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Lesson 3 - Batting Accuracy Basics

Foundational Skills & Games

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Year 5

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Cricket

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use batting technique to control where the ball goes and score runs effectively?

Learning Objectives

To develop consistent batting technique with correct grip, stance and swing
To strike bowled balls with increasing accuracy and control
To understand and apply directional batting to score runs strategically

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct batting grip and stance consistently
Students will strike bowled balls with improved timing and control
Students will show understanding of cricket scoring and respectful gameplay

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

Distribute around activity areas, have spares ready for retrieval

Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls for beginners

Cricket Equipment

Various sizes available, check for damage before use

Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis racquets for modified activities

Cricket Wickets

7 sets

Place securely, ensure adequate spacing between activities

Alternative: Cones, skittles, or markers for target practice

Cones

Use for boundaries, targets, and activity organisation

Alternative: Markers, bibs, or other boundary indicators

Cricket Batting Tee

1 (optional)

Available for students needing additional support

Alternative: Tall cones, improvised stands for static ball practice

Key Vocabulary

Batting grip

How to hold the cricket bat with dominant hand at bottom, making a 'V' with thumbs

Stance

The batting position with feet parallel, shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent

Runs

Points scored in cricket by hitting the ball and running between wickets

Wickets

The three wooden stumps that bowlers aim to hit and batters protect

Underarm bowl

Bowling technique where ball is delivered with an underhand swinging motion

Directional batting

Deliberately hitting the ball towards specific areas of the field

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and throwing skills
Understanding of simple game rules
Experience working in pairs and small groups

Current Skills

Correct batting grip, stance and swing technique
Striking moving balls with increasing consistency
Directional batting to control ball placement

Next Steps

Advanced batting techniques including different shot types
Bowling variations and spin techniques
Complex game situations and tactical awareness

Milestone Indicators

Maintains correct grip throughout batting action

Steps forward into shot with good timing

Can place ball away from fielders deliberately

Key Teaching Points

Batting grip must have dominant hand at bottom with V-shapes aligned down bat spine
Side-on stance with feet parallel, shoulder-width apart, and knees slightly bent provides best balance
Step forward to meet the ball rather than waiting for it to come to you
Keep head still during swing to maintain balance and timing
Directional batting is achieved through bat angle and follow-through direction
Sportsmanship and respect are as important as technical skill development
Safety requires all batting to occur in same direction with adequate spacing

Common Misconceptions

Students think power comes from swinging harder rather than proper technique and timing
Many believe the bat should be held like a baseball bat with hands together at bottom
Students often think they should wait for ball to come to them rather than stepping forward
Common belief that direction doesn't matter - just hit the ball as hard as possible
Misconception that being 'out' means they've failed rather than it being part of the game
Students may think cricket is too complicated rather than understanding basic run-scoring concept

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short, focused activity bursts, clear physical boundaries, regular positive reinforcement, movement breaks built in

dyspraxia

Larger equipment where possible, break down techniques into smaller steps, extra practice time, patient encouragement

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available, predictable activity patterns

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of technique, buddy system for spatial guidance

hearing impairment

Demonstrate all techniques visually, use hand signals for game instructions, ensure clear visual cues for activities

physical disability

Provide seated batting options, modify bat size and weight, adapt running distances or allow walking pace

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances for targets and running, calculating runs scored, understanding angles for directional batting

Science

Forces and motion in batting action, trajectory and ball flight paths, friction between bat and ball

Geography

Understanding direction and spatial awareness, mapping fielding positions, compass directions for ball placement

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with success and disappointment, respect for opponents and officials

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position at corner of activity area for maximum visibility of all students, move between groups during games

Observation Focus

Watch for batting technique consistency, safe equipment use, positive interactions, and tactical understanding development

Intervention Points

Step in if technique becomes unsafe, students show frustration, or game disputes arise requiring mediation

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate batting technique from side-on view for clarity, use slow-motion for complex movements, involve confident students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Grip like you mean it - strong but relaxed!'
•'Step forward to meet the ball!'
•'Point your bat where you want the ball to go!'
•'Great sportsmanship - that's what cricket's about!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor area or large sports hall, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Level grass or indoor surface, free from holes, debris, or slippery conditions

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check cricket bats for cracks, splits, or loose handles before use
•Ensure tennis balls are in good condition without cracks
•Verify wickets are stable and properly assembled
•Confirm cones have no sharp edges or damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes from batting practice
•Collisions during running and fielding
•Bat injuries from incorrect use or proximity
•Trips and falls on uneven surfaces

Risk Mitigation

•All batting practice conducted in same direction to prevent cross-hitting
•Clear boundaries established with adequate spacing between groups
•Supervised swing practice with proper spacing requirements
•Controlled ball speeds using tennis balls rather than cricket balls

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all batting activities
•Monitor swing practice areas for safe spacing
•Ensure proper technique to prevent injury
•Watch for fatigue or loss of concentration

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury severity, provide appropriate first aid, call for medical assistance if required