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Lesson 6 - Competitive Cricket Match Play

Skill Integration & Mastery

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Year 5

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Cricket

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Big Question

How can we combine all our cricket skills to play as an effective team in competitive match situations?

Learning Objectives

To link individual cricket skills together in competitive game situations
To demonstrate tactical awareness and decision-making during match play
To communicate effectively as a team and support teammates through backing up and encouragement

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully combine bowling, batting, and fielding skills in match play
Students will demonstrate clear communication and tactical decision-making
Students will show understanding of team roles and responsibilities in competitive cricket

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket balls

Two balls per pitch for continuous play

Alternative: Tennis balls, rounders balls

Cricket Wickets

8 sets

4 sets per pitch, positioned 16 yards apart

Alternative: Cones arranged as wickets, skittles

Cricket Equipment

Size 5 or 6 bats appropriate for Year 5

Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis rackets

Team bibs

6 different colours for warm-up and team identification

Alternative: Coloured bands, house colours

Dish Cones

For marking creases clearly on both pitches

Alternative: Rope, tape for lines

Coloured Cones

For assessment activity at lesson end

Alternative: Different coloured objects

Clipboards

For teams to track their scores

Alternative: Whiteboards, paper

Key Vocabulary

Tactical awareness

The ability to read the game situation and make smart decisions about where to hit, how to bowl, or where to field

Backing up

Supporting a teammate by positioning yourself behind them to collect overthrows or missed catches

Follow through

The continuation of the bowling action after releasing the ball, helping with accuracy and power

Crease

The lines marked on the pitch that define safe areas for batsmen and bowling boundaries

Communication calls

The shouts of 'Yes', 'No', or 'Wait' that help batting partners coordinate their running

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic overarm bowling technique
Fundamental batting stance and stroke play
Basic fielding positions and catching skills
Understanding of cricket scoring and basic rules

Current Skills

Combining skills in competitive match situations
Advanced tactical awareness and decision-making
Team communication and support strategies
Bowling with consistent line and length

Next Steps

Advanced cricket tactics and field placement
Leadership roles in team management
Umpiring and officiating skills
Tournament organisation and management

Milestone Indicators

Students consistently bowl within the stumps area

Clear, decisive communication between batting partners

Automatic backing-up movements in fielding

Evidence of tactical thinking in batting and bowling

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise communication between batting partners using clear YES, NO, WAIT calls throughout every partnership
Encourage bowlers to run close to the wickets for better accuracy and more effective line and length bowling
Develop tactical awareness by constantly looking for gaps in the field and adapting batting strategy accordingly
Promote active fielding with walking in as bowler approaches and immediate backing up of all team mates
Build match pressure gradually while maintaining focus on technique and decision-making under competitive conditions
Foster team spirit through shared responsibility for scoring and collective celebration of good play
Connect individual skills to team success showing how personal improvement benefits the whole group

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking they should bowl as fast as possible rather than focusing on accuracy and line - emphasise control over speed
Batsmen believing they must run on every ball contact - teach selective running based on field positions and ball placement
Fielders standing static waiting for ball to come to them - encourage active positioning and anticipation of play
Wicket keepers thinking their only job is catching balls - expand role to include field leadership and tactical input
Teams focusing only on their own batting score - develop awareness of opponent tactics and field placement responses
Students believing cricket is only about individual performance - emphasise team roles and collective responsibility for success

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break instructions into shorter segments, provide regular movement opportunities, use high-energy activities to channel focus, offer leadership roles to maintain engagement

dyspraxia

Allow extra time for skill development, use larger/slower balls initially, break complex movements into smaller steps, provide additional practice opportunities

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure with visual rotation charts, maintain consistent routines, offer quiet zone if overwhelmed, use social stories to explain game situations

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of field positions, pair with sighted buddy for guidance, use sound cues for ball location

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for communication, provide written instructions on cards, ensure clear sight lines for watching demonstrations, use gestures for tactical instructions

physical disability

Adapt batting stance as needed, allow seated bowling or shorter run-up, modify field positions for accessibility, use lighter bats or adapted grips

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, giving clear instructions, listening to teammates, using specific cricket vocabulary, explaining tactics and strategies to others

Maths

Calculating runs scored, adding and subtracting scores, understanding statistics like runs per over, measuring pitch distances and comparing team totals

Science

Forces and motion in bowling and batting, angles of trajectory, friction between ball and surface, energy transfer from bat to ball

Geography

Understanding directions and compass points for field positions, mapping field placements, spatial awareness and positioning strategies

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, respecting opponents and officials, managing emotions under competitive pressure

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand in central position between two pitches allowing clear view of all students and quick access to either playing area

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical decision-making, skill application under pressure, team communication, and safety awareness during competitive play

Intervention Points

Step in when students demonstrate unsafe technique, show poor sportsmanship, or need support with tactical understanding

Demonstration Notes

Use students as positive examples whenever possible, demonstrate bowling run-up close to wickets, show proper wicket keeper positioning, emphasise communication calls between batting partners

Verbal Cues

•'Yes, No, Wait - make it clear!'
•'Walk in as the bowler runs up!'
•'Back up your teammates!'
•'Bowl close to those wickets!'
•'Ground your bat when running!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor space minimum 40m x 60m to accommodate two cricket pitches safely

Surface Check

Flat, even grass or hard court surface free from holes, debris, or wet patches

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Cricket bats appropriate size for Year 5 students with no cracks or damage
•Soft cricket balls suitable for primary school use - check for splits or damage
•Wickets securely positioned and stable - check base weight or ground insertion
•Bibs clean and free from tears that could cause injury during throwing activities

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strike injuries from cricket balls
•Collisions between students during match play
•Bat-related accidents during batting or when carrying equipment
•Trips and falls on uneven surfaces or over equipment

Risk Mitigation

•Use appropriate soft balls for primary school level
•Establish clear boundaries and safe zones around each pitch
•Ensure adequate spacing between the two cricket pitches
•Teach proper bat carrying and handling techniques
•Designate clear fielding positions to prevent collisions
•Regular equipment checks before and during lesson

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position centrally to observe both pitches simultaneously
•Move between pitches during rotations to maintain close supervision
•Pay particular attention during bowling run-ups and batting phases
•Monitor student fatigue levels affecting coordination and safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if medical attention required