Lesson 6 - Skills Assessment & Game Play
Cricket Skills Foundation
•Year 7
•Cricket
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How can we demonstrate and self-assess our cricket skills to show progression and identify areas for improvement?
Learning Objectives
- To describe the core skills needed for success in cricket including bowling and batting techniques
- To demonstrate bowling and batting skills with developing technique in game situations
- To self-assess performance using curriculum assessment criteria and reflect on learning progress
Key Outcomes
- Students will explain at least 3 core cricket skills with technical vocabulary
- Students will demonstrate bowling and batting techniques in small-sided game situations
- Students will complete self-assessment using assessment matrix and identify next steps for improvement
Equipment & Resources Required
Various sizes available, check grip and weight suitability
Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis rackets for modified games
Good bounce and visibility, safer than hard cricket balls
Alternative: Wind balls, soft cricket balls for safety
Slower pace, builds confidence for nervous students
Alternative: Foam balls, plastic cricket balls
Spring-loaded for safety, realistic feel
Alternative: Plastic stumps, cones with pool noodles
Lightweight and safe for younger or less confident students
Alternative: Cones with markers
Pre-loaded with assessment matrix app or document
Alternative: Printed assessment sheets, clipboards
Mark boundaries, target areas, and assessment positions
Alternative: Markers, boundary rope
Target practice for bowling accuracy
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
Key Vocabulary
The direction (line) and distance (length) of a bowled ball - crucial for bowling accuracy
The positioned adopted by a batsman before receiving a ball - side-on, balanced, ready position
The continuation of bowling or batting action after ball release/contact - ensures power and accuracy
Batting shots designed to score runs quickly - drives, cuts, pulls
Batting shots designed to protect wickets and maintain possession - blocks, leaves
Strategic positioning of fielders to prevent runs and create wicket-taking opportunities
A structured framework for evaluating cricket skills across different performance levels
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic underarm and overarm bowling action
- Fundamental batting stance and grip
- Understanding of basic cricket rules and scoring
- Experience of fielding positions and movement
Current Skills
- Refined bowling technique with improved line and length
- Attacking and defensive batting strokes
- Self-assessment using curriculum assessment matrix
- Application of skills in small-sided game situations
Next Steps
- Advanced bowling variations (slower balls, yorkers)
- Tactical game understanding and field setting
- Leadership roles in team situations
- Umpiring and scoring responsibilities
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise honest self-assessment over performance comparison to build growth mindset
- Connect all activities to assessment matrix criteria for clear learning progression
- Model and reinforce sporting behaviour and respect for umpire decisions consistently
- Provide specific, observable feedback focusing on technique improvement rather than outcome
- Ensure all students experience multiple roles to develop comprehensive cricket understanding
- Use student demonstrations and peer coaching to reinforce learning and build confidence
- Maintain focus on skill development and personal progress rather than competitive outcomes
Common Misconceptions
- Students thinking faster bowling is always better - emphasise accuracy and control over pace
- Belief that batting is just about hitting hard - teach shot selection and timing concepts
- Assumption that fielding is less important - highlight fielding's crucial role in team success
- Thinking assessment means being the best - clarify that assessment shows current level for improvement
- Misconception that cricket is too complex - break skills into manageable, progressive components
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use positive reinforcement frequently, allow movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Use larger equipment for easier handling, reduce complexity of multi-step skills, provide extra practice time, focus on core movement patterns
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routine structure, use visual schedules for activities, allow quiet reflection time, offer predictable role rotations
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, employ buddy system for navigation and support
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, establish hand signals for communication, provide written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Adapt batting stance for seated players, modify bowling distance and technique, use larger/softer equipment, create alternative scoring systems
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Technical vocabulary development, following and giving instructions, umpiring communication skills
Maths
Calculating cricket scores, measuring bowling distances, understanding angles of ball delivery and batting shots
Science
Forces in ball movement, friction and bounce, biomechanics of bowling and batting actions, energy transfer
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with success and failure, respect for rules and authority, building resilience
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position with view of all activities, move between stations during skill development, be visible during games
Observation Focus
Technical skill development, sporting behaviour, safety compliance, student engagement and confidence levels
Intervention Points
Step in for safety concerns, correct major technique errors, resolve disputes fairly, support struggling students
Demonstration Notes
Use students for positive examples, demonstrate incorrect technique to highlight improvements, show full technique slowly then at game speed
Verbal Cues
- •'High arm action for bowling!'
- •'Side-on stance for batting!'
- •'Soft hands for catching!'
- •'Call for the ball!'
- •'Well played!' for good sporting behaviour
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large sports hall or outdoor cricket area, minimum 40m x 60m for multiple small games
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from holes or obstacles, suitable for safe running and ball bouncing
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check cricket bats for cracks or damage before use
- •Ensure balls are appropriate softness for year group
- •Verify stumps are stable and spring-loaded where possible
- •Check cones have no sharp edges or damage
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or body during bowling and batting
- •Collisions between students during fielding
- •Trips and falls during dynamic movements
- •Equipment-related injuries from damaged bats or stumps
Risk Mitigation
- •Use tennis balls or wind balls rather than hard cricket balls
- •Establish clear bowling and batting safety zones
- •Ensure adequate spacing between cricket games
- •Position students safely during demonstrations
- •Implement clear communication signals for stopping play
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all cricket games simultaneously
- •Monitor bowling technique to prevent dangerous deliveries
- •Watch for unsafe fielding positions too close to batters
- •Check students following safety protocols consistently
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately with whistle signal, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, contact school emergency procedures if needed