Lesson 1 - Directing Shots and Batting Stance
Role-Specific Skills
•Year 4
•Cricket
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How can we control where the cricket ball goes when we hit it?
Learning Objectives
- Begin to direct shots with some accuracy using proper batting stance
- Use the basic batting stance effectively to hit the ball in different directions
- Implement skills from Year 3 into game-like situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct batting stance with front foot stepping toward the ball
- Students will hit the ball through designated gates with increasing accuracy
- Students will apply directional hitting skills in competitive game situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Check bat size appropriate for student height
Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis rackets for lighter option
Use bright coloured balls for visibility
Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls for beginners
Various colours needed for country game
Alternative: Foam markers, bean bags
Place around perimeter of playing area
Alternative: Coloured hoops, markers
Use as ball return targets for fielders
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
Key Vocabulary
The position a batter takes before hitting the ball, with feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent
The foot closest to where the ball is coming from, used to step toward the ball
The flat surface of the cricket bat used to hit the ball
The movement of the bat after hitting the ball, continuing in the direction you want the ball to go
Spaces between cones that batters aim to hit the ball through for extra points
Controlling where the ball goes when you hit it by changing your position and bat angle
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling and throwing skills from Year 3
- Understanding of simple game rules and turn-taking
- Basic striking skills with different equipment
Current Skills
- Developing batting stance and grip
- Learning to direct shots toward specific targets
- Understanding positioning and footwork in batting
Next Steps
- Advanced shot selection and placement
- Bowling techniques and fielding positions
- Complex game strategies and tactics
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Foot positioning is the secret to directing the ball - step toward your target
- Batting stance should be side-on with non-dominant shoulder facing the bowler
- Bat face must be straight and vertical at contact with ball
- Front foot steps in line with where you want the ball to travel
- Follow through should finish facing the direction you want the ball to go
- Safety first - maintain spacing and controlled swinging at all times
- Game application reinforces technical skills learned in isolation practice
Common Misconceptions
- Students think hitting harder makes the ball go straighter - emphasise accuracy over power
- Belief that bat angle alone controls direction - stress importance of foot positioning
- Assumption that cricket stance is same as baseball - teach side-on position clearly
- Thinking all cricket shots are the same - show how different positions create different shots
- Misconception that games are just fun without skill practice - link game success to technique
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments with clear transitions, provide fidget alternatives during discussions, use high-energy activities, give specific roles and responsibilities
dyspraxia
- Use larger, softer equipment, reduce complexity of movements initially, provide additional practice time, break down skills into smaller steps
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedule of lesson activities, allow sensory breaks if needed, use consistent language and routines, offer quiet zone if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of setup, assign sighted buddy for navigation, use sound cues for direction
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Modify batting stance for seated position, use lighter bats or adapted grips, adjust throwing distances, provide wheelchair-accessible playing areas
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Cricket vocabulary development, following complex instructions, giving clear directions to teammates
Maths
Calculating points scored in cricket games, measuring distances to targets, understanding angles when directing ball placement
Science
Forces and motion when hitting ball, trajectory and gravity affecting ball flight, energy transfer from bat to ball
Geography
Directional language (left, right, forward), spatial awareness and mapping movement around playing area
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand where you can see all batting areas, particularly during skill development. Move frequently to give individual feedback.
Observation Focus
Watch for correct foot positioning, safe bat handling, and application of techniques in game situations.
Intervention Points
Step in immediately if unsafe bat swinging occurs, if students are frustrated with technique, or if games become too competitive.
Demonstration Notes
Use slow-motion demonstrations for complex techniques. Exaggerate foot movements so students can clearly see the positioning changes needed for different directions.
Verbal Cues
- •'Feet first, then hit!'
- •'Step toward your target!'
- •'Soft hands on the bat!'
- •'Side-on stance, knees soft!'
- •'Bat face follows your feet!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor area or large sports hall, clear of obstacles with defined boundaries
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface free from holes, debris or wet patches that could cause slips
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all cricket bats for cracks or splinters before use
- •Ensure tennis balls are in good condition - no splits or hard patches
- •Verify cones are stable and have no sharp edges
- •Confirm adequate number of balls to avoid scrambling
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Bat collisions between students during practice
- •Ball strikes to head or body during fielding
- •Slips and falls when running between bases
- •Overexertion during continuous activity
Risk Mitigation
- •Maintain 4-metre minimum spacing during batting practice
- •Establish clear 'freeze' signal for immediate bat lowering
- •Teach safe fielding positions away from bat swing areas
- •Use soft tennis balls rather than hard cricket balls
- •Implement controlled bowling speeds
- •Mark clear boundaries for each activity zone
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe batting areas and potential collision zones
- •Monitor energy levels and provide rest breaks as needed
- •Ensure students follow equipment handling protocols
- •Watch for unsafe bat carrying between activities
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school office if required, complete accident report if necessary