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Lesson 4 - Pair Work for Long Fielding

Tactical Game Insights

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Year 6

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Cricket

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Big Question

How can fielders work together as a team to stop batters from scoring maximum runs?

Learning Objectives

Track and retrieve the ball over distance when fielding
Work cooperatively in pairs to field long balls effectively
Explain how strategic fielding can restrict runs scored by batting teams

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate efficient ball retrieval techniques over long distances
Students will successfully coordinate with partners to field and return balls to wicketkeeper
Students will understand and apply tactical fielding principles to reduce batting team's scoring opportunities

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

6-8

Distributed among fielding groups

Alternative: Tennis balls, rounders balls

Cones

30-40

Mark boundaries, starting positions, and targets

Alternative: Markers, bibs as markers

Cricket Stumps

4 sets

Two sets at each end of pitch for game application

Alternative: Cones arranged as stumps, skittles

Sun Markers

20-30 cones

Create clear 4 and 6 run boundaries

Alternative: Rope, painted lines

Key Vocabulary

Retrieval

The action of collecting and controlling the ball from a fielding position

Backing up

Supporting your fielding partner by positioning yourself to help if they miss the ball

Wicketkeeper

The player who stands behind the stumps to collect the ball and attempt run-outs

Run restriction

Fielding tactics designed to prevent the batting team from scoring runs

Relay throw

A throwing technique where the ball is passed between fielders to cover long distances

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and throwing skills
Understanding of cricket field positions
Individual fielding techniques from previous lessons

Current Skills

Partner coordination in fielding situations
Long-distance ball retrieval techniques
Strategic thinking about field placement

Next Steps

Advanced fielding formations and tactics
Wicket-keeping skills and techniques
Match situation analysis and decision making

Milestone Indicators

Smooth coordination between fielding partners

Quick decision-making about when to use pair fielding

Accurate throws under pressure in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Low body position is essential for effective ball retrieval
Communication between fielding partners prevents confusion and improves efficiency
Accuracy in throws is more important than power when working in pairs
Strategic field positioning can prevent many runs before they're scored
Good fielding creates pressure on batters and leads to mistakes
Teamwork in fielding is just as important as individual skill
Quick decision-making about when to use pair fielding saves valuable time

Common Misconceptions

Thinking that throwing harder will always get the ball back faster - technique and accuracy are more important
Believing that only the fastest runner should retrieve the ball - positioning and teamwork can be more effective
Assuming that pair fielding always takes longer than individual fielding - it's often faster over long distances
Thinking that fielding is less important than batting and bowling - good fielding wins matches
Believing that communication will confuse partners - clear communication prevents confusion and improves coordination

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular position changes to maintain engagement, clear boundaries and expectations, frequent positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls for easier handling, additional time to practice coordination skills, simplified movement patterns initially

autism spectrum

Clear, structured routines for each activity, visual schedule of lesson progression, quiet spaces available if needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and verbal cues for ball location, buddy system with sighted partner, describe field positions clearly

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for communication between fielding pairs, written instruction cards if needed

physical disability

Adapted fielding positions closer to wicketkeeper, modified throwing distances, seated fielding options with specialist equipment

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating run rates and required scores per over, measuring distances for field positions, working with time in overs and minutes

Science

Understanding forces in throwing and catching, trajectory and momentum of ball flight, energy transfer in batting

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning on cricket field, understanding directions and angles for field placement

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation in fielding pairs, resilience when facing batting challenges, fair play and respect for opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Rotate between groups during skill development, central position during game for optimal supervision

Observation Focus

Watch for effective pair communication, correct retrieval techniques, and safe play practices

Intervention Points

Step in if fielding techniques are unsafe, provide additional demonstrations for struggling students, manage competitive elements to maintain positive atmosphere

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements when showing techniques, involve confident students in demonstrations, repeat key demonstrations as needed

Verbal Cues

•'Get low for the scoop!'
•'Communicate with your partner!'
•'Accuracy first, speed second!'
•'Back up your teammate!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m clear area for cricket activities, additional space for boundaries

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes or obstacles that could cause trips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all balls are in good condition without cracks
•Ensure stumps are stable and properly positioned
•Verify bats are appropriate size for students

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions between fielders chasing the same ball
•Trips and falls during running activities
•Overexertion during competitive elements

Risk Mitigation

•Use soft training balls or tennis balls for practice
•Establish clear communication protocols for fielding pairs
•Adequate spacing between activities and groups
•Regular water breaks and monitoring for fatigue

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all fielding activities
•Monitor bowling pace and direction during game
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overheating

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students are safely occupied