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Lesson 4 - Batting Technique Development

Cricket Skills & Team Play

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Year 4

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Cricket

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45 min

Big Question

How can I use proper batting technique to score runs and outsmart the fielders?

Learning Objectives

To develop and refine correct batting grip, stance and swing technique
To apply batting skills tactically by hitting the ball away from fielders
To demonstrate resilience and perseverance when learning new skills

Key Outcomes

Students will consistently demonstrate correct batting grip with dominant hand positioning
Students will show improved batting accuracy and power through proper technique
Students will make tactical decisions about ball placement during batting practice

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

15 (1 per pair plus extras)

Check bat size appropriate for students, lightweight junior bats preferred

Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis rackets for beginners

Tennis Balls

15 (1 per pair plus extras)

Ensure balls are in good condition with adequate bounce

Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls for nervous students

Cricket Wickets

7 sets (3 stumps each)

Position wickets securely, check stability before use

Alternative: Cone wickets, skittles, witches hats

Cones

14 (various colours)

Use for boundary markers, running targets, and area definition

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, rope lines

Tees

4-6

Set at appropriate height for each student, use for differentiation

Alternative: Traffic cones, adjustable height stands

Key Vocabulary

Grip

The way you hold the cricket bat with hands positioned near the top, dominant hand below

Stance

The balanced position a batter takes before hitting, with feet parallel and shoulder-width apart

Swing

The controlled movement of the bat to hit the ball, keeping the head still and swinging arms away from body

Fielders

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

Underarm Bowl

A bowling technique where the ball is delivered below shoulder height with an underhand motion

Wicket

The three wooden stumps that the batter must protect from being hit by the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of cricket equipment
Experience with underarm bowling technique
Awareness of ball tracking and hand-eye coordination

Current Skills

Correct batting grip with V-shape finger positioning
Stable batting stance with balanced weight distribution
Controlled swing technique with head still
Tactical awareness of field placement

Next Steps

Advanced shot selection and placement
Running between wickets effectively
Reading bowling variations and adapting technique

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball contact with controlled direction

Demonstration of all three batting fundamentals simultaneously

Ability to place ball deliberately away from fielders

Key Teaching Points

Batting technique has three essential elements: grip, stance, and swing - all must work together
Keep head perfectly still during batting - this is crucial for timing and accuracy
Tactical batting means deliberately hitting away from fielders to create scoring opportunities
Effective teamwork in cricket requires clear communication and role understanding
Perseverance and practice are essential when learning complex skills like batting
Fair play and encouragement help everyone learn more effectively
Ball tracking from bowler's hand to bat contact improves timing significantly

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking batting is just about hitting hard rather than accurate placement
Confusion about dominant hand position in grip - many try to put stronger hand on top
Believing the head should move to follow the ball rather than staying still
Thinking cricket is only about individual skill rather than team strategy
Assuming faster bowling makes them better players rather than focusing on accuracy
Misconception that batting technique doesn't matter if you can make contact with ball

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity intervals, clear boundaries marked, frequent position changes, additional movement breaks, simplified instruction chunks

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls, extended practice time, step-by-step technique breakdown, batting tees for consistent ball position, patient skill building

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, consistent equipment positioning, predictable rotation patterns

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and bats, provide verbal cues for ball location, partner support for spatial orientation, tactile markers for running targets

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, written instruction cards, hand signals for communication, clear visual boundaries and targets

physical disability

Shorter, lighter bats for reduced mobility, seated batting option, modified running distances, alternative scoring methods, buddy system support

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring 10-metre distances for running circuits, counting runs and scoring points, calculating team totals and comparing results

Science

Understanding forces in batting - push and pull actions, trajectory of ball flight, cause and effect in ball direction based on bat angle

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and angles, mapping field positions and movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration, giving and receiving feedback constructively, perseverance when learning new skills, fair play and sportsmanship

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear view of all groups, move between groups during activities to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for correct batting technique, tactical awareness in shot selection, effective teamwork and communication

Intervention Points

Step in if technique is unsafe, if groups struggle with organisation, or if students become frustrated with skill development

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show technique clearly, involve students in demonstrations, repeat key teaching points multiple times

Verbal Cues

•'Watch the ball all the way to your bat!'
•'Remember your V-shapes in the grip!'
•'Head still, swing straight!'
•'Look for the gaps between fielders!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or playground area, minimum 30m x 20m for multiple groups, clear boundaries marked

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from hazards, suitable for running and quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Cricket bats appropriate size and weight for Year 4 students
•Tennis balls in good condition with proper bounce
•Wickets stable and securely positioned
•Cones visible and positioned safely away from batting areas

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes from batting practice
•Collision between students during movement
•Bat contact during swing practice
•Trips and falls during running between wickets

Risk Mitigation

•Adequate spacing between groups during all activities
•Clear safety rules about bat handling and positioning
•Supervised practice with controlled ball pace
•Designated running paths to avoid crossing other groups

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups simultaneously
•Monitor batting technique to prevent dangerous swings
•Watch for appropriate ball pace during bowling
•Ensure fair rotation and equipment sharing

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately on safety signal, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid if needed, clear communication with school office if serious incident