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Lesson 6 - Cricket Skills & Game Play

Techniques to Tactics

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Year 6

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Cricket

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Big Question

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

Cricket Equipment

12 (various sizes)

Place in equipment box at each playing area

Alternative: Bean bags or foam balls for nervous students

Cricket Stumps

6 sets

Set up at appropriate distances for each game area

Alternative: Cones or skittles

Cones

30-40

Mark clear playing areas and boundaries

Alternative: Rope or painted lines

Score Sheets

6 clipboards with scoring sheets

One per team with pencils attached

Alternative: Whiteboards or paper

Bibs

2 sets of different colours

Distinguish teams clearly during games

Alternative: Coloured bands or hair ties

Key Vocabulary

Tactics

Planned strategies used by teams to gain an advantage during the game

Wicket keeper

The fielder who stands behind the stumps to collect the ball and attempt run-outs

Overarm bowling

Bowling technique where the arm comes over the shoulder to deliver the ball

Shot selection

Choosing the appropriate batting stroke based on the ball and field positions

Field placement

Strategic positioning of fielders to prevent runs and create opportunities for dismissals

Boundary

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

Consistent application of skills under pressure

Effective tactical decision-making during games

Confident leadership and fair play

Accurate umpiring and scoring

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