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Lesson 1 - Attacking Fielding & Batting

Tactical Game Insights

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Year 6

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Cricket

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Big Question

How can fielders use attacking positions to create pressure and force batting mistakes?

Learning Objectives

Demonstrate urgency in acquiring runs using attacking fielding to create pressure on batters
Attempt both attacking and defensive play as a batter in game situations
Execute attacking field placement including slip, short leg and cover positions

Key Outcomes

Students will understand how attacking fielding positions restrict runs and create pressure
Students will demonstrate confident batting decisions under fielding pressure
Students will position themselves effectively in slip, short leg and cover positions

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

6-8 bats

Distribute around playing area perimeter

Alternative: Bean bags for catching practice

Cricket Stumps

2-3 sets

Set up multiple pitches for small group games

Alternative: Cones or markers for wickets

Sun Markers

20-30 cones

Create clear boundaries for each playing area

Alternative: Rope or painted lines

Tees

4-6 tees

Available for students needing batting support

Alternative: Traffic cones with ball balanced on top

Key Vocabulary

Attacking field

Field placement with fielders positioned close to the batter to restrict runs and create pressure

Slip

Fielding position behind the batter on the off-side to catch edges

Short leg

Close fielding position on the leg-side near the batter

Cover

Fielding position on the off-side covering drives and cuts

Singles

One run scored by running between the wickets

Boundary

The edge of the playing field, or a shot that reaches it for 4 or 6 runs

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of cricket basics (batting, bowling, fielding)
Experience with simple fielding positions

Current Skills

Attacking fielding positions (slip, short leg, cover)
Batting under pressure from close fielders
Quick decision making for running between wickets

Next Steps

Advanced field setting for different types of batters
Bowling tactics to support attacking fields
Team captaincy and tactical leadership

Milestone Indicators

Confident positioning in close fielding roles

Quick reactions to batting opportunities

Understanding of pressure tactics in cricket

Key Teaching Points

Attacking fields create pressure by restricting easy singles and forcing risky shots
Slip, short leg and cover are the three key attacking positions for Year 6 level
Close fielders must be confident, alert and positioned safely relative to the batter
Batters need to adapt their strategy based on field placement and game situation
Communication and teamwork are essential for both batting partnerships and fielding units
Tactical awareness develops through experiencing both batting and fielding under pressure
Courage and resilience are key qualities for success in cricket situations

Common Misconceptions

That attacking fielding means being aggressive or intimidating towards batters
That close fielders should stand as close as possible without considering safety
That batters should always try to hit boundaries when facing attacking fields
That attacking fields are always better than defensive fields regardless of situation
That individual skill is more important than teamwork in cricket
That making mistakes means failure rather than learning opportunities

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity periods with frequent position changes, provide clear, simple instructions, celebrate successful focus moments

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment for easier handling, provide extra practice time for positioning, break down complex movements into steps

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine for position rotations, use visual aids for field positions, allow quiet space if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of field positions, use buddy system for positioning

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for field changes, ensure clear sight lines for lip reading, provide written tactics sheets

physical disability

Modify fielding positions to suit mobility, use larger/lighter bats as needed, provide seated fielding options

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communicate tactics clearly, listen to and follow instructions, develop cricket-specific vocabulary

Maths

Calculate runs required per over to reach targets, work out scoring rates and statistics

Science

Understand forces involved in ball flight and bat contact, analyse reaction times needed for close fielding

Geography

Map field positions and understand spatial relationships on cricket field

PSHE

Develop resilience under pressure, work effectively in teams, show respect for opponents and officials

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between games to observe different aspects - tactical decisions, skill execution, team dynamics

Observation Focus

Watch for correct attacking field positions, batting decision-making under pressure, team communication

Intervention Points

Step in if fielders too close to batter, if competitiveness becomes unsafe, or if students need tactical guidance

Demonstration Notes

Use student demonstrations where possible to show correct positioning, emphasise safety in close fielding, model positive sporting behaviour

Verbal Cues

•'Slip position - watch the ball all the way!'
•'Batters - look for the gaps in the field!'
•'Fielders - stay alert, pressure the batters!'
•'Great communication between batting partners!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area or sports hall, minimum 30m x 40m for multiple games

Surface Check

Level playing surface, free from holes or hazards, suitable for running and diving

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all bats for cracks or splinters before use
•Ensure balls are appropriate softness for age group
•Verify wickets are stable and safely positioned

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes from close fielding positions
•Collisions between players running between wickets
•Bat contact with nearby players
•Slips and falls when diving or running

Risk Mitigation

•Teach safe positioning for close fielders away from bat swing
•Establish clear running lanes between wickets
•Emphasise controlled batting with awareness of fielders
•Use appropriate softness balls for close fielding practice
•Ensure adequate spacing between multiple games

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups simultaneously
•Monitor close fielding positions for safety
•Watch for signs of intimidation or unsafe play
•Ensure competitive spirit remains positive and safe

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, complete accident report if required