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Lesson 5 - Cut Shot Technique and Spin Bowling

Skill Integration & Mastery

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Year 5

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Cricket

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Big Question

How can tactical awareness and advanced batting techniques help us score runs in all directions of the cricket field?

Learning Objectives

To develop the cut shot technique for scoring runs wide of off stump
To understand and practice leg spin bowling technique
To demonstrate tactical awareness as fielders through positioning and backing up

Key Outcomes

Students will execute a cut shot with correct foot movement and bat position
Students will bowl leg spin using proper grip and wrist action
Students will show tactical awareness by walking in with bowler and backing up throws

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

Various sizes available for different students

Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis rackets for adapted version

Rackets

6 sets

2 pitches set up 16 yards apart with clear creases marked

Alternative: Cones with canes, improvised stumps

Cones

For marking boundaries, creases and activity areas

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines

Chalk

4 pieces

For marking creases and boundaries clearly

Alternative: Tape, rope for marking

Key Vocabulary

Cut shot

A batting stroke played to a short ball wide of off stump, hitting the ball square on the off side

Leg spin

A type of bowling where the ball spins from leg to off stump when bowled by a right-arm bowler

Overthrows

Extra runs scored when the ball goes past the wicketkeeper or fielder after being thrown in

Off stump

The stump on the off side of the batsman, furthest from their body

Backlift

The upward movement of the bat before playing a shot

Walking in

Fielders moving forward as the bowler runs up to anticipate the ball being hit

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic batting stance and grip
Overarm bowling action
Basic fielding positions and catching

Current Skills

Cut shot technique for short wide deliveries
Leg spin bowling grip and action
Tactical fielding awareness and backing up

Next Steps

Advanced stroke play including pull shots
Off-spin bowling variations
Captain's role in field placement

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact with cut shot

Visible spin on bowl deliveries

Proactive fielding movement

Key Teaching Points

Cut shot is played to short, wide deliveries - teach ball recognition first
Step back and across with back foot, not forward into the ball
Head position remains still throughout all shots for better ball tracking
Leg spin bowling requires specific grip with first and third fingers
Walking in with the bowler improves fielding reaction times significantly
Backing up throws prevents overthrows and maintains pressure on batsmen
Clear communication between batting partners prevents run-out situations

Common Misconceptions

Thinking the cut shot can be played to any ball - emphasise short, wide requirement
Believing faster bowling creates more spin - explain that slower delivery allows spin to develop
Assuming fielders should stay in fixed positions - teach dynamic movement with play
Thinking communication is only needed when running - emphasise continuous calling after every ball
Believing overthrows don't matter in school cricket - explain how they change pressure and momentum

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with clear transitions, regular movement opportunities, specific roles and responsibilities to maintain focus

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls for easier handling, simplified techniques initially, extra practice time for complex movements, clear step-by-step breakdowns

autism spectrum

Clear station rotations with visual schedule, quiet zones available if needed, predictable routine with advance notice of changes

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with clear hand signals, written instruction cards at stations, ensure good visual contact for communication

physical disability

Adapted batting positions including seated options, modified bowling actions, reduced throwing distances with appropriate equipment

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, clear communication during play, following and giving instructions

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, spin and air resistance, leverage and biomechanics in batting technique

Geography

Directional awareness on cricket field, mapping field positions, understanding spatial relationships

Mathematics

Calculating runs and scores, measuring distances for field positions, understanding angles of shots and spin

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, respect for umpire decisions and fair play

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position allowing oversight of all activities, rotating between stations during practice phase

Observation Focus

Technical skill development, safety awareness, tactical understanding, and positive behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in for safety concerns, provide technique corrections, facilitate positive peer interactions

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, slow-motion demonstrations for complex skills, emphasise key points through repetition, involve students in demonstrations when safe

Verbal Cues

•'Step back and across!'
•'Head still, eyes on ball!'
•'Walk in with the bowler!'
•'Back up that throw!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 60m for two cricket pitches with adequate run-off areas

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes or debris, suitable for running and ball bounce

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check bats for cracks or splinters before use
•Ensure balls are in good condition without damage
•Wickets firmly positioned and stable
•Cones placed safely away from playing areas

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to body or head
•Collisions between players during running
•Bat contact with other players
•Slips and falls on grass surface

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established between playing areas
•Proper spacing maintained during all activities
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Constant supervision of both practice areas
•Safe equipment handling protocols enforced

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe both pitches during game play
•Monitor spinning ball activities for control
•Watch for proper technique to prevent injury
•Ensure safe bat handling at all times

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately, assess injury severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required