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Lesson 6 - Competitive Cricket Performance

Advanced Skills & Application

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Year 6

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Cricket

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Big Question

How can we demonstrate tactical awareness and teamwork to perform successfully in competitive cricket situations?

Learning Objectives

To link cricket skills effectively in competitive game situations
To demonstrate tactical awareness in batting, bowling and fielding
To communicate effectively as a team during match play

Key Outcomes

Students will perform cricket skills fluently in game contexts
Students will make tactical decisions based on field positions and game situations
Students will communicate clearly with teammates during batting and fielding

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

4-6 (various sizes)

One ball per pitch for continuous play

Alternative: Tennis balls for safety modification

Cricket Wickets

4 sets (2 per pitch)

Position 16 yards apart with clear crease markings

Alternative: Cones with poles, or marker cones

Coloured Bibs

6 for warm-up tag game

Choose bright colours for visibility

Alternative: Bean bags or soft balls

Cones

1 box

Mark batting and bowling creases clearly

Alternative: Cones for crease marking

Coloured Cones

4 different colours for assessment

Position for final assessment grouping

Alternative: Different coloured markers or mats

Key Vocabulary

Tactical awareness

The ability to read the game situation and make appropriate decisions

Overthrows

Additional runs scored when the ball passes the fielder backing up

Non-striking batsman

The batsman at the opposite end who is not facing the ball

Follow through

The continued motion after releasing the ball when bowling

LBW

Leg Before Wicket - when the ball hits the batsman's leg in line with the stumps

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
Understanding of cricket rules and scoring

Current Skills

Competitive game performance
Advanced tactical awareness
Team communication under pressure

Next Steps

County-level youth cricket participation
Specialist position development
Advanced match strategies

Milestone Indicators

Consistent overarm bowling accuracy

Clear and decisive batting communication

Proactive fielding anticipation

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise clear communication between batting partners using 'Yes', 'No', and 'Wait' calls
Encourage bowlers to run in close to wickets for improved accuracy and tactical advantage
Develop fielding anticipation by walking in as the bowler approaches
Teach the importance of backing up throws to prevent overthrows
Foster tactical awareness by identifying gaps in field placements
Promote decisive running between wickets with proper bat grounding technique
Build competitive spirit while maintaining fair play and sportsmanship

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking that bowling fast is more important than bowling accurately - emphasise control and placement over speed
Batsmen believing they should always try to hit every ball - teach selective shot-making and tactical patience
Fielders standing still waiting for the ball - correct with active anticipation and movement
Students thinking individual performance is more important than team success - reinforce team goals and collective achievement
Believing that cricket is too complex for primary school students - demonstrate through progressive skill building and age-appropriate adaptations

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter competitive segments with frequent breaks, provide clear role definitions, channel competitive energy positively with specific responsibilities

dyspraxia

Allow extra practice time for complex skills, break down tactical concepts into simpler steps, provide additional support for coordination challenges

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure for competitive format, use visual schedules for rotation system, offer quiet zone if overwhelmed by competitive intensity

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of field positions, pair with sighted buddy for guidance during competitive play

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for communication, ensure clear sight lines for lip reading, provide written coaching points and tactical instructions

physical disability

Adapt bowling distance and technique as needed, allow seated batting position if required, modify running between wickets to walking or wheelchair movement

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating run totals, understanding scoring systems, measuring distances for pitch setup, data handling for team performance analysis

Science

Understanding forces in bowling and batting, trajectory and velocity concepts, biomechanics of cricket movements, reaction times in fielding

Geography

Understanding cricket as a global sport, mapping cricket-playing nations, exploring cultural significance of cricket in different countries

PSHE

Teamwork and leadership in competitive situations, handling pressure and disappointment, celebrating others' success, developing resilience and determination

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand centrally between both cricket pitches to observe tactical play and ensure safety on both games simultaneously

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical decision-making, communication quality, and safe technique during competitive pressure situations

Intervention Points

Step in when safety is compromised, when students need tactical guidance, or when unsporting behaviour occurs

Demonstration Notes

Use real-time examples from students' play to highlight excellent tactical awareness and decision-making rather than stopping for formal demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Great communication between batting partners!'
•'Watch the field placement - where's the gap?'
•'Excellent backing up by the fielding team!'
•'Remember to call clearly - Yes, No, or Wait!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Two parallel cricket pitches minimum 30m x 20m each with 5m safety zone between pitches

Surface Check

Level, dry grass or artificial surface free from holes, stones or other hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Use soft or incrediball cricket balls appropriate for Year 6
•Check cricket bats for cracks or damage before use
•Ensure wickets are stable and properly positioned
•Verify all throwing equipment (bibs) is soft and safe

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body during bowling and fielding
•Collisions between runners and fielders
•Falls when running between wickets
•Equipment strikes during enthusiastic play

Risk Mitigation

•Enforce overarm bowling technique to reduce unpredictable ball direction
•Maintain adequate spacing between pitches to prevent cross-pitch interference
•Teach proper running technique including safe sliding at creases
•Use age-appropriate soft balls to reduce injury risk from strikes

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position between pitches for maximum visibility of both games
•Monitor bowling speed and technique for safety
•Watch for fatigue that might lead to poor decision-making
•Ensure competitive spirit doesn't compromise safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required