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Lesson 4 - Integrating Cricket Skills

Advanced Skills & Application

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Year 6

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Cricket

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Big Question

How can we combine bowling accuracy, fielding agility and batting footwork to play effective cricket?

Learning Objectives

To bowl with consistent accuracy and length using a run-up approach
To demonstrate quick and efficient one-handed ball collection techniques
To use footwork effectively when batting to reach the pitch of the ball

Key Outcomes

Students will bowl accurately using proper run-up technique and follow-through
Students will field efficiently using one-handed pickup and quick return methods
Students will bat with confidence, using footwork to position themselves correctly

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

8-10

Distributed across three activity stations

Alternative: Tennis balls for safety, especially for beginners

Cricket Stumps

6 sets

3 sets for practice stations, 3 sets for game pitches

Alternative: Cones or plastic bottles if wickets unavailable

Dish Cones

20-25

Mark run-up points, target areas, and field boundaries

Alternative: Bean bags or markers

Chalk

3.5 pieces

Mark creases on pitches for game session

Alternative: Rope or cones to mark lines

Key Vocabulary

Run-up

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

Pitch of the ball

The optimal position to be in when the ball bounces to play an effective shot

One-handed pickup

Fielding technique for quickly collecting the ball using one hand while moving

Straight drive

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

Crease

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

Follow-through

The completion of a bowling or throwing action after releasing the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic overarm bowling technique
Fundamental catching and throwing skills
Basic batting stance and grip
Understanding of cricket field positions

Current Skills

Bowling with run-up and consistent accuracy
One-handed ball collection and quick return
Using footwork to reach the pitch of the ball
Linking skills in game situations

Next Steps

Advanced bowling variations (yorkers, bouncers)
Complex fielding strategies and communication
Shot selection and placement in batting
Tactical game understanding and captaincy

Milestone Indicators

Consistent bowling accuracy over 6 deliveries

Sub-3 second ball collection and return

Confident advancement down the pitch when appropriate

Effective skill combination in game scenarios

Key Teaching Points

Head movement leads foot movement in batting - this creates better balance and timing
One-handed pickup requires approach angle and momentum - stopping kills efficiency
Bowling run-up must be consistent to develop accuracy and rhythm
Communication between batsmen is essential for safe and effective running
Fielders should move forward as bowler approaches to reduce reaction time
Cricket skills link together - good bowling creates fielding opportunities
Game pressure tests skill integration - this is where learning becomes application

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: Batsmen should always try to hit the ball hard. Correction: Placement and timing are more important than power
Misconception: Fielding is just about catching. Correction: Quick, accurate returns are equally important to prevent runs
Misconception: Bowling fast makes you effective. Correction: Accuracy and consistency are more valuable than speed
Misconception: Standing still while fielding is best. Correction: Active movement forward reduces reaction time
Misconception: Cricket skills are separate and independent. Correction: Skills link together to create effective game play

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear boundaries and expectations, offer leadership roles

dyspraxia

Use larger, lighter equipment, provide additional practice time, break skills into smaller components, offer physical guidance

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedules for station rotations, offer quiet spaces during intense activities, use consistent routines and signals

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, assign sighted peer buddies, use sound cues for ball location

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards at stations, hand signals for communication, visual start/stop signals

physical disability

Modify batting stance for wheelchair users, provide lighter equipment, adjust throwing distances, offer seated fielding positions

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating scores and run rates, measuring pitch distances, angles of bat swing and ball trajectory, statistics and averages

Science

Forces in bowling and batting, friction and grip, trajectory and gravity effects on ball flight, biomechanics of movement

Geography

Understanding field positions and spatial relationships, mapping player movements, weather effects on play conditions

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, resilience when facing challenges, respect for rules and opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location allowing observation of all three stations, moving clockwise during rotations to provide specific coaching

Observation Focus

Watch for correct technique application, safe equipment handling, positive peer interactions, and skill progression

Intervention Points

Step in when safety is compromised, technique is significantly incorrect, or students need encouragement to participate

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations for complex skills, emphasise key body positions, provide both correct and incorrect examples for comparison

Verbal Cues

•'Head first, then foot towards the ball!'
•'Pick up next to your foot, not across your body!'
•'Keep your eyes on the target when bowling!'
•'Yes, No, or Wait - make it clear!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area minimum 40m x 30m, preferably grass surface with marked boundaries

Surface Check

Ensure playing surface is even, dry, and free from holes, stones, or other hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check cricket bats for splinters or cracks before use
•Inspect balls for damage - replace any with loose seams
•Ensure wickets are stable and properly positioned
•Verify cones and markers are visible and secure

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to body or head during batting/fielding
•Collisions between players running between wickets
•Bat injuries from improper handling or proximity
•Slips and falls on wet or uneven surfaces

Risk Mitigation

•Maintain safe distances between batting practice and other activities
•Establish clear running lanes for batsmen
•Enforce 'bat down' rule when not actively batting
•Position teacher for maximum visibility of all activities
•Use appropriate ball types for student ability and conditions

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple stations simultaneously
•Maintain clear sight lines to all cricket activities
•Circulate actively during skill practice phases
•Monitor game situations for safety compliance

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required