Lesson 4 - Pair Work for Long Fielding
Tactical Game Insights
•Year 6
•Cricket
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Distributed among fielding groups
Alternative: Tennis balls, rounders balls
Mark boundaries, starting positions, and targets
Alternative: Markers, bibs as markers
Two sets at each end of pitch for game application
Alternative: Cones arranged as stumps, skittles
Create clear 4 and 6 run boundaries
Alternative: Rope, painted lines
Key Vocabulary
The action of collecting and controlling the ball from a fielding position
Supporting your fielding partner by positioning yourself to help if they miss the ball
The player who stands behind the stumps to collect the ball and attempt run-outs
Fielding tactics designed to prevent the batting team from scoring runs
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
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