Lesson 1 - Batting Stance & Pull Shot
Progressive Skill Integration
•Year 4
•Cricket
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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
Check bat sizes appropriate for student heights
Alternative: Wooden stumps, rounders bats for smaller hands
Ensure balls are not too hard for Year 4 students
Alternative: Soft cricket balls, bean bags for catching practice
Height adjustable for different student sizes
Alternative: Traffic cones with tennis balls balanced on top
Space wickets 10m apart for activities
Alternative: Traffic cones in groups of three
Bright colours for clear visibility
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope boundaries
For marking creases and boundaries
Alternative: Masking tape for indoor surfaces
Key Vocabulary
The position a batsman takes when ready to face a delivery
Raising the bat high behind the body in preparation to strike
A cricket shot played to short-pitched balls, hitting to the leg side
The line that marks the batsman's safe area
Using both hands equally well
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
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