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Lesson 1 - Directing Shots and Batting Stance

Role-Specific Skills

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Year 4

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Cricket

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Big Question

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

Cricket Equipment

1 per 4 students (8 total)

Check bat size appropriate for student height

Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis rackets for lighter option

Tennis Balls

2 per group (16 total)

Use bright coloured balls for visibility

Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls for beginners

Dish Cones

30-40 cones

Various colours needed for country game

Alternative: Foam markers, bean bags

Coloured Cones

20 large cones (4 different colours)

Place around perimeter of playing area

Alternative: Coloured hoops, markers

Hoops

4 hoops

Use as ball return targets for fielders

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Key Vocabulary

Batting stance

The position a batter takes before hitting the ball, with feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent

Front foot

The foot closest to where the ball is coming from, used to step toward the ball

Bat face

The flat surface of the cricket bat used to hit the ball

Follow through

The movement of the bat after hitting the ball, continuing in the direction you want the ball to go

Gates

Spaces between cones that batters aim to hit the ball through for extra points

Directing

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

Consistent contact with ball using correct grip

Stepping toward ball with front foot

Ball travelling in intended direction 50% of the time

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