Secondary School Cricket Lesson Plans

Secondary School Cricket Lesson Planswww.surreycricketfoundation.org

HOMEWORK

Pupils should be able to name and explain the Ten Modes of Dismissal in cricket:-

1. Bowled2. Caught3. LBW4. Run Out5. Stumped6. Hit Wicket7. Obstructing the Field8. Handled the Ball9. Hit Ball Twice10. Timed out

Pupils should be able to name and correctly place the fielding positions:-

PUPIL LEARNING OBJECTIVES

GOLD – All 10SILVER – 7-9BRONZE – 5-6


GOLD – More than 15SILVER – 10-14BRONZE – 5-9

Pupils should be able to recognise Umpire Signals:- Pupils should be able to understand the LBW law:-


GOLD – 4-5SILVER – 2-3BRONZE – 1

Pupils should be able to explain the role of the umpire:-

1. Two on field umpires

2. One at the bowler’s end, one at square leg

3. Bowler’s end umpire makes decisions on lbw appeals, no balls, wides and leg byes.

4. Square leg umpire judges stumpings and run outs

5. At the end of each over (the umpire counts the 6 balls), the umpires change position.

6. The umpires indicate no balls, byes, leg byes, wides, boundaries and sixes to the scorers, who keep a running total of the runs scored.


GOLD – 10-12SILVER – 7-9BRONZE – 4-6


GOLD – 6SILVER – 4-5BRONZE – 2-3

Lesson 1 High Catching & Front Foot Batting

Warm up – Catch & Clap (15 mins)

Each pupil has an incrediball or cricket ball which they must throw up in the air, clap while the ball is in the air as many times as they can and catch the ball when it comes down.

Activity – 6 Tee Game (30 mins)

Introduce how to hold a bat and how to stand in front of the stumps. Split the group into – a batting team and a bowling team. The batting team take it in turns to hit the three balls off of the three tees towards the fielders who have to stay a safe distance back.

Two batters strike a once, one hitting one way, and one the other. The ball must be hit forwards in a front foot drive.

The fielders may not move until the 6 balls have been hit off the 6 tees. When they have been they must replace all the balls and tees to their original position while the two batters run between the wickets.

The runs are counted and the batters stop when all the balls and tees are successfully returned. The next two batters then go. The winners are the team with the most runs.

OBJECTIVES

• Acquiring & Developing skill• Understanding how to catch a high catch

Coaching Point: Two ways to catch a high ball. Hands pointing upwards and catching the ball just above the eye line or hands in the traditional “cup” catching just below the eye line.

QUESTIONS

Q: What must you remember when catching a high catch?

A: Get into position early and have a solid base. Hands should be pointing upwards or in a traditional cup. Watch the ball. Cushion into body.

QUESTIONS

Q: Which way should be ball be hit?

A: Forwards

Q: Which fielding positions in cricket might we be hitting towards?

A: Mid-on, Mid-off

Q: Why do we have our head over the ball when we hit it and why is that important?

A: To keep the ball on the ground so we don’t get caught out

OBJECTIVES

• Acquiring & Developing skill• Understanding how to play a front foot drive


• GOLD – Complete 6 runs or more• SILVER – Complete 4-5 runs• BRONZE – Complete less than 4 runs

PUPIL LEARNING OBJECTIVE

• GOLD – Complete 12 claps or more• SILVER – Complete 8-11 claps• BRONZE – Complete less than 7 claps

Coaching Point: Hands together on the bat handle with the two “vs” lined up down the back of the bat.

Our stance should have toes level roughly over middle stump standing sideways on facing the bowler.

Backswing should be around stump high and over the stumps or over first/second slip, not behind the body.

Front foot moves forward towards the ball leading with the shoulder and head over the ball.

Cool-Down – Boxes/Squares (15 mins)

Split the group into 4 teams of around 7-8 players and set up 4 equal size boxes for the teams to stand in.

Players may throw the ball underarm from their box into any otherbox. If their throw does not make a box, the thrower is out and has to leave the square. If their throw is accurate, a player inside the box must make a catch. If the ball hits the ground inside the box the nearest player, or the one who dropped the catch, must leave thebox. The game continues until only one team has a player of players remaining.

The game can be varied by type of ball, distance between boxes, under arm or over arm throws, minimum height of throw (e.g. teacher height or above).

OBJECTIVES

• Acquiring & Developing skill• Improve catching skills• Decision making• Devising tactics

QUESTIONS

Q: How should the ball be thrown?

A: Underarm/overarm (according to your rules)

Q: What must the team receiving the ball do?

A: Prevent the ball from hitting the ground in their square


• GOLD – Last two players left in a square• SILVER – 3rd-4th last player left in a square• BRONZE – Earlier exit from square

Lesson 2 Run Outs & Running between the wicketsWarm up – Running between the wickets Relay (15 mins)

Split the group into equal teams and set up as above.

The first player runs with a bat from their starter cone to the first set of cones (crease) and then back and then the second set and back and third set and back and then hands over to the next player.

The distance between the cones can be varied according to type and age group.

Repeat once if time. OBJECTIVES

• Acquiring & Developing skill• Understanding running between the wickets

Coaching Point: Stretch out to reach the crease, staying low, and run the bat along the ground to just over the crease.


• I know how to run between the wicketsQUESTIONS

Q: What do you need to do when approaching the crease while running?

A: Stretch out and run the bat along the groundActivity – Run the Batter Out (30 mins)

Split the group into teams (for large classes 2 games can be run at once) – a batting team and a bowling team.

The first batter stands in a normal batting stance in front of his/her stumps and shouts “yes” and aims to run a two.

On the shout of yes, the fielder standing next to another set of stumps runs to try to pick the ball off the cone and throw it back overarm to the wicketkeeper behind the stumps and run the batter out.

If the batter is out they are out of the game. If they are in the team scores a run and the batter goes to the back of the line.

The game continues until all the batters are out or until a set amount of time has passed (approx. 15 minutes).

The teams then swap over and the second team tries to better the first team’s score.

The game can be made more difficult or easier by changing the length of the two areas for batters and/or fielders.


GOLD – Complete three runs and three run outsSILVER – Complete two runs and two run outsBRONZE – Complete one run and one run out

QUESTIONS

Q: How do you pick up the ball in the field?

A: Place your throwing foot next to the ball, pick up with your throwing hand, turn point and throw at the target.

Q: Where should you aim your throw?

A: Over the top of the stumps for the wicketkeeper to catch.

OBJECTIVES

• Acquiring & Developing skill• Practising running between the wickets• Pick up and overarm throw• Catching (wicket keeper)• Understand & perform a run out

Coaching Point: Fielder should pick the ball outside their “throwing foot”, i.e. the foot on the same side as the hand they throw with. Throwing arm should be high with non-throwing arm pointing towards the target.

Wicketkeepers stand behind the stumps with hands ready to catch the ball.

Activity – Run the Batter Out (30 mins)

Split the group into teams (for large classes 2 games can be run at once) – a batting team and a bowling team.

The first batter stands in a normal batting stance in front of his/her stumps and shouts “yes” and aims to run a two.

On the shout of yes, the fielder standing next to another set of stumps runs to try to pick the ball off the cone and throw it back overarm to the wicketkeeper behind the stumps and run the batter out.

If the batter is out they are out of the game. If they are in the team scores a run and the batter goes to the back of the line.

The game continues until all the batters are out or until a set amount of time has passed (approx. 15 minutes).

The teams then swap over and the second team tries to better the first team’s score.

The game can be made more difficult or easier by changing the length of the two areas for batters and/or fielders.


GOLD – Complete three runs and three run outsSILVER – Complete two runs and two run outsBRONZE – Complete one run and one run out

QUESTIONS

Q: How do you pick up the ball in the field?

A: Place your throwing foot next to the ball, pick up with your throwing hand, turn point and throw at the target.

Q: Where should you aim your throw?

A: Over the top of the stumps for the wicketkeeper to catch.

OBJECTIVES

• Acquiring & Developing skill• Practising running between the wickets• Pick up and overarm throw• Catching (wicket keeper)• Understand & perform a run out

Coaching Point: Fielder should pick the ball outside their “throwing foot”, i.e. the foot on the same side as the hand they throw with. Throwing arm should be high with non-throwing arm pointing towards the target.

Wicketkeepers stand behind the stumps with hands ready to catch the ball.

Cool-Down – Hit the Stumps (15 mins)

Split the group into teams of no more than 4 players per side and set up a number of matches as above, according to the number of teams.

The idea of the game is to throw the ball from the coned area to hit the stumps in the middle. A hit scores 10 points. If the thrower misses the stumps, the team may still score points by the ball going through the other team’s coned area. This scores 4 points.

The game continues for a set amount of time and the teams can be swapped over every so often to create a round robin type effect to determine the overall winning team.


GOLD – Complete 5+ hits SILVER – Complete 3-4 hitsBRONZE – Complete 1-2 hits

QUESTIONS

Q: When do you attempt a Direct Hit instead of aiming to throw to the person behind the stumps?

A: When there is only time to get them out with a direct hit or where there is no player behind the stumps.

Q: When trying to get a direct hit where do you aim on the stumps and why?

A: The base because if you are short or a bit high there is still a chance you could hit the stumps.

Q: When do you perform a long barrier and why?

A: When you are fielding in the outfield and the ball is coming quickly towards you so you can stop it from going past you or go for a boundary (4 runs).

OBJECTIVES

• Acquiring & Developing skill• Practising overarm throwing to perform a direct hit• Learn how to perform a long barrier

Coaching Point: Throwing arm should be high with non-throwing arm pointing towards the target.

Aim should be towards the base of the stumps.

Long barrier is performed by dropping the non-throwing leg down at the front so the knee is touching the throwing foot at the back creating an elongated barrier so the ball cannot pass through.

Lesson 3 Run Outs & Running between the wickets

Warm up – Under Arm Relay (15 mins)

Split the group into equal teams and set up as above.

The first player goes behind the stumps and acts as wicketkeeper rolling the ball out along the ground to the fielder who runs in attacking the ball stopping it and picking it up with one movement and throwing underarm at the target.

Weaker players can be encouraged to pick the ball up with two hands if necessary. Repeat once if time.


I know how to attack the ball and hit the target with an underarm throw.

QUESTIONS

Q: Where should you aim at the stumps and why?

A: At the base to reduce the chance of missing.

OBJECTIVES

• Acquiring & Developing skill• Understanding how to stop and attack a moving ball

Coaching Point: Stay low, pick up ball by outside of throwing foot with fingers pointing downwards and palm towards the target, keeping low, follow through with the throwing arm towards the target.


GOLD – Hit the cones 75% of the timeSILVER – Hit the cones 50% of the timeBRONZE – Hit the cones 25% of the time

QUESTIONS

Q: Where should you aim when you bowl and why?

A: Just outside off stump on a good length not too short and not too full. Batters at this level tend to be strong on the leg side and so will find it more difficult to score runs on the off side and may get themselves out even if the ball isn’t going to git the stumps.

Q: What is a wide delivery?

A: It is a wide if the batter cannot play a normal cricket shot to hit the ball because it is too far away from them.

Q: When is it a no ball?

A: (1) When the bowler’s front foot isn’t party grounded behind the front line. (2) If the ball is over the batter’s waist height without bouncing. (3) If the ball bounces more than twice (4) If there are three or more fielders behind square on the leg side.

OBJECTIVES

• Acquiring & Developing skill• Understanding how to bowl “seam”• Understanding how to hold the ball• Understanding where to aim and why and how to bowl

straight with a straight arm

Coaching Point: Grip the ball lightly not “wedged” in the back of the hand. Keep the bowling arm straight.

Activity – Target Bowling (35-40 mins)

Introduce the group to how to hold a cricket ball (using an Incrediball with a clear seam). Ensure the group can bowl with a straight arm. For those struggling with the movement from start to completion allow them to start with their bowling arm straight back horizontally to their body with front arm bent towards the target.

Split the group into teams set up as above with cones as a target on a good length. Teams aim to bowl the ball directly on top of the cones. Each team takes it in turn to bowl a ball.

Stronger groups can have fewer cones to aim at.

Cool-Down – High Catch Eliminator (5-10 mins)

Line the class up in a straight line.

Invite each pupil to come forward individually and hit or throw an Incrediball or hard ball up in the air for them to catch.

If they drop it, they are out. If they catch it they go to the end of the line for the next round.

Continue until just one player is left. If sufficient time make each throw or hit progressively difficult.


GOLD – Three or more catches before drop SILVER – Two catches before dropBRONZE – One catch before drop

OBJECTIVES

• Acquiring & Developing skill• High catching under pressure

Coaching Point: Hands pointing upwards and catching above the eye line or traditional cup shape catching on or below the eye line. Head still, solid base in position under ball as early as possible.

Lesson 4 Close Catching & Back Foot Batting

Warm up – Close Catching & Defensive Play (15 mins)

Create a circle of cones with a fielder on each cone a short distance away from the batter.

Teacher or pupil throws a tennis ball overarm towards the batter who must play a forward or backward defensive shot and (a) play it gently enough so the ball does not roll out of the circle and (b) does not get caught by a fielder. Fielders may catch one hand one bounce but must not leave their cone until the batter has hit the ball.

Each batter gets 6 balls unless they are out caught or bowled.


GOLD – Survive all 6 ballsSILVER – Survive 4 ballsBRONZE – Survive 2 balls


• I know how to play a defensive shot to protect my wicket and not get caught

OBJECTIVES

• Acquiring & Developing skill• Understanding how to play a ball with soft hands• Understanding how to catch close to the wicket

Coaching Point: Keep bat and pad (leg) close together when playing forward. Play with soft hands so the ball does not travel far after striking.

Activity – Cut & Pull Shots (30 mins)

Split the group into two matches with cones set up for fielding positions square of the wicket.

Teacher feeds the ball over arm short of a length and batters have to play the appropriate shot to the ball which may either be a cut shot, pull shot or backwards defensive.

Pupils receive 5 points for executing a correct shot. They receive an additional 5 points for hitting the ball along the ground past the fielders. Fielders receive 5 points if they stop it from going through and 10 points if they catch it.

Each batter receives 6 balls.

Cool-Down – Long Barrier Game (10 mins)

Players line up along a boundary line/semi-circle.

Teacher hits or throws an Incrediball or hardball out to simulate a boundary hit and pupils must stop the ball from going over the boundary using a long barrier and then return the ball to the teacher.


GOLD – 50 or more pointsSILVER – 25 or more pointsBRONZE – 15 or more points


GOLD – Three long barrier stops before end of sessionSILVER – Two long barrier stops before end of sessionBRONZE – One long barrier stops before end of session

QUESTIONS

Q: Which shot would you play to a short delivery outside of the off stump?

A: Cut shot

Q: Which shot would you play to a short delivery outside of the leg stump?

A: Pull shot

OBJECTIVES

• Acquiring & Developing skill• Understanding when & how to play attacking shots off

the back foot• Understanding how to avoid hitting the ball in the air

OBJECTIVES

• Acquiring & Developing skill• Stopping boundary hits under pressure

Coaching Point: Move back and across the stumps with weight over the ball to keep it on the ground not in the air.

Coaching Point: Non-throwing leg goes down to the ground at the front with knee touching throwing foot. Non-throwing arm points towards target and throwing arm should remain high.

Warm up – Pupil Driven Fielding Warm-up (15 mins)

Split pupils into groups of around 4-6 and ask them each to set up and demonstrate their own fielding warm-up based on knowledge acquired so far.

They should have access to stumps, balls, cones, bibs and a bat.

They warm-up should demonstrate practice of a skill or ideally more than one skill, be active and inclusive.

It should include relevant coaching points which should be clearlydemonstrable.

Activity – Indian Street Cricket (45 mins)

Split the group into two teams and number each player on each team, e.g. 1-15. Set up two cricket matches with a shared boundary in the middle.

A teacher takes each match.

Teams bat on one pitch and field on the other. Fielders rotate clockwise in the field. An Incrediball is used and batters should wear a box and gloves ideally.

When a batter is dismissed he or she swaps with the next numberbatter who is fielding on the other pitch and takes their place in the field.

Matches are scored like normal cricket matches except both innings are happening simultaneously.

Lesson 5 Pupil Driven Warm-up & Match Play


GOLD – Multi-skill, Active & Inclusive DrillSILVER – 2 of the 3 aboveBRONZE – 1 of the 3 above

OBJECTIVES

• Demonstrating skill & knowledge• Understanding how to set up a fielding based warm-up

OBJECTIVES

• Acquiring & Developing skill• Understanding how to play a cricket match

Lesson 6 Pupil Driven Warm-up & Match Play

Warm up – Pupil Driven Bowling Warm-up (15 mins)

Split pupils into groups of around 4-6 and ask them each to set up and demonstrate their own bowling warm-up based on knowledge acquired so far.

They should have access to stumps, balls and cones.

They warm-up should demonstrate as many skills of bowling as possible be active and inclusive.

It should include relevant coaching points which should be clearly demonstrable.

Activity – Countdown Cricket (45 mins)

Split the group into two teams.

Each team has 20 minutes to bat. Two bowlers line up to bowl with a ball each and the first bowler bowling as soon as the ball is dead and batters are ready.

Once they’ve bowled a ball the bowler moves round one place clockwise in the field. Every time a batter crosses and ends at the non-striker’s end, they swap with the next batter. If a batter s out, they are out and may not return.

The innings continues until 20 minutes have elapsed or all batters are out and then the teams switch.

OBJECTIVES

• Demonstrating skill & knowledge• Understanding how to set up a bowling based warm-

up


GOLD – Multi-skill, Active & Inclusive DrillSILVER – 2 of the 3 aboveBRONZE – 1 of the 3 above

OBJECTIVES

• Acquiring & Developing skill• Understanding how to play a limited time cricket

match and play under pressure• Understand and demonstrate some match related

tactics• Be able to demonstrate learned techniques, e.g. line &

length, attacking & defensive batting, create a batting order, place fielders (using correct names)

Documents

Secondary School Cricket Lesson Plans