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Lesson 4 - Batting Technique Development

Foundational Skills Development

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Year 3

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Cricket

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1h 6min

Big Question

How can I become a better batter by hitting the ball away from fielders?

Learning Objectives

To develop correct batting grip and stance
To improve batting technique through practice
To understand tactical batting placement

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct batting grip with hands positioned properly
Students will show improved batting technique through guided practice
Students will apply tactical thinking when batting in game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

15 (1 per student)

Check all bats for damage, ensure appropriate size for Year 3 students

Alternative: Rounders bats, plastic cricket bats

Tennis Balls

Inspect balls for wear, use tennis balls for safety with young students

Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls for safety

Cricket Wickets

7 sets

Position wickets at appropriate height for Year 3 students

Alternative: Cones with cricket stumps picture, makeshift wickets

Cones

Use bright colours for clear visibility, check for damage

Alternative: Markers, bean bags

Tees

5-7

Set at appropriate height for struggling students

Alternative: Traffic cones, adjustable tees

Key Vocabulary

Grip

How you hold the cricket bat with both hands positioned correctly

Stance

The balanced position a batter takes before hitting the ball

Swing

The movement of the bat when attempting to hit the ball

Underarm bowl

A way of delivering the ball with an underhand motion allowing one bounce

Fielders

Players who try to stop and retrieve the ball after it's been hit

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of cricket rules
Experience holding and using sports equipment
Basic throwing and catching skills

Current Skills

Correct batting grip and stance
Basic batting swing technique
Tactical awareness in batting placement

Next Steps

Advanced batting shots and techniques
Batting under pressure from bowling variations
Match play batting strategies

Milestone Indicators

Consistent correct grip without prompting

Successful contact with ball 7 out of 10 attempts

Evidence of tactical thinking in ball placement

Key Teaching Points

Correct batting grip with dominant hand lower and V-shaped finger position
Stable batting stance with parallel feet, bent knees, and still head
Straight bat swing keeping body still while arms move away from body
Watch the ball continuously from bowler to bat contact
Step forward during batting swing to generate more power
Hit ball away from fielders to maximise scoring opportunities
Communicate effectively with teammates during fielding

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking batting is just about hitting hard rather than placement and technique
Believing that gripping the bat tightly will improve control (should be firm but relaxed)
Assuming that standing upright is better than the slightly bent batting stance
Thinking that moving the whole body during swing provides more power than controlled arm movement
Believing that batting is an individual skill rather than understanding its role in team strategy

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments with clear transitions, provide regular movement breaks, use clear boundaries and expectations

dyspraxia

Use larger, softer balls for easier contact, provide additional practice time, break down batting technique into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual routine cards for lesson structure, establish quiet zones for breaks, use consistent language and instructions

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, use buddy system for spatial guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, provide written instruction cards, use clear hand signals for game management

physical disability

Provide lighter bats or adapted grips, use batting tees for consistent ball position, modify running distances as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances for batting and running, counting runs and points scored, understanding angles of ball placement

Science

Forces involved in batting and ball movement, understanding trajectory and bounce, friction between bat and ball

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and map reading skills through field placement

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration, resilience when learning new skills, managing emotions during competitive activities

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move continuously between groups during practice, position centrally during demonstrations for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for correct batting technique, safe equipment handling, positive peer interactions, and tactical understanding

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for unsafe bat handling, provide technique support for struggling students, facilitate fair turn-taking

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate batting technique slowly and clearly, use exaggerated movements for visibility, involve students in demonstrations where safe

Verbal Cues

•'Watch the ball all the way to your bat!'
•'Remember your V-shaped grip!'
•'Step forward for more power!'
•'Hit it away from the fielders!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

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

Surface Check

Even surface free from holes, wet patches, or trip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all cricket bats for damage including loose handles or cracked blades
•Inspect tennis balls for wear and ensure adequate bounce
•Verify wickets are stable and appropriate height for Year 3
•Ensure cones are visible and undamaged

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes from poor bowling or batting control
•Collisions between students during running
•Bat injuries from unsafe handling or swinging
•Tripping over equipment or running into boundaries

Risk Mitigation

•Maintain minimum 10m spacing between batting groups
•Use tennis balls rather than hard cricket balls
•Establish clear running channels and safe zones
•Teach proper bat handling and storage procedures
•Monitor bowling speed and accuracy closely

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all batting groups
•Monitor high-activity game phases closely
•Ensure immediate response to any equipment issues

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess any injuries, apply appropriate first aid, contact school emergency procedures if needed