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Lesson 5 - Square Cut & Tactical Fielding

Advanced Skills & Application

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Year 6

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Cricket

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Big Question

How can we use different batting shots and tactical fielding to outplay our opponents in cricket?

Learning Objectives

Develop the square cut shot technique for scoring runs to the off side
Demonstrate tactical awareness as fielders through positioning and communication
Practice bowling leg spin using correct grip and wrist action

Key Outcomes

Students will execute square cut shots with correct footwork and timing
Students will demonstrate understanding of fielding tactics and backing up
Students will bowl leg spin with appropriate grip and out-of-hand technique

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

15 bats (1 per 2 students)

Check balls are in good condition, no cracks or damage

Alternative: Tennis balls or incrediball for safety

Rackets

4 sets (2 pitches)

Position 16 yards apart, check stumps are stable

Alternative: Plastic stumps or cones if proper wickets unavailable

Cones

Use for warm-up activity and marking creases

Alternative: Markers or chalk circles

Chalk

4 pieces

For marking batting and bowling creases clearly

Alternative: Line marking spray or rope

Key Vocabulary

Square Cut Shot

A batting shot played to a short, wide ball on the off side, cutting it square to the boundary

Leg Spin

A type of spin bowling where the ball spins from leg to off when bowled by a right-handed bowler

Overthrows

Extra runs scored when fielders' throws go past the stumps and aren't backed up

Tactical Awareness

Understanding where to position yourself and when to move based on game situation

Off Side

The side of the cricket field to the right of a right-handed batsman (opposite for left-handed)

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic batting stance and grip
Underarm and overarm bowling techniques
Fundamental fielding skills including catching and throwing

Current Skills

Square cut shot technique and shot selection
Tactical fielding awareness and communication
Leg spin bowling grip and delivery action

Next Steps

Advanced batting shots including drives and pulls
Captain fielding team with strategic positioning
Bowl variations of spin bowling with different pace and flight

Milestone Indicators

Consistently selects appropriate shots for different deliveries

Demonstrates leadership in fielding positions

Shows understanding of when to attack or defend in batting

Key Teaching Points

Square cut shot requires step back and across with high backlift for power generation
Leg spin bowling uses first and third fingers with wrist flick action out of back of hand
Tactical fielding awareness includes walking in with bowler and backing up throws
Two-handed pickup technique with fingers down and back foot positioned as barrier
Clear communication between batsmen essential for successful running and partnerships
Shot selection crucial - cut shots only for short, wide deliveries on off side
Team tactical awareness more important than individual brilliance in cricket success

Common Misconceptions

Cut shots can be played to any delivery - correct to short, wide balls only
Leg spin requires fast bowling - actually needs slower pace for spin to be effective
Fielders should stay still until ball is hit - should walk in with bowler's approach
Dominant hand should always be used for fielding - use nearest hand for efficiency
Running between wickets is automatic - requires clear communication and decision making
Individual skills are most important - cricket success depends on team tactical awareness
Spin bowling is just wrist flicking - requires proper grip and coordinated action

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive feedback and movement breaks

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier tracking, reduced complexity in initial skills, extra practice time for coordination development

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of rotations, quiet area available for breaks, consistent routines for each station

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of fielding positions, buddy system for running between wickets

hearing impairment

Visual hand signals for running calls, clear written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher demonstrations

physical disability

Modified batting from seated position, shorter bowling distances, adapted grip techniques for different abilities

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating team scores, measuring pitch distances, angles of fielding positions and shot directions

Science

Forces and motion in ball trajectory, spin and momentum, body mechanics in batting and bowling actions

Geography

Spatial awareness in field positioning, direction and compass points for shot placement

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership roles, resilience in competitive situations, respect for opponents and officials

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position between two cricket pitches for maximum visibility of all students

Observation Focus

Technical execution, tactical awareness, communication and safety throughout

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggling with technique, unsafe play, or need tactical guidance

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for all techniques. Emphasise foot positioning and timing for cut shots, wrist action for leg spin

Verbal Cues

•'High backlift for power!'
•'Step back and across!'
•'Walk in with the bowler!'
•'Call clearly - Yes, No, Wait!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 60m for two cricket pitches with adequate run-ups and fielding areas

Surface Check

Dry, even grass surface free from holes, debris or other hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check cricket balls for cracks or damage
•Ensure bats are appropriate size with no splinters
•Verify wickets are stable and firmly positioned

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions between players during running
•Trips and falls on uneven ground
•Wicket-keeper injuries from mis-directed throws

Risk Mitigation

•Enforce overarm bowling with appropriate pace control
•Ensure adequate spacing between pitches and fielders
•Clear communication protocols for running and fielding
•Appropriate protective equipment for wicket-keepers

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe both pitches simultaneously
•Monitor bowling speeds and techniques
•Watch for fatigue affecting concentration and safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, clear communication to emergency services if required