Lesson 6 - Defensive and Driving Techniques
Foundational Skills & Games
•Year 5
•Cricket
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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
Check bat size appropriate for students, distributed at activity stations
Alternative: Tennis rackets or rounders bats for beginners
Stored in buckets at bowling positions
Alternative: Softer foam balls or wind balls for nervous batters
Positioned at appropriate distances for Year 5 students
Alternative: Cones or posts with stumps drawn on them
Various colours for different purposes - boundaries, targets, running markers
Alternative: Spots or markers
Available for students who need additional support
Alternative: Traffic cones with ball balanced on top
Key Vocabulary
A batting technique used to protect the wicket by hitting the ball downward with no follow-through
An attacking batting technique used to hit the ball forward with a full swing to score runs
The continuation of the batting swing after striking the ball
How the hands hold the bat, with dominant hand at bottom and hands near top of handle
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
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