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Lesson 5 - Cricket Skills Analysis

Technical Mastery & Analysis

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Year 8

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Cricket

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Big Question

How can we use video analysis and peer coaching to perfect our cricket techniques and become more effective players?

Learning Objectives

To describe and demonstrate the biomechanical principles behind core cricket skills with technical accuracy
To perform batting, bowling, fielding and wicket-keeping skills with consistent technique under pressure
To analyse and evaluate self and peer performance using technology and provide constructive feedback for improvement

Key Outcomes

Students will execute core cricket skills with improved technical proficiency
Students will demonstrate ability to coach peers using technical language and visual analysis
Students will show understanding of skill application in match situations through performance and feedback

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

4 lanes if available

Check bat condition, appropriate size for each student

Alternative: Rounders bats, plastic cricket bats

Tennis Balls

Use for safety in batting practice and catching activities

Alternative: Wind balls, soft cricket balls

Handballs

Intermediate step between tennis balls and cricket balls

Alternative: Incrediball, softer cricket balls

iPads

8 tablets

Charged and ready for video recording and analysis

Alternative: Smartphones, digital cameras

Stump Sets

6 sets (metal/wood/plastic)

Mixture of types for different activities and safety levels

Alternative: Cones, skittles

Dish Cones

For boundary marking and station setup

Alternative: Sports markers, chalk lines

Hoops

For target practice and spatial awareness activities

Alternative: Rope circles, chalk circles

PE Equipment

Essential for dive catching practice for safety

Alternative: Crash mats, gym mats

Key Vocabulary

Biomechanics

The study of movement and forces in cricket skills, including body position, timing and power transfer

Slip Catching

Fielding position close to the batsman to catch edges, requiring quick reactions and soft hands

Long Barrier

Fielding technique where body creates a barrier behind the ball to prevent overthrows

Drive Shot

Attacking batting stroke played along the ground with full swing through the ball

Performance Analysis

Systematic observation and evaluation of cricket skills using objective criteria

Peer Coaching

Students teaching and providing feedback to each other to improve performance

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic grip and stance for batting and bowling
Fundamental catching techniques
Understanding of cricket rules and scoring
Experience with cooperative learning and peer feedback

Current Skills

Advanced batting drives with power and placement
Specialist fielding positions and techniques
Bowling accuracy and variation
Performance analysis and coaching skills

Next Steps

Match-specific tactical decision making
Leadership roles in team situations
Advanced game strategies and field placements
Independent skill refinement programmes

Milestone Indicators

Consistent technical execution under pressure

Effective use of coaching language and demonstrations

Ability to adapt skills to different game situations

Evidence of reflective practice and self-improvement

Key Teaching Points

Cricket skills improve through deliberate practice with immediate feedback using technology
Peer coaching develops both technical knowledge and communication skills effectively
Performance analysis requires specific observation skills and technical vocabulary
Pressure situations reveal true skill mastery and areas needing further development
Leadership emerges through teaching others and supporting teammates during challenges
Video technology enhances understanding of biomechanics and technique refinement
Assessment across Head/Hands/Heart domains provides comprehensive evaluation of cricket development

Common Misconceptions

Students may believe natural talent is more important than technique development and deliberate practice
Students often think coaching means only pointing out mistakes rather than building on strengths
Some may assume cricket skills can't be broken down into teachable components for systematic improvement
Students may believe pressure always negatively affects performance rather than being a tool for skill development
Students might think video analysis is only for elite players rather than beneficial for all skill levels
Some may assume individual skill is more important than team communication and cooperation in cricket success

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Include regular movement breaks between reflective activities, provide fidget tools during discussion time, use shorter time periods at each station with clear transitions

dyspraxia

Use larger, softer equipment for better handling, provide additional demonstration time, break skills into smaller steps with peer support

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of circuit rotations, establish quiet reflection zones, use consistent coaching language and routines throughout

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls for better visibility, provide detailed verbal descriptions of techniques, pair with sighted buddy for support and guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations and written instruction cards at each station, employ hand signals for communication, provide written coaching feedback sheets

physical disability

Adapt throwing distances and equipment size as needed, provide seated bowling and batting options, ensure wheelchair accessible circuit stations

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, communication skills through peer coaching, descriptive language for performance analysis

Science

Biomechanics of cricket actions, forces and motion in ball flight, physics of bat and ball impact, human anatomy in athletic performance

Mathematics

Data analysis of performance statistics, angles and trajectories in batting and bowling, measurement of distances and timing calculations

PSHE

Leadership development through coaching roles, resilience building through pressure situations, teamwork and cooperation in competitive environments

Technology

Video analysis software use, digital performance tracking, iPad operation for recording and playback, data collection and presentation

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with visual access to all six circuit stations, moving between stations during intensive practice phases

Observation Focus

Monitor technique quality and safety, listen to peer coaching effectiveness, watch for signs of fatigue or frustration

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for safety concerns, provide additional coaching when technique breaks down under pressure, mediate any conflicts during competitive activities

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations for complex skills, involve confident students in demonstrations, use video playback for immediate technical analysis

Verbal Cues

•'Soft hands for catching!'
•'Head still, watch the ball!'
•'Step into your throw!'
•'Coach with kindness and clarity!'
•'Focus on process not just results!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large sports hall or outdoor cricket area minimum 40m x 30m with high ceiling clearance for bowling practice

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from water, debris or damaged areas that could cause falls during dynamic movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all bats for cracks, loose handles or splintered wood before use
•Ensure stumps are stable and positioned away from walls and obstacles
•Verify high jump mat is properly positioned with adequate safety space around it
•Test iPad devices are securely held and not used near water or impact areas

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes from cricket balls or poor catching technique
•Collision injuries during dive catching or competitive activities
•Overexertion during high-intensity circuit activities
•Equipment-related injuries from bats, stumps or unstable mats

Risk Mitigation

•Use tennis balls and wind balls instead of hard cricket balls for most activities
•Establish clear boundaries and safety zones around each circuit station
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic to pressure situations
•Mandatory safety briefing for dive catching with proper landing technique

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position teacher with clear sight lines to all circuit stations simultaneously
•Rotate between stations to provide close supervision of high-risk activities
•Monitor student fatigue levels during intensive circuit work
•Ensure peer coaches are giving safe and appropriate technical advice

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activities immediately on whistle signal, assess injury severity, provide appropriate first aid, alert school medical support if required