🏏

Lesson 5 - Defensive Game Tactics

Techniques to Tactics

•

Year 6

•

Cricket

•

Big Question

How can we create and apply defensive tactics to prevent the opposing team from winning?

Learning Objectives

Create, understand and apply defensive tactics in cricket game situations
Consolidate batting and fielding skills and tactics in mini games
Develop teamwork and communication skills in competitive situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective defensive tactics in game situations
Students will show improved tactical awareness and decision-making
Students will communicate effectively as part of a team strategy

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

6-8 (various sizes)

Different sized bats available for student comfort

Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis rackets for modified games

Tennis Balls

12-15

Multiple balls available to maintain game flow

Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls for safety

Rackets

6 sets

Positioned at appropriate distances for mini games

Alternative: Cones, skittles, or foam wickets

Cones

30-40

Used for boundaries, fielding positions, and game areas

Alternative: Markers, flat discs

Bibs

12 (two different colours)

To distinguish teams clearly during games

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Scorecards

6-8

Simple scoring sheets for students to manage

Alternative: Whiteboard, paper, or digital scoring

Key Vocabulary

Defensive tactics

Strategies designed to prevent the opposing team from scoring or winning

Bowling order

The sequence in which team members bowl during the game

Field placement

Strategic positioning of fielders to prevent runs and take wickets

Shot selection

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

Line and length

The direction and distance of bowling delivery to create pressure

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic overarm bowling technique
Fundamental batting skills including shot selection
Understanding of fielding positions and responsibilities
Knowledge of basic cricket rules and scoring

Current Skills

Creating and applying defensive tactical strategies
Adapting tactics based on game situations
Advanced bowling variations (pace, spin, line and length)
Strategic batting including shot placement

Next Steps

Tournament play with multiple teams
Advanced tactical concepts including field setting
Leadership roles in organising cricket competitions
Introduction to full cricket match situations

Milestone Indicators

Students can explain their defensive tactics clearly

Teams adapt their strategies during games based on situations

Students demonstrate improved consistency in bowling and batting

Effective communication between team members

Key Teaching Points

Defensive tactics focus on preventing the other team from winning
Good communication is essential for effective team defence
Bowling variations and field placement work together as defensive strategies
Tactics should be adapted based on game situations and effectiveness
Every team member has an important role in defensive success
Consistent skill execution is crucial for tactical success
Learning from other teams' tactics improves your own defensive ability

Common Misconceptions

Thinking defensive tactics mean only bowling slowly - vary pace strategically
Believing all fielders should be close to the wicket - spread to cover gaps
Assuming the best bowler should always bowl first - consider tactical timing
Thinking tactics can't change during games - adaptation is key to success
Believing individual skills are more important than team tactics - teamwork wins games

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent tactical focus points, clear role definitions, regular positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Simplified tactical concepts, extra practice time, peer support for complex skills

autism spectrum

Clear tactical routines, visual tactical charts, predictable game structure

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, clear verbal descriptions of field positions, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual signals for tactical changes, written tactical plans, clear demonstrations

physical disability

Adapted batting positions, modified bowling distances, inclusive fielding roles

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, tactical vocabulary, team discussion and presentation

Maths

Scoring, statistics, angles for ball direction, timing and measurement

Science

Forces in ball flight, friction, reaction times, body systems during exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness, field positioning, direction and movement patterns

PSHE

Leadership, teamwork, resilience, managing competition and pressure

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between game areas to observe tactical application and provide coaching

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical understanding, effective communication, and skill application

Intervention Points

Step in to clarify tactics, resolve conflicts, or adjust difficulty

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Use clear, exaggerated movements to show tactical concepts and cricket skills

Verbal Cues

•'Remember your defensive plan!'
•'Communicate with your fielders!'
•'Adapt your tactics based on what's happening!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m outdoor space or large sports hall

Surface Check

Even surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check cricket bats for splinters or damage
•Ensure balls are appropriate hardness for age group
•Verify wickets are stable and safe

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions between players during games
•Injuries from cricket equipment

Risk Mitigation

•Use tennis balls rather than hard cricket balls
•Enforce safe bowling distances
•Clear boundaries between game areas
•Emphasise controlled bowling rather than maximum pace

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all game areas
•Monitor bowling pace and player behaviour
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if serious