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Lesson 4 - Striking to Leg Technique

Cricket Skill Progression

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Year 2

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Striking & Fielding

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45 min

Big Question

How can we strike the ball where we want it to go and stop balls from getting past us?

Learning Objectives

To develop striking technique with a high backlift to hit balls to the leg side
To learn and apply long barrier technique to stop fast-moving balls
To work cooperatively with partners in backing up and communication

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved striking technique with high backlift
Students will use long barrier technique to stop balls effectively
Students will communicate clearly when fielding and back up teammates

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

1 per student (30)

Check for damage, ensure appropriate size for Year 2 students

Alternative: Tennis rackets, rounders bats

Tennis Balls

15 balls

Use softer balls for indoor sessions

Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for less confident students

Cones

3 sets

Various colours for dishes and domes activity

Alternative: Bean bags, markers

Tees

5 tees

For students who struggle with moving balls

Alternative: Traffic cones, upturned buckets

Key Vocabulary

High backlift

Lifting the bat high behind you before striking the ball

Long barrier

A fielding technique where you kneel with one leg to create a barrier with your body

Leg side

The side of the cricket field behind the batsman's legs

Backing up

Supporting a teammate by being ready to collect the ball if they miss

Ready position

Alert fielding stance with knees bent, weight forward, hands ready

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and catching skills
Simple striking using a bat or paddle
Understanding of personal space and boundaries

Current Skills

Striking with high backlift technique
Long barrier fielding technique
Communication and backing up in fielding

Next Steps

Striking to different areas of the field
Advanced fielding positions and tactics
Game strategies and tactical awareness

Milestone Indicators

Consistent high backlift when preparing to strike

Effective use of long barrier to prevent boundaries

Clear communication during fielding situations

Key Teaching Points

High backlift is essential for powerful and controlled striking
Long barrier technique provides maximum stopping area with body backup
Communication and backing up are crucial for effective fielding
Step across with back leg frees arms for leg side striking
Ready position enables quick reaction to ball movement
Safety in defined spaces requires awareness of others and controlled movement
Honest self-assessment helps identify areas for improvement

Common Misconceptions

Believing you only need hands to stop fast balls - teach body as backup
Thinking striking is just about hitting hard - emphasise placement and technique
Assuming you can't improve coordination skills - reinforce practice makes progress
Believing one technique works for all situations - teach adaptability
Thinking individual skills are separate from team play - emphasise integration

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries and rules, regular movement breaks, positive reinforcement system

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, reduced complexity in movements, extra practice time, verbal rehearsal of actions

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedules available, quiet zones for breaks if needed, consistent language and instructions

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of all techniques, assign sighted buddy for support

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instruction cards, ensure clear sight lines for lip reading

physical disability

Adapted striking from seated position, modified equipment sizes, shorter distances, alternative scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances for fielding positions, counting successful strikes, calculating scores in competitive activities

Science

Understanding forces in striking and throwing, friction between ball and ground, trajectory and bounce physics

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and field placement, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with success and failure, communication skills, leadership development

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during activities, position centrally for demonstrations, ensure clear sight lines to all students

Observation Focus

Watch for correct technique development, safety awareness, positive peer interaction, and skill progression

Intervention Points

Step in if safety rules not followed, provide individual technique support, mediate any conflicts

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for technique demonstration, show common mistakes and corrections, involve students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'High backlift, reach for the sky!'
•'Get in line with the ball!'
•'Call your name loud and clear!'
•'Soft hands when catching!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor space or large sports hall, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from stones, holes, or other hazards that could cause trips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all bats for cracks or splinters before use
•Ensure balls are appropriate softness for indoor/outdoor use
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body during striking practice
•Collisions during dishes and domes warm-up
•Trips and falls during barrier movements
•Bat strikes during striking practice

Risk Mitigation

•Clear safety zones around all striking areas
•Controlled movement in warm-up activities
•Proper spacing between practice groups
•Emphasis on calling for balls during fielding

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all striking groups
•Monitor spacing during partner work
•Watch for students moving into striking zones

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required