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Lesson 5 - Pull Shot Technique and Application

Role-Specific Skills

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Year 4

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Cricket

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Big Question

How can mastering the pull shot give batters an advantage when facing short-pitched bowling?

Learning Objectives

To develop proper technique for executing the pull shot in cricket
To apply the pull shot effectively in game situations
To understand defensive fielding positions against pull shot batting

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct pull shot technique with proper footwork and bat control
Students will successfully attempt pull shots during modified game play
Students will position themselves strategically when fielding against pull shot batters

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

8-10

Size 5 or 6 bats appropriate for Year 4, check for damage before use

Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis bats for smaller students

Tennis Balls

15-20

Tennis balls safer for pull shot practice, good bounce characteristics

Alternative: Incrediball or softer cricket balls

Plastic Stumps

4 sets

Plastic stumps safer for active games, position in diamond formation

Alternative: Cones or markers if stumps unavailable

Sun Markers

20 cones

Clear boundary marking essential for scoring understanding

Alternative: Bibs, rope, or chalk lines

Gloves

4 pairs

Optional equipment, helps with role authenticity

Alternative: Regular gloves or bare hands for beginners

Key Vocabulary

Pull shot

A cricket batting stroke played to a short-pitched ball, hitting it to the leg side

Short-pitched delivery

A ball that bounces at waist or chest height to the batter

Weight transfer

Moving body weight from front foot to back foot during the pull shot

Top hand control

Using the upper hand on the bat to guide and control the shot direction

Wicketkeeper

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 batting stance and grip
Understanding of cricket scoring and rules
Experience with French cricket and modified games

Current Skills

Pull shot technique development
Recognition of short-pitched deliveries
Strategic fielding against specific shots

Next Steps

Advanced batting shots (cut shot, drive)
Bowling tactics to counter pull shots
Match situation awareness and shot selection

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact with ball using pull shot

Appropriate shot selection based on delivery

Effective fielding positioning strategies

Key Teaching Points

Weight transfer from front foot to back foot is crucial for pull shot timing and power
Head position must remain still and over the ball throughout the shot execution
Top hand controls direction and guides the bat through the swing path
Wrist roll action keeps the ball down and prevents dangerous high catches
Short-pitched deliveries at waist/chest height are ideal for pull shot attempts
Fielding positions should anticipate leg-side placement of successful pull shots
Patient shot selection - not every ball is suitable for a pull shot attempt

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking any ball can be hit with a pull shot - clarify importance of ball height
Using bottom hand to guide the shot instead of top hand control
Believing power comes from arm strength rather than proper weight transfer and timing
Fielders standing in same positions regardless of batter's preferred shots
Assuming pull shot is always the best option rather than part of tactical shot selection

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter practice intervals with frequent rotation, clear boundaries and expectations, active roles during demonstrations

dyspraxia

Break down pull shot into smaller component parts, use larger equipment for easier handling, additional practice time as needed

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet zone available for breaks if needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and equipment, provide detailed verbal descriptions of techniques, assign sighted buddy for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, clear hand signals for game instructions, written technique cues available

physical disability

Adapt batting stance for wheelchair users, modify grip for reduced hand function, shorter batting distances as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Using cricket vocabulary accurately, descriptive writing about successful shots, following and giving clear instructions

Maths

Calculating team scores and run rates, measuring distances for boundaries, understanding angles of ball travel from bat

Science

Forces and motion in ball trajectory, lever systems in batting technique, momentum transfer from bat to ball

Geography

Understanding field positions and spatial awareness, mapping player movements during games

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position where all groups can be observed, circulate during practice for individual feedback, central location during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct pull shot technique, safe fielding positions, positive team interaction and inclusive participation

Intervention Points

Step in if technique is unsafe, if students are struggling with coordination, if conflicts arise during games

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, demonstrate from different angles, involve students in demonstrations, repeat key points multiple times

Verbal Cues

•'Back foot first, then swing!'
•'Watch the ball height - is it right for a pull shot?'
•'Top hand guides, wrists roll down!'
•'Fielders, think where the pull shot will go!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m outdoor space or large sports hall, clear of obstacles and boundaries marked

Surface Check

Even grass surface preferred, check for holes, stones or other hazards before activity

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Cricket bats appropriate size for Year 4 (size 5-6), check for cracks or splinters
•Tennis balls only - no hard cricket balls for safety
•Plastic stumps to prevent injury during collisions
•Boundary markers clearly visible and stable

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head/body during batting practice
•Collisions between students during diamond cricket running
•Bat swings hitting nearby students during practice
•Slips and falls on grass surface

Risk Mitigation

•Adequate spacing between practice groups (minimum 15 metres)
•Kneeling bowling position to control ball height and speed
•Clear running lanes in diamond cricket setup
•Tennis balls only to reduce impact injury risk
•Supervised practice with immediate feedback on technique

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple groups simultaneously
•Circulate between groups during skill practice
•Monitor diamond cricket for safe play and fair participation
•Watch for fatigue or frustration affecting safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately on whistle signal, assess injured student, apply first aid as needed, contact school medical support if required