Lesson 4 - Attacking Tactics in Cricket
Techniques to Tactics
•Year 6
•Cricket
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Check bat sizes appropriate for students, ensure good condition
Alternative: Rounders bats, table tennis bats for smaller hands
Ensure wickets are stable and appropriate height
Alternative: Large cones, skittles, or chalk marks on walls
Use bright colours for clear visibility
Alternative: Markers, bibs, or natural boundaries
Ensure students understand scoring system being used
Alternative: Simple tally sheets, mental scoring for simpler games
Clear team identification for tactical discussions
Alternative: Different coloured PE shirts, arm bands
Key Vocabulary
Strategies used to score runs or take wickets to win the game
The planned sequence of bowlers to maximise effectiveness
Choosing the appropriate batting stroke based on the ball and field
Strategic positioning of fielders to prevent runs or take catches
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
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