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Lesson 3 - Batting Accuracy & Control

Cricket Basics & Strategy

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Year 6

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Cricket

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45 min

Big Question

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

Learning Objectives

To develop consistent batting accuracy through proper grip, stance and swing technique
To learn directional batting skills to place the ball away from fielders
To understand tactical decision-making in cricket batting situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved batting consistency when facing underarm bowling
Students will show directional control by aiming at specific targets during batting practice
Students will apply batting techniques in modified cricket games with tactical awareness

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

15 (1 per 2 students)

Check bat size appropriate for students, place safely when not in use

Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis rackets for beginners

Tennis Balls

30 (multiple per group)

Ensure balls are in good condition, no cracks or damage

Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls for safety

Cricket Wickets

7 sets

Position securely on flat ground, check stability

Alternative: Cones, skittles, or single stumps

Cones

14 (various colours)

Use for boundaries, targets, and running markers

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk lines

Cricket Batting Tee

7 (optional)

For students needing extra support with timing

Alternative: Traffic cones with tennis ball balanced on top

Key Vocabulary

Batting grip

The correct way to hold the cricket bat with both hands

Stance

The ready position taken by a batter before facing a ball

Runs

Points scored in cricket by running between the wickets

Wickets

The three wooden stumps that bowlers aim to hit

Directional batting

Controlling where the ball goes when you hit it

Underarm bowling

Bowling technique where the ball is released below shoulder height

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of cricket rules and scoring
Experience with underarm bowling technique
Fundamental catching and throwing skills

Current Skills

Correct batting grip and stance
Striking a moving ball with consistency
Directional batting control
Tactical awareness in game situations

Next Steps

Advanced shot selection and timing
Overarm bowling technique
Complex fielding strategies and team tactics

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact with 7 out of 10 bowled balls

Ability to hit designated target areas 60% of the time

Demonstrates understanding of when to attack or defend

Key Teaching Points

Correct batting grip is fundamental - dominant hand at bottom, 'V' shapes aligned
Stance provides stability - side-on position with feet shoulder-width apart
Watch the ball onto the bat throughout the swing
Step forward to meet the ball for better timing and power
Follow through in the direction you want the ball to go
Tactical placement beats power - aim for gaps in the field
Good sportsmanship enhances everyone's cricket experience

Common Misconceptions

Thinking harder swinging always produces better results - technique and timing are more important
Believing cricket is only about individual performance - teamwork and tactics are crucial
Assuming batting is just about hitting the ball - placement and strategy matter more
Thinking you need to run on every ball hit - smart decision-making prevents getting out
Believing cricket rules are too complex - start with simple modifications and build understanding

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with movement breaks, clear and simple instructions, immediate feedback and praise, varied activities to maintain engagement

dyspraxia

Break down batting technique into smaller steps, use larger equipment initially, extra practice time, simplified movement patterns

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routine for lesson sections, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, consistent equipment placement

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, use audible cues for ball location, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Ensure clear visual demonstrations, use hand signals for instructions, written instruction cards available, visual scoreboards and progress tracking

physical disability

Lighter bats or adapted grips, seated batting from wheelchair, modified running rules, shorter distances for mobility limitations

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances between wickets, counting runs and scores, calculating averages, understanding angles for directional batting

Science

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

Geography

Understanding directions and compass points for field placement, mapping cricket field positions and boundaries

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with disappointment when out, respect for opponents, leadership skills in organising teams

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during practice, central observation point during games, always face the students

Observation Focus

Watch for correct batting technique, safe play during games, positive interaction between students

Intervention Points

Step in when technique needs correction, if unsafe play develops, or when students need encouragement

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show technique clearly, demonstrate at different speeds, involve students in demonstrations where possible

Verbal Cues

•'Watch the ball onto the bat!'
•'Step forward to meet the ball!'
•'Grip, stance, swing - remember your technique!'
•'Great sportsmanship!'
•'Aim for the gap between fielders!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor area with flat, dry surface suitable for cricket activities

Surface Check

Even ground free from holes, debris or trip hazards that could cause injury during running

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check cricket bats for cracks, splinters or loose handles before use
•Ensure tennis balls are in good condition without cracks that could cause unpredictable bounces
•Verify wickets are stable and positioned safely away from main activity areas

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body during batting and fielding
•Collisions between students during enthusiastic game play
•Trips and falls while running between wickets
•Bat strikes during swinging motions

Risk Mitigation

•All batting activities face same direction to prevent cross-collisions
•Clear retrieval zones established behind batting areas
•Adequate spacing between groups during parallel activities
•Emphasis on controlled swinging and awareness of others

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all batting groups simultaneously
•Monitor game areas for overexcitement or unsafe play
•Be alert for students struggling with bat weight or technique

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately on 'STOP' command, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, follow school accident procedures