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Lesson 1 - Batting Stance & Pull Shot

Progressive Skill Integration

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Year 4

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Cricket

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1h 11min

Big Question

How can I position my body and use both hands effectively to become a successful cricket player?

Learning Objectives

To develop correct batting stance with sideways-on positioning and high back lift
To learn the pull shot technique, stepping back and across to play short deliveries
To demonstrate ambidextrous fielding skills and quick reactions

Key Outcomes

Students will show correct batting stance with one foot behind the crease
Students will demonstrate the pull shot movement with back-and-across footwork
Students will catch and field using both hands effectively

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

1 per student (30)

Check bat sizes appropriate for student heights

Alternative: Wooden stumps, rounders bats for smaller hands

Tennis Balls

15 (1 per 2 students)

Ensure balls are not too hard for Year 4 students

Alternative: Soft cricket balls, bean bags for catching practice

Tees

Height adjustable for different student sizes

Alternative: Traffic cones with tennis balls balanced on top

Cricket Stumps

6 sets

Space wickets 10m apart for activities

Alternative: Traffic cones in groups of three

Cones

Bright colours for clear visibility

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope boundaries

Chalk

4 pieces

For marking creases and boundaries

Alternative: Masking tape for indoor surfaces

Key Vocabulary

Batting stance

The position a batsman takes when ready to face a delivery

High back lift

Raising the bat high behind the body in preparation to strike

Pull shot

A cricket shot played to short-pitched balls, hitting to the leg side

Crease

The line that marks the batsman's safe area

Ambidextrous

Using both hands equally well

Wicket keeper

The fielder who stands behind the stumps to collect the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball catching and throwing skills
Understanding of simple games rules
Basic hand-eye coordination development

Current Skills

Cricket batting stance and grip
Pull shot technique with footwork
Ambidextrous fielding skills
Reaction catching and anticipation

Next Steps

Different cricket shots (drive, cut)
Bowling techniques and accuracy
Advanced fielding positions and tactics

Milestone Indicators

Consistent batting stance without prompting

Successful pull shot execution in game situations

Quick reaction catching under pressure

Effective use of both hands when fielding

Key Teaching Points

Batting stance must be sideways-on with only one shoulder visible to bowler
High back lift provides power and timing for effective shots
Step back and across movement gets body in correct position for pull shot
Use nearest hand when fielding to maximise efficiency and speed
Anticipation comes from watching the batsman's preparation and body position
Cupped hands create a secure catching position like a bucket
Cooperation in cricket requires communication and shared responsibility

Common Misconceptions

Thinking both hands should grip bat equally hard - correct with top hand dominance
Believing you should always step forward to the ball - teach back and across for short balls
Assuming dominant hand should always be used for fielding - emphasise nearest hand principle
Thinking cricket is only about individual skill - highlight team cooperation importance
Believing hard hitting is always better - focus on technique and placement over power

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear physical boundaries, regular positive feedback and encouragement

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, larger equipment for easier handling, extra practice time for techniques

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual timetable of lesson sections, quiet zones available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for safety

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and gestures, written instruction cards, clear visual signals for game start/stop

physical disability

Adapted batting positions (seated/supported), modified equipment sizes, shorter distances for activities

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting runs scored, measuring distances for fielding, angles of bat position and ball direction

Science

Forces in batting and ball movement, friction between bat and ball, body mechanics in cricket movements

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, direction of ball travel, mapping field positions

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when techniques are challenging, leadership in group activities

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups to observe technique, position at corner for maximum visibility during games

Observation Focus

Watch for batting stance accuracy, safe equipment handling, and cooperative fielding

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe bat handling occurs, correct major technique errors, resolve conflicts

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, demonstrate from multiple angles, involve good examples from class

Verbal Cues

•'High back lift!'
•'Step back and across!'
•'Use nearest hand!'
•'Eyes on the ball!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Dry, level playing surface suitable for running and cricket activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check bats for splinters or damage before use
•Ensure balls are appropriate softness for Year 4
•Verify tee stability and height adjustment safety

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Bat contact with other students
•Collisions during running
•Slips and falls on playing surface

Risk Mitigation

•Minimum 10-metre fielding distances maintained
•Clear swing zones for batsmen established
•Controlled running areas with defined boundaries
•No overhead bat movements or swinging

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all batting and fielding areas
•Monitor high-activity zones during game play
•Ensure safe equipment handling throughout

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, appropriate first aid, inform school office if needed