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Lesson 3 - Fielding & Running Techniques

Advanced Skills & Application

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Year 6

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Cricket

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Big Question

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

Cricket Equipment

15 (size 5 or 6 appropriate for Year 6)

Distribute evenly across three activity stations

Alternative: Tennis balls, windball cricket balls

Tees

Set at appropriate height for Year 6 students (waist high)

Alternative: Traffic cones with tennis balls balanced on top

Cones

20 (various colours)

Use to mark target areas, boundaries, and station positions

Alternative: Markers, bean bags for boundaries

Coloured Bibs

6 for warm-up activity

Choose bright colours for visibility

Alternative: Bean bags, soft balls for tagging

Stumps

6 sets (can be improvised)

Ensure stable and safe for running activities

Alternative: Cones, skittles, or marked areas

Key Vocabulary

Long Barrier

A fielding technique where the fielder goes down on one knee to create a barrier to stop the ball

Straight Drive

A batting stroke played straight back past the bowler with a vertical bat

Run-up

The approach a bowler takes before delivering the ball to build momentum and rhythm

Crease

The marked lines on the pitch that define the batsman's safe area

Non-striking Batsman

The batsman who is not facing the bowler but is ready to run

Wicket Keeper

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

Consistent technique under pressure

Quick decision-making in game situations

Leadership in team tactical discussions

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