Lesson 5 - Defensive Game Tactics
Techniques to Tactics
•Year 6
•Cricket
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Different sized bats available for student comfort
Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis rackets for modified games
Multiple balls available to maintain game flow
Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls for safety
Positioned at appropriate distances for mini games
Alternative: Cones, skittles, or foam wickets
Used for boundaries, fielding positions, and game areas
Alternative: Markers, flat discs
To distinguish teams clearly during games
Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers
Simple scoring sheets for students to manage
Alternative: Whiteboard, paper, or digital scoring
Key Vocabulary
Strategies designed to prevent the opposing team from scoring or winning
The sequence in which team members bowl during the game
Strategic positioning of fielders to prevent runs and take wickets
Choosing the appropriate batting stroke based on the ball and field positions
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
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