Lesson 6 - Cricket Skills & Game Play
Techniques to Tactics
•Year 6
•Cricket
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How can we combine all our cricket skills to create effective team tactics and play competitive mini-games?
Learning Objectives
- To consolidate and apply all cricket skills learned throughout the unit in competitive game situations
- To develop and implement effective batting, bowling, and fielding tactics as a team
- To demonstrate leadership, communication, and fair play whilst umpiring and scoring games
Key Outcomes
- Students will successfully combine batting, bowling, and fielding skills in competitive mini-games
- Teams will create and implement tactical strategies for different game situations
- Students will accurately score, umpire, and lead their teams with confidence and integrity
Equipment & Resources Required
Place in equipment box at each playing area
Alternative: Bean bags or foam balls for nervous students
Set up at appropriate distances for each game area
Alternative: Cones or skittles
Mark clear playing areas and boundaries
Alternative: Rope or painted lines
One per team with pencils attached
Alternative: Whiteboards or paper
Distinguish teams clearly during games
Alternative: Coloured bands or hair ties
Key Vocabulary
Planned strategies used by teams to gain an advantage during the game
The fielder who stands behind the stumps to collect the ball and attempt run-outs
Bowling technique where the arm comes over the shoulder to deliver the ball
Choosing the appropriate batting stroke based on the ball and field positions
Strategic positioning of fielders to prevent runs and create opportunities for dismissals
The edge of the playing area, scoring 4 runs if the ball reaches it
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic overarm bowling technique and accuracy
- Batting skills including shot selection and placement
- Fielding positions and quick returns
- Understanding of cricket rules and scoring
Current Skills
- Combining all skills in game situations
- Creating and implementing team tactics
- Leadership and communication during games
- Umpiring and scoring independently
Next Steps
- Advanced cricket strategies and field placements
- Leadership in inter-school competitions
- Coaching and mentoring younger students
- Understanding more complex cricket rules
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise skill application under pressure rather than perfect technique
- Focus on tactical thinking and decision-making throughout games
- Celebrate sportsmanship and fair play as much as skill demonstration
- Encourage communication and leadership within teams
- Use competition to motivate while maintaining inclusive environment
- Connect learning back to previous lessons and unit progression
- Provide specific, actionable feedback during game situations
Common Misconceptions
- That winning is more important than skill development and sportsmanship
- That umpiring decisions can be argued with rather than accepted gracefully
- That tactics only matter in 'real' cricket, not school games
- That only naturally talented students can be successful in cricket
- That aggressive play is necessary for competitive success
- That individual performance is more important than team cooperation
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent position changes, clear role definitions, regular positive feedback, movement breaks between activities
dyspraxia
- Simplified techniques, extra practice time, peer buddying, modified equipment for better grip and control
autism spectrum
- Clear game structure and rules, predictable routine format, quiet reflection time, visual supports for tactics
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, verbal cues for ball direction, buddy system for fielding positions, audio signals for scoring
hearing impairment
- Visual signals for game start/stop, written tactical plans, clear visual demonstrations, sign language support if available
physical disability
- Seated batting options, modified throwing distances, peer assistance for running, adapted equipment sizes
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Cricket terminology, communication skills, following and giving instructions, explaining tactics
Maths
Scoring systems, statistics analysis, geometry of field placements, time management during overs
Science
Forces in bowling and batting, trajectory and angles, energy transfer in ball strikes
Geography
Spatial awareness, field mapping, directional play, understanding of boundaries and areas
PSHE
Teamwork, leadership development, resilience in competition, respect for officials and opponents
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between game areas to observe all teams, position for maximum visibility during active play
Observation Focus
Monitor skill application under pressure, tactical implementation, and team dynamics
Intervention Points
Step in for safety concerns, significant skill breakdown, or poor sportsmanship
Demonstration Notes
Use positive examples from games to highlight good technique and tactics
Verbal Cues
- •'Watch the ball all the way!'
- •'Communicate with your team!'
- •'Remember your tactics!'
- •'Great sportsmanship!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall or outdoor area minimum 30m x 20m per game, with additional space between games
Surface Check
Even, dry surface free from holes or debris, suitable for running and sliding movements
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Use soft/tennis balls only - no hard cricket balls
- •Check all bats for splinters or damage before use
- •Ensure wickets are stable and appropriately sized
- •Cones positioned to avoid collision hazards
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball impact injuries during bowling and batting
- •Collisions between players during fielding
- •Bat strikes during batting practice
- •Slips and falls during quick fielding movements
Risk Mitigation
- •Maintain adequate spacing between game areas
- •Use only soft balls throughout lesson
- •Clear safety briefing on bat handling and awareness
- •Establish clear boundaries and safe zones
- •Ensure wicket keepers maintain safe distance
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all game areas simultaneously
- •Monitor batting technique to prevent dangerous swings
- •Watch for fatigue affecting safety during games
- •Ensure fair play and prevent aggressive play
Emergency Procedures
Stop all play immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, ensure injured player is safely moved if necessary