure balls are appropriate softness for age group
- •Verify stumps are secure and have no sharp edges
- •Confirm boundary markers are visible and safe
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Collisions between students during fielding
- •Trips over stumps or boundary markers
- •Overexertion during competitive play
Risk Mitigation
- •Use softer balls appropriate for Year 5
- •Maintain minimum distances between students
- •Clear communication about boundary safety
- •Regular hydration breaks during tournament
- •Appropriate supervision ratios maintained
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of both pitches
- •Monitor bowling technique for safety
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
- •Ensure competitive spirit remains positive
Emergency Procedures
Stop play immediately for any injury, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school office if required