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Lesson 1 - Consolidate Batting Skills

Techniques to Tactics

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Year 6

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Cricket

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1h 1min

Big Question

How can we outwit the opposition through intelligent batting decisions and tactical awareness?

Learning Objectives

To consolidate and refine batting techniques from Year 5
To develop tactical decision-making when selecting shots and placement
To demonstrate effective communication and teamwork whilst batting

Key Outcomes

Students will consistently direct the ball away from fielders into space
Students will adapt their batting approach based on game situations
Students will communicate effectively with batting partners to maximise scoring opportunities

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

6-8 (various sizes)

Check handles are secure, appropriate size for students

Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis rackets for modified game

Tennis Balls

12-15

Ensure balls are in good condition, not too bouncy

Alternative: Softer balls, incrediball for safety

Rackets

2 sets (stumps and bails)

Position 22 metres apart or adjust for space available

Alternative: Cones with pool noodles, target markers

Tees

2-3

Adjust height to student chest level

Alternative: Traffic cones, adjustable tees

Sun Markers

8-12 cones

Create clear boundary approximately 30m from wickets

Alternative: Bibs, markers, painted lines

Scorebook

4-6

Simple formats showing runs, wickets, and overs

Alternative: Clipboards with basic score sheets

Key Vocabulary

Batting stance

The balanced position a batter takes before facing the ball

Shot placement

Deliberately hitting the ball to specific areas of the field

Calling

Communication between batting partners about running opportunities

Innings

The period when a team is batting and trying to score runs

Field setting

The positioning of fielders to prevent runs and take wickets

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic batting stance and grip from Year 5
Understanding of cricket scoring and basic rules
Experience of fielding positions and bowling techniques

Current Skills

Consolidating batting technique with improved accuracy
Developing tactical shot selection and placement
Enhancing communication and partnership skills

Next Steps

Advanced batting techniques including sweep shots
Complex field setting and captaincy skills
Tournament-style competitive cricket

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact with ball using correct technique

Evidence of tactical thinking in shot selection

Clear communication with batting partner throughout innings

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise tactical thinking over pure hitting power throughout lesson
Ensure communication between batting partners is practiced and reinforced
Connect all activities to game situations to maintain relevance
Celebrate good decision-making equally with successful skill execution
Maintain focus on consolidation and refinement rather than introducing new techniques
Use questioning to develop tactical understanding and decision-making skills
Provide regular opportunities for students to reflect on and evaluate their performance

Common Misconceptions

Students believe batting harder always means batting better - correct by emphasising placement and timing
Students think individual performance is more important than team tactics - address through team-focused activities
Belief that batting is only about scoring runs - explain defensive batting and wicket preservation
Assumption that calling for runs is only striker's responsibility - teach shared communication responsibilities
Misconception that field positions never change - demonstrate dynamic field setting throughout innings

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, regular movement opportunities, immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Use larger, lighter equipment, allow extra practice time, provide step-by-step skill breakdowns, focus on personal improvement rather than comparison

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, visual schedules for lesson sequence, quiet zones available if needed, consistent partner assignments

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of field positions, assign sighted partner for guidance, use larger equipment where possible

hearing impairment

Establish clear visual signals for communication, provide written tactical instructions, ensure students can see teacher demonstrations clearly

physical disability

Adapt batting stance as needed, use lighter bats or different grips, modify running requirements, create alternative scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Clear communication during batting partnerships, descriptive language for tactical discussions, listening skills during team talks

Maths

Calculating runs scored, understanding angles for shot placement, measuring distances for boundaries, statistical analysis of team performance

Science

Understanding forces in batting (impact, trajectory), studying ball flight and spin, exploring physics of bat and ball interaction

Geography

Understanding field positions and spatial awareness, mapping playing areas, directions and compass points for field settings

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation skills, resilience when facing challenges, managing competitive emotions, respecting opponents and officials

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during activities, position at corner of playing area during games for optimal visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for correct batting technique, tactical decision-making, communication between partners, and safe play

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe play occurs, when students need tactical guidance, or if any student appears frustrated or disengaged

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for skill demonstrations, involve students in demonstrating good examples, provide immediate positive feedback

Verbal Cues

•'Watch the ball onto the bat!'
•'Look for the gaps in the field!'
•'Communicate with your partner!'
•'Think about your shot selection!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m outdoor space or large indoor hall, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Even surface free from holes, wet patches, or debris that could cause slips or falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all bats for secure handles and no cracks
•Ensure wickets are stable and securely positioned
•Verify tennis balls are in good condition (not hard or damaged)
•Confirm boundary markers are visible and secure

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to players not actively involved
•Collisions between batters running or fielders moving to ball
•Bat injuries from incorrect grip or follow-through

Risk Mitigation

•Clear zones established for batting practice with safe distances
•Running lanes marked to prevent collisions
•Emphasis on controlled batting technique rather than power
•Constant supervision during games with appropriate adult-to-student ratios

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all batting activities
•Monitor bowling speeds remain appropriate for age group
•Check students maintain awareness of ball location at all times

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required