Lesson 3 - Fielding & Running Techniques
Advanced Skills & Application
•Year 6
•Cricket
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How can we use advanced fielding techniques and tactical communication to dominate in cricket?
Learning Objectives
- Perform a range of fielding techniques confidently and consistently including long barrier and catching
- Bowl with a controlled run-up maintaining accuracy and follow-through
- Apply tactical awareness when batting and fielding including appropriate calls
Key Outcomes
- Students will execute fielding techniques with 80% success rate in game situations
- Students will bowl with run-up maintaining line and length consistently
- Students will demonstrate clear tactical communication during batting partnerships
Equipment & Resources Required
Distribute evenly across three activity stations
Alternative: Tennis balls, windball cricket balls
Set at appropriate height for Year 6 students (waist high)
Alternative: Traffic cones with tennis balls balanced on top
Use to mark target areas, boundaries, and station positions
Alternative: Markers, bean bags for boundaries
Choose bright colours for visibility
Alternative: Bean bags, soft balls for tagging
Ensure stable and safe for running activities
Alternative: Cones, skittles, or marked areas
Key Vocabulary
A fielding technique where the fielder goes down on one knee to create a barrier to stop the ball
A batting stroke played straight back past the bowler with a vertical bat
The approach a bowler takes before delivering the ball to build momentum and rhythm
The marked lines on the pitch that define the batsman's safe area
The batsman who is not facing the bowler but is ready to run
The fielder positioned behind the stumps to collect the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic bowling action without run-up
- Simple ball stopping techniques
- Understanding of basic cricket scoring
Current Skills
- Advanced fielding techniques including long barrier
- Bowling with run-up and follow-through
- Tactical batting communication and running
Next Steps
- Wicket-keeping techniques
- Advanced bowling variations and tactics
- Match captaincy and field setting
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Long barrier fielding requires body turned 90 degrees with opposite knee to throwing hand on ground
- Straight drive batting emphasises head movement first, front foot placement next to ball, and straight bat swing
- Bowling run-up must develop consistent rhythm leading to sideways-on delivery position
- Cricket communication uses three clear calls: YES (run now), NO (stay), WAIT (be ready)
- Caller responsibility depends on ball position - striker calls for shots in front, non-striker calls for shots behind
- Tactical awareness involves positioning, communication timing, and risk assessment for running
- Safety requires proper spacing, controlled movements, and awareness of other players at all times
Common Misconceptions
- Students think harder hitting always scores more points - emphasise accuracy and placement over power
- Belief that any knee can be used for long barrier - explain biomechanical advantage of opposite knee to throwing hand
- Assumption that louder calls are always better - teach clear, decisive calling over volume
- Misconception that running should always be attempted - discuss tactical decision-making and risk assessment
- Thinking that bowling faster is always better - emphasise accuracy, consistency and line/length control
- Belief that fielding positions are fixed - introduce concept of tactical field placement based on batsman and situation
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments with clear transitions, provide immediate feedback and praise, use high-energy activities to channel focus, assign specific roles and responsibilities
dyspraxia
- Use larger, softer equipment for easier manipulation, provide extra practice time for complex sequences, break skills into smaller steps, offer alternative ways to demonstrate understanding
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedules for station rotations, establish quiet zones for breaks, use consistent routines and signals, prepare for sensory considerations with equipment
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, establish clear audio signals for game situations, buddy system for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations and hand signals, written instruction cards for complex rules, visual scoring systems, ensure face-to-face communication for lip reading
physical disability
- Adapt batting to seated or modified stance positions, use lighter equipment or modified throwing distances, allow walking instead of running, provide alternative scoring methods
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Technical vocabulary development, clear communication skills, following and giving instructions, descriptive language for techniques
Maths
Scoring calculations, measuring distances for field settings, angles of bat swing and ball trajectory, statistical analysis of batting averages
Science
Forces and motion in ball flight, physics of bowling actions, trajectory and gravity effects, biomechanics of human movement
Geography
Compass directions for field placements, mapping field positions, understanding spatial relationships and positioning strategies
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with pressure situations, fair play and sportsmanship, leadership and communication skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move continuously between stations to provide coaching and ensure safety, positioning for visibility of high-risk areas like batting
Observation Focus
Watch for correct technique development, safe equipment use, positive team dynamics, and tactical understanding application
Intervention Points
Step in immediately for unsafe practice, when technique breaks down significantly, or when students struggle with tactical concepts
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, slow demonstrations emphasising key teaching points, involve students in demonstrations, repeat for different learning styles
Verbal Cues
- •'Head first, foot follows!' for batting technique
- •'Down and barrier!' for fielding
- •'Look at your target!' for bowling
- •'Clear calls!' for communication
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large outdoor area minimum 40m x 30m or sports hall, clear of obstacles and hazards
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas that could cause falls
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all bats for cracks or splinters before use
- •Use soft cricket balls or tennis balls for Year 6 students
- •Ensure tees are stable and positioned safely
- •Verify stumps are secure and won't cause injury if hit
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Collisions during running between wickets
- •Trips and falls during fielding
- •Bat contact with other students
Risk Mitigation
- •Maintain 20m minimum distance between batters and fielders
- •Clear running lanes marked and maintained
- •Proper spacing between different game areas
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic situations
- •Constant supervision of high-risk areas like batting stations
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all three stations
- •Monitor batting station closest for technique and safety
- •Regular movement between stations to ensure safe practice
- •Clear view of running areas during game situations
Emergency Procedures
STOP signal (whistle + raised hand), immediate assessment of any incident, appropriate first aid response, clear evacuation routes identified