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Lesson 6 - Defensive and Driving Techniques

Foundational Skills & Games

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Year 5

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Cricket

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45 min

Big Question

How can different batting techniques help you control the game and protect your wicket?

Learning Objectives

To develop defensive batting technique with controlled downward strikes
To master driving technique for attacking shots and scoring runs
To understand tactical decision-making when choosing batting techniques

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct grip, stance and technique for defensive shots
Students will execute driving shots with proper swing and follow-through
Students will apply appropriate batting techniques based on game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

1 per student (30)

Check bat size appropriate for students, distributed at activity stations

Alternative: Tennis rackets or rounders bats for beginners

Tennis Balls

1 per pair (15)

Stored in buckets at bowling positions

Alternative: Softer foam balls or wind balls for nervous batters

Cricket Wickets

7 sets

Positioned at appropriate distances for Year 5 students

Alternative: Cones or posts with stumps drawn on them

Dish Cones

20-25

Various colours for different purposes - boundaries, targets, running markers

Alternative: Spots or markers

Tees

3-4

Available for students who need additional support

Alternative: Traffic cones with ball balanced on top

Key Vocabulary

Defensive shot

A batting technique used to protect the wicket by hitting the ball downward with no follow-through

Driving shot

An attacking batting technique used to hit the ball forward with a full swing to score runs

Follow-through

The continuation of the batting swing after striking the ball

Grip

How the hands hold the bat, with dominant hand at bottom and hands near top of handle

Stance

The balanced position a batter takes before facing a delivery

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic cricket grip and stance from previous lessons
Understanding of underarm bowling technique
Awareness of cricket safety and game rules

Current Skills

Defensive shot technique with no follow-through
Driving shot with full swing and extension
Tactical shot selection based on game situation

Next Steps

Advanced shot variations (cut, pull, sweep)
Playing shots against different bowling styles
Match situation batting with scoring strategies

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact with ball using both techniques

Appropriate shot selection 70% of the time

Maintained balance throughout shot execution

Key Teaching Points

Grip technique is fundamental - hands together with dominant hand at bottom for control and power
Defensive shot has no follow-through - emphasise controlled stop after ball contact to protect wicket
Driving shot requires full swing and follow-through - arms extend away from body for maximum power
Stance and footwork are crucial - step forward to meet ball with balanced, side-on position
Tactical understanding - defensive shots protect wicket, driving shots score runs based on game situation
Safety first - controlled swinging and clear communication prevent injuries during batting practice
Teamwork and encouragement enhance learning - support struggling students and celebrate all efforts

Common Misconceptions

Thinking both shots use the same swing - correct by clearly demonstrating the difference between controlled defensive action and full driving follow-through
Believing power is most important - emphasise that control and placement are more valuable than hitting hard
Assuming defensive shots are 'boring' - explain how they're crucial for staying in the game and setting up scoring opportunities
Confusing when to use each shot - provide clear game scenarios and practice decision-making in controlled situations
Gripping bat incorrectly - repeatedly check and correct grip with hands-on guidance and visual demonstrations

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use movement to maintain focus rather than restrict it

dyspraxia

Use larger balls and shorter bats, provide extra practice time, break down movements into smaller steps with clear verbal cues

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure for rotations, use visual schedule of activities, offer quiet zone if overstimulated by group dynamics

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and bats, provide clear verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, assign sighted buddy for safety

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for instructions, ensure clear visual demonstrations, provide written instruction cards

physical disability

Adapt to seated batting position, use lighter bats or shortened handles, modify running requirements to wheelchair accessible alternatives

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, communication skills in team activities, following and giving instructions clearly

Science

Forces and motion in batting, friction between bat and ball, trajectory and gravity affecting ball flight

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when techniques are challenging, leadership in group activities, fair play and respect for opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during practice, central position during demonstrations and discussions

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip and stance, appropriate shot selection, and positive team interactions

Intervention Points

Step in when technique is unsafe, when students struggle with tactical understanding, or when group dynamics need support

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show technique clearly, demonstrate both correct technique and common mistakes for comparison

Verbal Cues

•'Hands together, dominant hand at bottom'
•'Step forward to meet the ball'
•'Control first, power second'
•'Which shot will help your team most?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large sports hall or outdoor area, minimum 30m x 20m for full class

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from holes or obstacles that could cause trips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check cricket bats for cracks or splinters
•Ensure tennis balls are in good condition
•Verify wickets are stable and properly assembled

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions between students during running
•Bat contact with other students during swinging

Risk Mitigation

•Adequate spacing between groups (minimum 5m)
•Emphasis on controlled swinging and underarm bowling
•Clear communication protocols for all activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor batting technique to prevent dangerous swinging
•Watch for signs of fatigue or loss of concentration

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if required