Lesson 1 - Attacking Fielding & Batting
Tactical Game Insights
•Year 6
•Cricket
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
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
Distribute around playing area perimeter
Alternative: Bean bags for catching practice
Set up multiple pitches for small group games
Alternative: Cones or markers for wickets
Create clear boundaries for each playing area
Alternative: Rope or painted lines
Available for students needing batting support
Alternative: Traffic cones with ball balanced on top
Key Vocabulary
Field placement with fielders positioned close to the batter to restrict runs and create pressure
Fielding position behind the batter on the off-side to catch edges
Close fielding position on the leg-side near the batter
Fielding position on the off-side covering drives and cuts
One run scored by running between the wickets
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
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