Start Planning Better PE Lessons

Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.

What's included

  • Complete activity instructions & timing
  • Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
  • Assessment guidance & success criteria
  • Downloadable lessons & units
No credit card
Free forever
Big Question

How can I use different batting techniques to score runs effectively and bowl with accuracy?

Learning Objectives

  • To develop the pull shot technique for short deliveries on the leg side
  • To bowl with accuracy using proper grip and straight arm action
  • To demonstrate game awareness when fielding and running between wickets

Key Outcomes

  • Students will execute pull shots with correct footwork and timing
  • Students will bowl with improved accuracy using straight arm technique
  • Students will make tactical decisions about when to run between wickets

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment
1 per 3-4 students (15)

Check bat sizes appropriate for Year 5 students

Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis racquets for modified play

Cricket balls
6-8 balls

Use softer balls for safety in school environment

Alternative: Tennis balls, incredi-balls for safety

Cricket Stumps
4 sets (12 stumps)

Ensure stumps are stable and safe height

Alternative: Cones, skittles for wicket markers

Cones
20 cones

Use for field boundaries and activity markers

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines for boundaries

Chalk
2-3 pieces

For marking creases and boundaries clearly

Alternative: Tape, rope for marking creases

Key Vocabulary

Pull Shot

A batting shot played to a short ball, hitting across the body to the leg side

Crease

The line behind which the bowler must deliver the ball and batsmen must stay to avoid being run out

Leg Side

The side of the cricket field behind the batsman's legs when in their normal stance

Straight Arm

Bowling technique where the arm remains straight throughout the delivery action

Backlift

The upward movement of the bat before playing a shot

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic batting stance and grip
  • Simple bowling action
  • Understanding of cricket scoring

Current Skills

  • Pull shot technique for short deliveries
  • Bowling accuracy with straight arm action
  • Game awareness and communication

Next Steps

  • Advanced batting shots (cut, drive)
  • Bowling variations (pace, length)
  • Complex fielding strategies

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent contact with pull shots
2
Bowling hitting target 6/10 times
3
Clear communication during running

Key Teaching Points

  • Pull shot requires back foot movement back and across the wicket
  • High backlift is essential for power in pull shot execution
  • Bowling accuracy comes from straight arm action and looking at target
  • Clear communication is vital when running between wickets
  • All batsmen must run together in diamond cricket format
  • Fielders should return ball to wicketkeeper best positioned for run out
  • Self-reflection and peer recognition are as important as skill development

Common Misconceptions

  • Pull shots can be played to any ball - correct only for short balls on leg side
  • Bowling faster always means bowling better - accuracy is more important than pace
  • Individual running is acceptable - in cricket, running decisions affect both batsmen
  • Only hitting boundaries scores runs - good running between wickets scores consistently
  • Physical skill is most important - tactical understanding and teamwork equally valuable

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Shorter station times if needed, clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive feedback
dyspraxia
  • Larger, softer balls for easier handling, simplified technique focus, extra practice time
autism spectrum
  • Clear visual station layouts, predictable rotation system, quiet zones available if overwhelmed
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balls, provide audio cues for ball position, assign sighted partner for guidance
hearing impairment
  • Visual hand signals for running calls, clear demonstration of all techniques, written instruction cards
physical disability
  • Seated batting position if needed, modified bowling distance, adapted running routes

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating runs and scoring systems, measuring distances for field placement, timing rotations

Science

Forces and motion in ball trajectory, physics of bat and ball contact, body mechanics in bowling

Geography

Understanding compass directions (North, East, South, West) for diamond cricket layout

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, supporting others, dealing with success and disappointment in games

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position with clear sight lines to all three skill stations during rotations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct pull shot footwork, straight arm bowling action, and clear communication during running

Intervention Points

Step in immediately if unsafe batting or bowling, provide technique correction during practice phases

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate techniques slowly first, then at normal speed. Use students as positive examples when possible.

Verbal Cues
  • 'Back foot back and across!'
  • 'Straight arm at 12 o'clock!'
  • 'Call clearly - Yes, No, or Wait!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor space minimum 40m x 30m for multiple activities

Surface Check

Level grass or hard court surface, free from holes or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Soft cricket balls only for safety in school environment
  • Check bat handles secure and appropriate size
  • Ensure stumps are stable and safe height for Year 5
  • Cones placed securely to prevent tripping

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Ball strikes from cricket balls
  • Collisions during running between wickets
  • Bat swings in confined spaces
  • Tripping over equipment
Risk Mitigation
  • Use only soft balls appropriate for school cricket
  • Clear separation between batting and other activities
  • Designated safe zones for non-participants
  • Proper warm-up to prevent muscle strain

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position to observe all three stations simultaneously
  • Special attention to batting station for safety
  • Monitor game for safe running and fielding
Emergency Procedures

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