Lesson 4 - Striking & Long Barrier Technique
Progressive Cricket Play
•Year 1
•Striking & Fielding
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How can we use our whole body to strike the ball to leg side and create a strong barrier to stop it?
Learning Objectives
- To develop the technique for striking a ball to leg from a short delivery
- To learn how to create and use a long barrier effectively
- To practise backing up teammates in fielding situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to strike a ball with a high backlift to leg side
- Students will demonstrate correct long barrier technique with body positioning
- Students will understand the importance of communication and backing up in fielding
Equipment & Resources Required
Distribute around playing area perimeter
Alternative: Soft practice balls, bean bags
Size 4 or 5 bats suitable for Year 1
Alternative: Tennis racquets, rounders bats
Half face down (dishes), half right way up (domes) for warm-up
Alternative: Spots, markers
Mark bowling and batting creases
Alternative: Cones, skittles
For students who need static ball support
Alternative: Upturned cones
Key Vocabulary
Lifting the bat high behind the body before striking the ball
A fielding technique where the body is turned sideways to create a wall to stop the ball
The side of the cricket pitch that corresponds to the batsman's legs
Supporting a teammate by positioning behind them in case they miss the ball
Alert fielding stance with knees bent, hands ready, eyes on the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching skills
- Understanding of ready position
- Experience with simple striking activities
Current Skills
- High backlift batting technique
- Long barrier fielding method
- Communication and backing up
Next Steps
- Striking to different areas of the field
- Advanced fielding positions and tactics
- Game situations with multiple skills combined
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- High backlift is essential for effective striking to leg side
- Long barrier requires sideways body position with one knee down
- Communication ('Mine!') and backing up prevents fielding errors
- Step back and across creates space for leg side striking
- Striking down keeps ball low and controllable
- Safety awareness must be maintained throughout all activities
- Self-assessment develops metacognitive awareness
Common Misconceptions
- Students think they must hit the ball hard rather than with good technique
- Believing long barrier means just putting hands down, not turning body
- Thinking backing up means standing close instead of providing depth
- Assuming striking to leg means swinging across body rather than stepping across
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, positive reinforcement
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment, simplified technique focus, extra practice time, step-by-step breakdown
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule, quiet zone available if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, verbal cues for positioning, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards
physical disability
- Seated striking option, modified long barrier from wheelchair, adapted equipment
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring distances for field setup, counting points in competitions, timing activities
Science
Forces in throwing and striking, angles of ball trajectory, body mechanics in movement
Geography
Directional awareness (leg side vs off side), spatial positioning on field
PSHE
Teamwork and communication, fair play and sporting behaviour, self-assessment and reflection
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position during demonstrations, circulate during practice to provide individual feedback
Observation Focus
Watch for correct long barrier body position, high backlift in striking, and effective communication
Intervention Points
Step in if safety concerns arise, technique needs correction, or groups need additional support
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, slow demonstrations initially, then normal speed. Emphasise key technique points visually
Verbal Cues
- •'High backlift!'
- •'Step back and across!'
- •'Turn your body sideways!'
- •'Call Mine!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m for multiple groups, clear boundaries
Surface Check
Dry, even surface suitable for running and diving for balls
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check bats for damage and appropriate size
- •Tennis balls inflated to correct pressure
- •Cones with no sharp edges or cracks
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collision between players
- •Being struck by ball or bat
- •Slips when diving for balls
- •Overexertion in competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries between groups established
- •Safe distances maintained between bowler and batsman
- •Proper technique taught for all skills
- •Regular safety reminders throughout lesson
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups
- •Circulate between activities checking technique
- •Monitor energy levels and competitiveness
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, call for medical support if needed