Cricket Sessions
These cricket sessions focus on further developing and progressing skills from the year 3-4 unit, including striking, sending, receiving, movement and team work skills within small-sided games. Lessons are progressive and suitable for indoor or outdoor delivery.
Lesson Plans
Lesson 1: Throwing & Catching Session
Warm-up • Skill Development • Game
View Lesson Plan
Learning Objective:
- To throw and catch accurately over increased distances.
- To use quick decision-making when fielding.
Success Criteria:
- I can use those skills from year 3/4 and apply them in a range of different games.
- I can release the ball quickly and accurately after catching.
- I can catch consistently at different heights.
Key Words:
- Accuracy
- Consistency
Equipment:
- Cricket/tennis balls
- Cones for set up
- Bibs
- Cricket stumps
Preparation Ideas (warm up) – Hot Potato
Split the class into even groups of around of even numbers (4 or 6 per group)
Set out 6 spots at various points in front of each team (around 5m apart from each other)
In pairs in their groups, start 1 player on the start line and 1 person the first cone. They will perform a throw and catch to each other. If successful, they both move to the next spot. When they reach the end, they then do the same on the way back. When they get back to the start, swap with the next pair in your group
Progression:
>Make this into a race between games to see which team can finish 1st
Skill Development
Beat the ball
Split the class into teams of 6-8 and ask them to stand in a circle. The children will perform underarm and overarm passes to others in their group. When the teacher shouts ‘GO’, the player with the ball places it on the floor and begins to run around the circle. The player next to the ball will then picks up the ball and the team begin to throw the ball to the next player in the circle, trying to catch and beat the player running. It’s a race to see who gets back first, the ball or the player
Game – Cricket Handball
Split the class into even teams of around 6-8 per team. You may want to set up multiple playing areas so each team can be playing at once. Set up an area with a cricket wicket at both ends 2 teams compete against each other looking to keep possession of the ball and strike their opponent’s target. You can only intercept a pass to win possession back.
Teaching Points:
- We want to see the children using good accuracy when throwing the ball. We are looking to aim for our partner’s hands to make it easier for them to catch it. Think about the amount of power we are using in our throw. We don’t want too much power and make it difficult for our partner to catch the ball
- When catching, we want to see the children make good decisions as to whether to use the cupping technique or the W shape technique. We want to make sure they are waiting in the ready position with knees bent and feet shoulder width apart, anticipating the ball coming to them.
- The more accurate we can be with our throwing and catching, the greater chance we have of being successful in the games we are playing.
Key Questions:
- What do we mean by the term accuracy?
- How can we be accurate when throwing the ball to someone?
- When looking to catch the ball, how will we decide which catching technique to use?
National curriculum links:
- Use running, throwing and catching in isolation and combination
- Develop control and technique through playing cricket
- Play competitive games against others, applying basic principles for both attacking and defending
Social/environmental skills:
- Developing good team work and collaboration skills
- Developing good communication skills
- Improving our decision making skills
Lesson 2: Fielding On The Move Session
Warm-up • Skill Development • Game
View Lesson Plan
Learning Objective:
- To be able to perform skills with accuracy, whilst on the move
- To use appropriate techniques for fielding
Success Criteria:
- I can move quickly into position before collecting the ball.
- I can choose the correct technique to stop the ball.
- I can make good decision-making skills to aim for the correct target.
Key Words:
- Technique
- Decision making
- Positioning
Equipment:
- Cricket/tennis balls
- Cones for set up
- Bibs
- Cricket stumps
- Cricket Bats
Preparation Ideas (warm up) – Surround The Wicket
Get the class into groups of 6-8 per group. Stand them in a circle with a wicket placed in the centre of the circle. The class will take it in turns trying to strike the wicket by using an overarm throw.
The player who the ball comes to will then use a long or short barrier to stop the ball, before passing to the next person in the circle who’s turn it is. Make sure each member of the circle is taking a turn.
If you strike the wickets, you get a point. Once the circle have had a turn, move positions to the left or right to change the angle at which you are striking the wicket.
Skill Development
Fielding on the move
Split the class into teams of 4-5. Set out a wicket, with a wicket keeper standing behind. To the side, we will have the rest of the fielders lined up one behind the other. The wicket keeper will roll the ball out into space. The fielder will then retrieve the ball and look to throw the ball towards the stumps from where they retrieve the ball. We want to either aim for the wickets directly, or for our wicket keeper to catch the ball.
Swap roles each time so that the fielder becomes the wicket keeper and the wicket keeper joins the fielding line.
Progression:
>Roll the ball out further for the fielder to collect
Game – Beat The Batter
Class to be in teams of 5. We are going to have 1 wicket keeper, 1 batter and 3 fielders.
The batter begins in their crease, and have a target crease opposite around 10-12m away. Their job is simple, make it to the opposite crease, touch the bat down and make it back to the starting wicket.
The wicket keeper will start the game with the ball and will throw the ball out to a fielder standing parallel to them, who will then throw or roll the ball down the wicket to another fielder half way down the crease, who will pass to a fielder standing parallel to the crease on the opposite side. They will then attempt to throw the ball and hit the wickets where the batter starts. If they miss, the wicket keeper can catch and strike the stumps before the batter gets back, if the throw is accurate enough for them to catch.
If the fielder strikes the wicket, they are awarded a point. Swap the roles over after each turn. If the batter makes it back, they are awarded a point
Progression:
Bring 2 teams together and allow them to compete against one another. 1 team taking it turns running as the batter. The fielding team swapping roles of the fielders and wicket keeper after each turn. Once all runners have been twice, swap over teams and see if they can beat their score.
Teaching Points:
- When fielding on the move, we want to see the children using good technique to retrieve the ball, turn and throw the ball. Make sure the non throwing hand is out for aim and that we step forward, throwing the ball with good technique.
- We want to see the children make good decisions when fielding. Can they hit the stumps, or are they better off aiming for the wicket keeper to catch and hit the stumps. This will be dependant on how far away from the wickets and what angle they are from the wicket. Can they see 3 wickets, 2 wickets or just a single wicket and is it easier to aim for the keeper than to try and hit the stumps.
- If the fielder wants to throw the ball to the wicket keeper rather than the wickets, we want to hear a call (shout their name) so that the wicket keeper knows the ball is coming to them and they can react to that call. Even if the fielder is aiming for the wickets, the keeper should be stood behind the wickets, in the ready position, ready to react to the ball missing the wickets.
Key Questions:
- How can we let our wicket keeper know we are throwing the ball to them?
- As the wicket keeper, if we don’t hear a call and the fielder is aiming for the wicket, what should we do anyway?
- What will determine whether we aim for the wicket or for the wicket keeper?
National curriculum links:
- Use running, throwing and catching in isolation and combination
- Develop control and technique through playing cricket
Social/environmental skills:
- Developing team work and collaboration skills
- Developing good communication skills
- Improving decision making skills
- Showing creativity in their work
Lesson 3: Bowling With Accuracy Session
Warm-up • Skill Development • Game
View Lesson Plan
Learning Objectives:
- To bowl overarm with consistent technique.
- To aim for specific targets
Success Criteria:
- I can bowl accurately at different lengths, both full and short.
- I have an understanding of how using tactics and strategies can help them to be successful
Key Words:
- Short delivery
- Full delivery
- Accuracy
Equipment:
- Cricket/tennis balls
- Cones for set up
- Bibs
- Cricket stumps
- Doodgeballs if available
- Hoops
Preparation Ideas (warm up) – Castle Dodgeball
Set up a dodgeball type court with obstacles on both sides (these can be in the form of balls on cones, hoops set up as castles, cricket wickets). Spread different types of balls on the middle line including sponge tennis ball, dodgeballs and other small balls that are available.
If room allows, split the class into 4 teams and have 2 games running at one time. The aim is to strike down all of the obstacles on the opposition’s side. You can defend the obstacles by blocking (using a long and short barrier as well as blocking and catching the ball). You cannot be caught out or struck out by being hit, the aim of the game is to simply strike down the opposition’s targets.
Skill Development
Bowling at different lengths
Split the class into even groups of around 4-5 per group. We are going to need 1 bowler and 1 wicket keeper, with the rest of the group waiting behind the bowler.
Create a small square with 4 cones and place a cone in the middle. We want the children to try to aim to bowl and strike the middle cone in the square. You can also use a hoop for this with a cone placed in the middle of the hoop.
Once the bowler has had a turn, they become the wicket keeper and then join the back of the bowling queue.
Start with the cone at a full-length delivery before moving it further towards the bowler.
Progression:
Make this activity a competition either between the group or team v team:
>1 point awarded each time they land the ball in the hoop or square
>2 points awarded for striking the middle cone
Game – Bowling With A Batsman
This activity will be the same as the previous activity. This time, we are going to add in a batsman to make the activity more realistic to a game of cricket. Place a hoop or set of cones in a square at a full-length delivery and also a short delivery.
Each bowler will have 4 turns this time before they become the wicket keeper. The wicket keeper will then become the batsman, with the batsman joining the back of the bowling queue.
Progression:
Make this game a competition within the group. The bowler will receive:
>1 point for the ball landing in the square or hoop
>2 points for striking the cone
>3 points for landing the ball in the square, striking the cone and striking the wicket
Teaching Points:
- The full delivery will land close to the batsman’s feet and will more likely result in the ball striking the wickets. The short delivery is used to deceive the batsman. We can use this tactic to just make the batsman think about whether the delivery will be full or short in the future.
- We want the children to make sure they are using good technique when bowling. Make sure that their arms are straight, rocking on their feet side on. When they release, follow through the action.
- We want the children to improve their accuracy of their throw. We are not focusing on power; we want the aim of our throw to be good.
Key Questions:
- Can we name the two types of bowling deliveries we used in today’s session?
- What tactics or strategies can we use when bowling?
- How can we improve the accuracy of our bowl?
National curriculum links:
- Use running, throwing and catching in isolation and combination
- Develop control and technique through playing cricket
Social/environmental skills:
- Developing team work and collaboration skills
- Showing creativity in their work
- Improving their decision making skills
Lesson 4: Batting Defence Session
Warm-up • Skill Development • Game
View Lesson Plan
Learning Objective:
- To perform a forward defensive shot with correct technique
- To protect the wicket when facing accurate bowling
Success Criteria:
- I can adjust my feet and bat to strike the ball in different directions.
- I can keep the ball on the ground when defending.
- I can choose an appropriate shot based on the delivery.
Key Words:
- Batting
- Space
- Technique
Equipment:
- Tennis/cricket balls
- Cones for set up
- Cricket stumps
- Cricket bats
Preparation Ideas (warm up) – French Cricket
Set up an area with 3 fielders and 1 batter. The batter will stand in a large hoop, looking to protect their legs from the opposition team. The 3 fielders will stand around 4-5m away from the hoop at different points around the hoop.
The aim of the game is for the fielding team to pass the ball around their team, looking for an opening to throw the ball off the batter’s legs. If they strike the legs of the batter, the game finishes. The batter’s job is to last as long as possible without being struck on the leg with the ball. They will do this by batting the ball away when it is travelling towards their legs.
Skill Development
Defend with a partner
Get the class into pair and give them a bat, a ball and a spot between the 2 of them. They are going to practice their front foot and back foot defence and learn when to use each of the shots. Stand them around 8m apart from each other
The bowler will deliver 5 high pitched deliveries (place the spot close to the batsman and ask the bowler to aim for the spot) then move the spot further towards the bowler (around half way between them and ask the bowler to aim for the spot again). This will give the batsman a chance to practice their front foot and back foot defence.
After the 10 deliveries, get the children to change roles
Game – 4v1 Bowler vs Batter
Split the children into teams of 5. Give each group 1 bat, 1 ball, 1 set of wickets, a cone and a spot.
Place the spot to either the left or right of the wickets (about 4-5m away). Place the cone about 8-10m away from the batter where the bowler will bowl from. We will then have 1 bowler, 1 batter, 1 wicket keeper and 2 fielders spread either side of the batter. Place a line which the batter needs to cross in order to be safe near to the wickets.
The aim of the game is for the bowler to bowl 6 times to the batter. The batter starts on a score of 10 and has to defend his wickets. Rules are:
>2 runs can be scored by running to the spot and back
>If the ball hits the wickets 2 points are deducted
>If the batter swings and misses the ball 1 point is deducted
>If the batter successfully defends by striking the ball, they get 1 point (even if they don’t run)
>If they decide to run and the ball is returned to the wicket keeper who touches the stumps, 2 points are deducted
Switch the roles of the team after 6 bowls to see who can end with the highest score
Teaching Points:
- Forward defence – The same as the drive however, the aim is to stop/block the ball rather than trying to strike into space. We want soft hands to stop the ball from travelling too far in front. Facing side on, step forward with the front foot, slightly bending the knees, keeping the back leg straight. Block the ball with the bat, tilting the bat slightly into the ground so the ball bounces immediately, rather than travelling in the air and giving the fielder a chance to catch the ball
- Back foot defence – This time, instead of stepping forward with the front foot and placing the weight on the front foot, we are going to place the weight on our back foot, lifting our front foot heel off the floor so we are on the balls of our feet. We want the bat straight and flat and again; we want soft hands so that the ball falls to the floor in front of us.
- We want the children to understand when to use both of the defensive shots and how the length of the bowl will determine which you use. If the ball is travelling low to us (below the knee) we should use the front foot defence. If the ball bounces and then is coming towards us (travelling above the knee) we should use the back foot defence
- When using the defence, we want the ball to drop close to us. We do not want the ball travelling further than 1-2m in front of us before bouncing. We should use the defence if we are under pressure in a game of cricket or if we feel we need to protect the wickets rather than playing an attacking shot (this may be due to the ball traveling fast or very close to us)
Key Questions:
- What are the two types of defensive shots?
- When should we use the forward defence?
- When should we use the back foot defence?
- When defending, where do we want the ball to land?
National curriculum links:
- Use running, striking, throwing and catching in isolation and combination
- Play competitive games against others, applying principles for attacking and defending
- Develop technique and control through playing cricket
Social/environmental skills:
- Developing team work and collaboration skills
- Developing good team work skills
- Improving our decision making skills
Lesson 5: Tactics & Strategies Session
Warm-up • Skill Development • Game
View Lesson Plan
Learning Objective:
- To be able to come up with tactics, strategies and decisions as part of a team
Success Criteria:
- I understand different tactics and strategies that can be used when playing cricket, for both batting and fielding teams.
- I can work as part of a team to come up with and implement those tactics and strategies in a game
Key Words:
- Tactics
- Communication
- Team work
Equipment:
- Cricket/tennis balls
- Cricket bats
- Cones for set up
- Cricket stumps
- Bibs
- Spots
Preparation Ideas (warm up) – Lily Pad Tag
Spread enough spots so that each child can stand on a spot. You may want to start with a couple of available spare spots There will be 2-3 taggers chosen (depending on the size of the game). Children attain points by moving from 1 spot to another without being tagged. If they are on a spot, they are safe and cannot be tagged.
They can choose to stay on the spot but cannot acquire more points by doing so. They can only be tagged whilst moving between spots so they need to make good decisions as to whether they can make it to the spot without being tagged. There can only be 1 player on the spot at a time.
Progression
>Remove tags to make it more difficult to move and find spots to stand on
Game – Mini Cricket
Set the class into teams of 6-8 depending on space and class size. Within the teams, we will have 3-4 pairs. The teams will be:
>2 batsmen
>A wicket keeper and bowler
>Either 1 or 2 pairs of fielders (depending on group size)
The aim of the game is simple, it’s a mini game of cricket. The bowler will bowl the ball to the batsman, who will strike the ball and make runs. The fielders then need to retrieve the ball (or catch it) and play it back to the bowler or wicket keeper to try to stump the bating team before they return. Decision making and tactics will be key for each team. The scoring system for each team will be:
Batting team:
>1 point scored per run between wickets
>1 point taken away per time they are run out, bowled or caught.
Bowling team:
>1 point per wicket taken
>1 point for catching and running out the batsman
Fielding team:
>1 point per catch
>1 point per run out
Allow the bowler to bowl an over (6 bowls) before swapping roles with the wicket keeper. They will then bowl an over before the team’s swap roles:
>Batting team become fielders
>Fielders become bowler and wicket keeper
>Bowler and wicket keeper become batting team
Teaching Points:
- When playing lily pad tag, the children need to decided whether they can move to another available spot, or whether they would be best staying on their current spot.
- In the game of mini cricket, there are many decisions that need to be made between the teams, and they may change their tactics throughout the game.
- The batters – Is it safe to run between the wickets? Do you have enough time to get to the other end before the ball is returned? Are you going to attack the ball or use our defence from last week? We want to hear clear calls from the batters to each other. The batter striking the ball will decide whether they run or whether they stay by calling ‘RUN’ or ‘STAY’
- The bowler/wicket keeper – Their tactics may be to change the type of ball they bowl. Will it be full near to the wickets or short, bouncing towards the batter?
- The fielding team – Need to position themselves to best catch or stop the ball traveling. They may work together with the bowling team to decide this. They then need to decide on their tactics when they receive the ball. Which end are they aiming for (bowler or wicket keeper)? Which batter is running slower between the wickets and therefore will take longer to reach the opposite end? Do they have a good view to strike the wickets directly or are they best looking to throw to the wicket keeper/bowler to run the batter out? We want to see good communication and accuracy in their throws.
Key Questions:
- Can we share a tactic or strategy that we used in the different roles in the game today?
- Why is it important that the batting team have good communication skills?
- Why is it important that the fielding team’s throws are accurate?
- Where should the bowler and wicket keeper position themselves when the fielding team are retrieving the ball?
National curriculum links:
- Use running and throwing in isolation and combination
- Develop technique, balance and control through playing cricket
- Play competitive games against others, applying principles for both attacking and defending
Social/environmental skills:
- Developing team work and collaboration skills
- Developing good communication skills
- Improving their decision making
- Showing creativity in coming up with tactics
- Showing/developing leadership skills
Lesson 6: Cricket Games
Warm-up • Skill Development • Game
View Lesson Plan
Learning Objectives:
- To apply skills in a competitive game situation.
- To follow rules and play fairly.
- To demonstrate teamwork and respect.
Success Criteria:
- I can play cricket games following the rules.
- I can show fair play and respect to others.
- I can use the correct skills during a game.
Key Words:
- Rules
- Respect
- Sportsmanship
Equipment:
- Cricket/tennis balls
- Cricket bats
- Cricket stumps
- Cones for set up
Preparation Ideas (warm up) – Creative Team Warm Up
Split the class into 4-6 even teams (min 5 per group)
Allow each team to go away and lead their own warm up. This will include a dynamic movement, each person in the group picking a stretch, and practicing their bowling and fielding technique. You may want to give each group 3-4 balls each to practice this so they can go into smaller groups within their team
Game – Cricket Game
Pitch has two sets of wickets that are 12-15 yards apart from one another.
Try to make the teams of between 8-10 if you can to allow for a quicker game where most players are involved
The captains do rock, paper scissors to start and the winner chooses whether to bat or bowl first
Batting rules
>Batting team starts with a score of 100 runs. Normal rules apply to runs.
>Every time they can make a run between wickets a run is added to their score.
>If they are out, a score of 5 runs is deducted from the score.
>If the wicket the batter is running towards is stumped (hit) before they get there, that counts as a run out and 5 points are deducted
>The batting team are split into pairs where each pair plays for two overs (there are 6 bowls per over)
>They then swap with another pair in their team until everyone has had a go and a score is totalled
Bowling/fielding rules
>Each person in the team takes a turn at bowling for one over. They also all have a turn at being the wicket keeper for one over
>Every fielder apart from the wicket keeper must be standing at least 10 yards away from the wickets
The result
>The team with the most runs at the end are the winners. In the event of a tie, the team with the most wickets taken will be the winner
Teaching Points:
- When batting, remember that we are looking to make good contact with the ball. We don’t necessarily need to strike with a lot of power, it is about making good contact and looking for the spaces so we can achieve a run. We need good communication with our partner in order for us to successfully run between wickets and not be run out
- When bowling, we want the ball to only bounce once before reaching the batter. Can we get the ball to bounce just before reaching the wickets. Again, we are looking for good technique. If the children can’t gain enough accuracy using the bowling technique, allow them to use the overarm throw. Again, if the accuracy is poor, use the underarm technique
- For fielding, we want the children to be in the ready position. This will allow them to react quickly to the ball. Remember to explain the two barrier techniques and when they should be used. When returning the ball, we want the wicket keeper standing next to a set of wickets and the bowler standing next to a set of wickets. The fielders should then look to throw the ball to one or the other (normally depending on which one they think the batter won’t reach before the ball, resulting in a run out). Think tactically about where the fielders should be placed, to give them the best chance to either catch or return the ball quickly
Key Questions:
- When batting, how can we ensure we make good contact with the ball?
- When bowling, how can we ensure we have good accuracy?
- When fielding, how should we be standing to ensure we can react quickly?
- Why would good communication help both the fielding and batting team?
National curriculum links:
- Use running, throwing and catching in isolation and combination
- Play competitive games against others, applying basic principles for attacking and defending
- Develop technique and control through playing cricket
Social/environmental skills:
- Developing team work and collaboration skills
- Developing good communication skills
- Showing creativity in coming up with tactics
- Showing good sportsmanship throughout the session
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