🏏

Lesson 3 - Batting Grip and Technique

Foundational Skills Development

•

Year 3

•

Cricket

•

45 min

Big Question

How can we use the correct batting grip and stance to protect our wicket and score runs in cricket?

Learning Objectives

To learn the correct grip for holding a cricket bat safely and effectively
To develop basic batting technique including stance and swing
To apply batting skills in practice situations while demonstrating perseverance

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate the correct 'V' grip when holding a cricket bat
Students will show improved batting technique through practice and repetition
Students will understand how batting technique helps protect the wicket and score runs

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

15 (1 per student)

Check bat weight is appropriate for Year 3 students, ensure handles are not slippery

Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis rackets for modified practice

Tennis Balls

15 (1 per pair/group)

Use tennis balls for realistic bounce, ensure good condition

Alternative: Soft practice balls, foam balls for safety

Cricket Wickets

7 (1 per group of 4)

Ensure wickets are stable and at appropriate height for Year 3

Alternative: Cones arranged in triangle, plastic stumps

Cones

14 (for boundaries and running targets)

Use bright colours for clear visibility, place 7m from batting position

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, hoops

Tees

7 (for differentiation)

Adjust height to just below waist level for students

Alternative: Tall cones with ball balanced on top

Key Vocabulary

Batting grip

The way you hold the cricket bat with both hands, making a 'V' shape with thumbs and forefingers

Stance

The balanced position a batter takes when ready to hit the ball, standing sideways to the bowler

Wicket

The three wooden stumps that the batter protects and the bowler tries to hit

Runs

Points scored in cricket when the batter hits the ball and runs between the wickets

Underarm bowl

A gentle bowling technique where the ball is released below shoulder height

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of cricket equipment
Ability to catch and throw a ball with reasonable accuracy
Understanding of simple game rules and turn-taking

Current Skills

Correct batting grip using 'V' formation
Balanced batting stance with sideways position
Basic batting swing with straight arm movement
Eye tracking and ball-watching skills

Next Steps

Developing batting accuracy and ball placement
Understanding batting tactics and field awareness
Combining batting with running between wickets

Milestone Indicators

Maintains correct grip throughout batting practice

Shows consistent contact with bowled balls

Demonstrates improved confidence and technique over lesson duration

Key Teaching Points

The 'V' grip formation is fundamental - both thumbs and forefingers create 'V' shapes aligned with bat spine
Batting stance requires sideways body position with balanced feet and slightly bent knees for stability
Head position must remain still during swing while eyes track the ball from bowler to contact point
Progressive skill development from dropped balls to bowling ensures confidence and success
Perseverance and positive attitude are as important as technical skill development
Strategic thinking about ball placement develops tactical understanding beyond basic technique
Partnership cooperation enhances learning through peer support and shared success

Common Misconceptions

Holding the bat like a baseball bat with hands apart - cricket requires hands together with specific 'V' grip
Standing square-on to the bowler - cricket batting requires sideways stance for better ball contact
Believing power is more important than technique - controlled contact and placement are more valuable
Thinking batting is only about attack - understanding the defensive role of protecting the wicket is crucial
Assuming immediate success is expected - emphasise that skill development requires patience and practice

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with movement breaks, clear boundaries marked with cones, frequent positive feedback

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier tracking, simplified grip instruction, additional practice time for coordination development

autism spectrum

Clear routine with visual schedule, quiet practice space available, predictable partner arrangements

visual impairment

Use bright yellow tennis balls for better visibility, verbal cues for ball location, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for instructions, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Lighter bats or modified equipment, seated batting option, adjusted throwing distances

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting runs scored, measuring 7-metre running distances, angles of bat swing and ball direction

Science

Forces applied through bat to ball, trajectory and bounce physics, balance and centre of gravity in stance

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of field placement and directions

PSHE

Perseverance and growth mindset, teamwork and cooperation, managing frustration and celebrating success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during demonstrations, circulate during practice to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Monitor grip technique retention, stance balance, and swing control throughout activities

Intervention Points

Step in if batting technique becomes unsafe or if students show frustration with skill development

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Exaggerate 'V' grip formation for visibility, show slow-motion swing technique, emphasise head stillness during batting motion

Verbal Cues

•'Make your V's!'
•'Sideways stance!'
•'Watch the ball!'
•'Soft hands, strong stance!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m area clear of obstacles, suitable for multiple batting groups

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from holes or debris that could cause slips during running

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Cricket bats inspected for cracks or splinters before use
•Tennis balls checked for good condition and appropriate bounce
•Wickets stable and positioned away from boundary walls

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Bat swings contacting other students
•Tennis balls hitting students at close range
•Collisions during running between wickets
•Tripping over equipment or uneven surfaces

Risk Mitigation

•Clear personal space boundaries for batting practice
•Controlled bowling speeds appropriate for year group
•Designated running pathways marked with cones
•Progressive skill development from static to dynamic activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all batting groups simultaneously
•Monitor spacing between students during bat swings
•Watch for correct equipment handling throughout lesson

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately on 'STOP' call, assess any incidents, appropriate first aid if needed, report any significant incidents