Lesson 3 - Footwork and Ball Striking
Technical Mastery Focus
•Year 3
•Cricket
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can smart footwork help us become better cricket batters?
Learning Objectives
- To use correct footwork when moving to strike a bowled ball
- To apply simple tactics when choosing where to hit the ball
- To work as a team to score runs effectively
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved footwork when batting
- Students will show tactical awareness in shot placement
- Students will understand teamwork in cricket batting
Equipment & Resources Required
Size 4 or 5 bats suitable for Year 3 students
Alternative: Tennis rackets, paddle bats
8 for footwork practice, 16 for diamond cricket setup
Alternative: Markers, bibs
Plastic stumps recommended for safety
Alternative: Cones, skittles
5 bibs for ball collectors in warm-up activity
Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers
For ball collection in warm-up game
Alternative: Large container, sports bag
Target areas for bowling practice
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
Key Vocabulary
Moving your feet to get into the best position to hit the ball
A cricket shot played straight back past the bowler using forward footwork
Where the fielding team positions players to stop runs
A modified cricket game with four sets of stumps arranged in a diamond shape
The direction and distance the ball travels from the bowler
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball striking with static feet
- Understanding of cricket basics from previous lessons
- Simple catching and throwing skills
Current Skills
- Moving feet to meet the ball
- Tactical shot placement
- Team batting coordination
Next Steps
- Advanced batting techniques
- Complex field placement understanding
- Match situation awareness
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Footwork must come before bat contact - establish this pattern early
- Tactical awareness develops through questioning and field observation
- Diamond cricket provides excellent teamwork and communication opportunities
- Safety in throwing activities requires constant vigilance and rule enforcement
- Individual skill development must be balanced with game application
- Positive reinforcement encourages risk-taking and skill development
- Equipment management is crucial for lesson flow and safety
Common Misconceptions
- Students think hitting harder is more important than placement - emphasise control and tactics
- Belief that only the batter who hits runs - explain team scoring in diamond cricket
- Assumption that footwork is automatic - explicitly teach and practise movement patterns
- Thinking fielders can't move - teach dynamic field positioning
- Misconception that cricket is just about individual skills - emphasise team elements throughout
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and structure, offer leadership roles, give regular positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Use larger equipment, provide additional practice time, break skills into smaller steps, offer visual and verbal cues
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedules, maintain consistent routines, offer quiet zones for breaks, use simple language
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of field positions, use tactile markers for boundaries
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Provide seated batting options, use larger/lighter equipment, modify running distances, allow alternative ways to participate
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Estimation of distances and angles, scoring and counting runs, measuring diamond dimensions
Science
Forces and motion in ball flight, balance and coordination, understanding trajectory
Geography
Direction and movement concepts, spatial awareness, using compass points for field positions
PSHE
Teamwork and communication, perseverance and resilience, leadership and responsibility
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position with clear view of all groups, move between activities to provide individual guidance
Observation Focus
Watch for footwork improvement, tactical awareness development, and safe participation
Intervention Points
Step in when safety rules are ignored, provide additional support for struggling students, extend challenges for advanced learners
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements to emphasise key points, involve students in demonstrations, repeat key skills multiple times
Verbal Cues
- •'Feet first, then bat!'
- •'Look at the field before you hit!'
- •'Step towards where the ball will bounce!'
- •'Find the gap!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 40m for full lesson, clear of obstacles and other activities
Surface Check
Dry, even surface suitable for running and quick direction changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check cricket bats for splinters or damage
- •Use soft cricket balls or tennis balls only
- •Ensure stumps are plastic or safe alternatives
- •Check cones have no sharp edges
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collision between players during diamond cricket
- •Ball strikes from poor throwing in warm-up
- •Trips and falls during quick footwork
- •Bat strikes during batting practice
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and adequate spacing established
- •Below-knee throwing rule strictly enforced
- •Controlled batting practice with safe distances
- •Clear running directions in diamond cricket
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all activities
- •Move between groups during skill practice
- •Monitor game closely for safety issues
- •Ensure equipment handled responsibly
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required