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Lesson 4 - Attacking Tactics in Cricket

Techniques to Tactics

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Year 6

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Cricket

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Big Question

How can we create and apply attacking tactics to win cricket matches when batting and fielding?

Learning Objectives

Create, understand and apply attacking tactics in cricket game situations
Consolidate knowledge and ability to effectively apply batting and fielding skills
Develop tactical awareness and decision-making in match scenarios

Key Outcomes

Students will create and implement team tactics for both batting and fielding
Students will demonstrate improved tactical decision-making during gameplay
Students will evaluate and adapt tactics based on game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

4-6 tennis balls or softer cricket balls

Check bat sizes appropriate for students, ensure good condition

Alternative: Rounders bats, table tennis bats for smaller hands

Rackets

2 sets (stumps and bails or cones)

Ensure wickets are stable and appropriate height

Alternative: Large cones, skittles, or chalk marks on walls

Cones

20-30

Use bright colours for clear visibility

Alternative: Markers, bibs, or natural boundaries

Score Sheets

5 clipboards with pencils

Ensure students understand scoring system being used

Alternative: Simple tally sheets, mental scoring for simpler games

Bibs

12 (6 of each colour)

Clear team identification for tactical discussions

Alternative: Different coloured PE shirts, arm bands

Key Vocabulary

Attacking tactics

Strategies used to score runs or take wickets to win the game

Bowling order

The planned sequence of bowlers to maximise effectiveness

Shot selection

Choosing the appropriate batting stroke based on the ball and field

Field placement

Strategic positioning of fielders to prevent runs or take catches

Game situation

The current state of the match affecting tactical decisions

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic bowling and batting techniques from Units 1-2
Understanding of cricket rules and scoring
Experience of fielding positions and roles

Current Skills

Creating and applying attacking tactics
Adapting strategies based on game situations
Working collaboratively to outsmart opponents

Next Steps

Advanced tactical gameplay in competitive situations
Coaching and leadership roles
Tournament play with complex strategies

Milestone Indicators

Students can explain their team's tactics clearly

Teams adapt strategies during gameplay

Tactical decisions improve team performance

Key Teaching Points

Attacking tactics require both individual skill and team coordination
Different game situations require different tactical approaches
Communication is essential for successful tactical implementation
Risk assessment is crucial in tactical decision-making
Adaptability and flexibility are key to tactical success
Leadership emerges through positive tactical contribution
Sportsmanship must be maintained even under competitive pressure

Common Misconceptions

Attacking always means hitting the ball as hard as possible - teach placement over power
Only the captain makes tactical decisions - encourage shared tactical responsibility
Tactics that work once will always work - emphasise adaptation and variety
Individual brilliance is more important than team tactics - reinforce collaborative success
Defensive play has no place in attacking tactics - teach strategic patience and timing

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break tactical planning into smaller steps, provide regular movement breaks, use high-energy roles to channel focus positively

dyspraxia

Simplify tactical concepts initially, provide extra practice time for skill coordination, use larger, softer equipment for confidence

autism spectrum

Provide structured tactical planning templates, allow processing time for tactical decisions, create calm space for overwhelming moments

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of field placements, assign sighted buddy for tactical discussions

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for tactical communication, provide written tactical planning sheets, ensure facing student when giving instructions

physical disability

Adapt batting and bowling techniques as needed, modify running requirements, provide seated fielding positions, use lighter equipment

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills in tactical discussions, vocabulary development through cricket terminology, persuasive speaking in team presentations

Maths

Calculating run rates and required scoring, statistical analysis of bowling figures, geometry in field placements and angles

Science

Forces in bowling and batting techniques, projectile motion of the ball, physics of spin bowling

PSHE

Leadership development through captaincy, teamwork and collaboration, resilience in competitive situations, respect and fair play

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Rotate between teams during tactical planning, position near wickets during gameplay for safety oversight, central position during skill demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical understanding in discussions, monitor skill execution under pressure, assess leadership and communication development

Intervention Points

Step in if tactical discussions become unproductive, intervene if competitive pressure affects safety or sportsmanship, support students struggling with tactical concepts

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate tactical decision-making processes, show how to communicate tactics clearly, model positive competitive behaviour and sportsmanship

Verbal Cues

•'Think tactically - what will help your team win?'
•'Remember your plan - is it working?'
•'Great tactical thinking!'
•'How can you adapt that tactic?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear space for cricket pitch with additional run-off areas, indoor hall or outdoor field suitable

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes or debris, non-slip surface for safe running and diving

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all bats for cracks or splintering
•Ensure balls are appropriate softness for age group
•Verify wickets are stable and will not cause injury if hit
•Confirm boundary markers are visible and safe

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body during bowling/batting
•Collisions between fielders chasing the ball
•Tripping over equipment or uneven surfaces
•Overexertion during competitive gameplay

Risk Mitigation

•Use appropriate soft cricket balls for age group
•Establish clear bowling and batting safety zones
•Teach and enforce safe fielding techniques
•Monitor competitive intensity to prevent dangerous play
•Ensure adequate spacing between multiple games if running simultaneously

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all batting and bowling activities
•Monitor fielding positions for safe spacing
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Ensure umpiring maintains safe play standards

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students remain safely engaged