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Lesson 3 - Batting Grip and Technique

Cricket Skills & Team Play

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Year 4

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Cricket

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54 min

Big Question

How can the correct grip and stance help us hit the ball more accurately and protect our wicket?

Learning Objectives

To master the correct cricket bat grip using the 'V' formation technique
To develop a balanced batting stance and controlled swing technique
To apply batting skills in game-like situations with running between wickets

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct bat grip with 'V' formation aligned to bat spine
Students will show improved striking accuracy when ball bounces once before hitting
Students will combine batting and running skills to score runs in small-sided games

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

1 per pair (15 total)

Check bat sizes appropriate for Year 4 students, handles not damaged

Alternative: Wooden planks or tennis rackets for grip practice

Tennis Balls

1 per pair (15 total)

Ensure balls are not too bouncy for controlled practice

Alternative: Soft cricket balls or foam balls for safety

Cricket Wickets

7 sets of stumps

Position wickets around area with adequate spacing

Alternative: Cones or markers to represent wickets

Cones

14 (2 per group for running targets)

Place 7 metres from each wicket for running practice

Alternative: Any visible markers or bean bags

Cricket Batting Tee

3-4 (optional for differentiation)

Available for students needing additional support

Alternative: Traffic cones with tennis balls balanced on top

Key Vocabulary

Grip

How you hold the cricket bat with both hands positioned correctly

Stance

The balanced position a batter takes before the ball is bowled

Wicket

The three wooden stumps that the batter must protect from the ball

Runs

Points scored in cricket by running between the wickets after hitting the ball

Underarm Bowl

A bowling action where the ball is delivered with an underarm swing

Fielder

Players who try to stop the ball and prevent runs being scored

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of cricket scoring system
Experience with catching and throwing in previous lessons
Familiarity with working safely in pairs and small groups

Current Skills

Correct batting grip technique with 'V' formation
Balanced batting stance with sideways position
Controlled batting swing keeping head still
Timing to strike ball after one bounce

Next Steps

Bowling technique and accuracy
Advanced batting shots and placement
Wicket-keeping skills and positioning
Team tactics and field positioning

Milestone Indicators

Maintains correct grip without constant reminders

Shows improved contact with ball over lesson duration

Demonstrates good sportsmanship when batting and fielding

Key Teaching Points

The 'V' formation with thumbs and forefingers aligned to bat spine is fundamental to all cricket batting
Dominant hand at bottom, non-dominant at top for maximum control and power in batting grip
Sideways stance protects the wicket while allowing full batting swing motion
Eye contact with ball throughout its flight path from bowler to bat contact is essential
Tactical placement away from fielders is more effective than powerful hitting
Perseverance and positive attitude are crucial when learning complex motor skills like batting
Running between wickets requires quick decision-making based on ball position and fielder reactions

Common Misconceptions

Believing power is more important than technique - correct that controlled contact with proper grip is foundation
Thinking both hands should be positioned the same way - emphasise dominant hand placement difference
Assuming you must hit every ball hard - teach that placement and timing matter more than force
Standing face-on to bowler feels natural - explain why sideways stance protects wicket and improves swing
Looking away during swing is natural - stress importance of watching ball to bat contact

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short, varied activities with clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, positive behaviour reinforcement throughout

dyspraxia

Extra practice time for grip development, simplified movement patterns, use of batting tees for consistency

autism spectrum

Clear structure with visual schedule, consistent routines for equipment collection, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and bats with contrasting colours, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards with pictures of batting grip

physical disability

Adapted bat grips or lighter equipment, seated batting options, modified distances for skill practice and games

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring 7-metre distances for running targets, counting runs scored and balls bowled, understanding angles in batting stance

Science

Forces in batting - push and pull when swinging, friction between bat and ball during contact, balance and stability in stance

Geography

Directional language - hitting ball away from fielders, spatial awareness around field, understanding boundaries and distances

PSHE

Perseverance when learning challenging skills, cooperation in pairs and small groups, celebrating others' achievements and progress

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand where all students can see demonstrations, move around pairs during practice for individual feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip maintenance, safe batting technique, and positive interaction between partners

Intervention Points

Step in if batting technique becomes unsafe, support students struggling with grip, encourage those showing frustration

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate batting grip multiple times from different angles, exaggerate correct technique for visibility, show common mistakes for comparison

Verbal Cues

•'Champion's grip with V formation!'
•'Watch the ball from hand to bat!'
•'Swing away from your body!'
•'Hit it where fielders aren't!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m, clear flat surface free from obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Even, dry surface suitable for running with good grip for batting stance

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Cricket bats checked for splinters or damage before use
•Tennis balls inspected for proper bounce and no damage
•Wickets positioned on stable, level ground

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Bat contact between students during swing practice
•Ball strikes from batting or poor catching technique
•Collisions during running or ball chasing activities

Risk Mitigation

•Adequate spacing between pairs during all batting practice
•Clear instruction about batting swing space awareness
•Controlled underarm bowling to prevent dangerous deliveries
•Safe catching technique taught before ball activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups during game application
•Monitor batting technique to prevent dangerous swings
•Watch for safe movement during ball retrieval

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid or seek additional support