Lesson 8 - Long and Short Barriers
Cricket Basics & Strategy
•Year 6
•Cricket
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How can mastering different fielding barriers help us become tactical cricketers?
Learning Objectives
- To develop accurate long and short barrier techniques
- To apply barrier techniques effectively in game situations
- To demonstrate tactical awareness when fielding
Key Outcomes
- Students will execute both barrier techniques with control and confidence
- Students will select appropriate barriers based on game situation
- Students will communicate effectively as part of a fielding team
Equipment & Resources Required
Used for boundaries and bowling targets
Alternative: Markers, spots, or bottles
Ensure appropriate size for Year 6 students
Alternative: Rounders bats or tennis rackets
Stable base essential for safety
Alternative: Skittles, bottles or marker cones
Softer balls reduce injury risk
Alternative: Soft cricket balls or foam balls
For differentiation support
Alternative: Cones or makeshift stands
Key Vocabulary
A fielding technique where one foot is placed behind the ball with hands in front
A fielding technique where the fielder gets low with one knee touching the opposite heel
Following the ball's path with your eyes and moving to get behind it
Positioning yourself so the ball must pass through your body to reach the boundary
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling and catching
- Understanding of cricket positions
- Simple fielding movements
Current Skills
- Short barrier technique and application
- Long barrier technique and application
- Tactical decision-making in fielding
Next Steps
- Advanced fielding under pressure
- Wicket-keeping techniques
- Strategic field placement
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Track the ball with your eyes before moving your body
- Get your whole body behind the ball, not just your hands
- Choose short barriers for balls coming straight, long barriers for wider balls
- Communication is key - call for the ball and support your teammates
- Quality technique beats rushing - smooth barriers are faster than panicked ones
- Use two hands to pick up the ball safely and securely
- Create unbreakable barriers with your body position
Common Misconceptions
- Students think barriers are only for slow balls - explain they work for all speeds
- Belief that hands alone can stop all balls - emphasise body barrier backup
- Assumption that running fast to the ball is better than positioning correctly
- Thinking that one barrier technique works for all situations
- Misconception that fielding is less important than batting in cricket
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent position changes, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, larger targets and equipment
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual game rules, quiet zones if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls, verbal cues for ball direction, partner support for positioning
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for game play, written instruction cards
physical disability
- Seated barrier practice, larger equipment, modified distances and rules
Cross-Curricular Links
Science
Forces in ball rolling, friction effects, lever actions in batting
Geography
Spatial awareness, field positioning, directional movement
PSHE
Teamwork, resilience, fair play, communication skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between groups during games, central for demonstrations
Observation Focus
Barrier technique, safety, tactical application, teamwork
Intervention Points
When safety compromised, poor technique reinforcing, or exclusion occurring
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for clarity, show both correct and common error examples
Verbal Cues
- •'Foot sideways, hands in front!'
- •'Get low, make that barrier!'
- •'Track the ball with your eyes!'
- •'Two hands to pick up!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m for multiple game areas with clear boundaries
Surface Check
Level, dry surface free from holes or obstacles
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Wickets securely based to prevent toppling
- •Tennis balls checked for damage
- •Bats appropriate size for Year 6 students
- •Cones with no sharp edges
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to face or body
- •Collisions between fielders
- •Slips during barrier positions
- •Bat contact with other students
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear spacing between game areas
- •Controlled bowling speeds emphasised
- •Proper warm-up before low positions
- •Clear rules for bat handling
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all groups
- •Monitor bowling speeds and safety
- •Watch for proper barrier technique to prevent injury
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, seek medical attention if required