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Lesson 6 - Hitting Techniques: Defence & Drive

Cricket Basics & Strategy

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Year 6

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Cricket

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1h 3min

Big Question

How can different cricket shots help you control the game and score runs strategically?

Learning Objectives

To develop and apply defensive and driving hitting techniques in cricket
To understand when to use different batting shots tactically
To demonstrate improved accuracy and control when striking the ball

Key Outcomes

Students will execute defensive shots to control the ball and stay in the game
Students will perform driving shots to score runs and move the ball into gaps
Students will make tactical decisions about which shot to use based on game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

1 per pair (15 total)

Distributed to bowling pairs for practice activities

Alternative: Soft training cricket balls, foam balls

Cricket Equipment

1 per pair (15 total)

Various sizes available to suit different student heights

Alternative: Rounders bats, paddle bats for smaller students

Cricket Wickets

7 sets

Positioned at appropriate height for Year 6 students

Alternative: Cones, skittles, or chalk marks on wall

Cones

7 plus extras for boundaries

Used for marking boundaries and running targets

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk lines

Tees

3-4 available

For students requiring additional support with timing

Alternative: Adjustable height cones or improvised stands

Key Vocabulary

Defensive shot

A batting technique designed to control the ball and keep it on the ground to avoid getting out

Driving shot

An attacking batting technique aimed at hitting the ball firmly along the ground to score runs

Stance

The balanced position a batter takes before facing a delivery

Grip

How the hands hold the cricket bat for maximum control and power

Follow-through

The completion of the batting swing after contact with the ball

Wicket keeper

The fielder positioned behind the wickets to collect the ball and attempt run-outs or stumpings

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic cricket grip and stance
Underarm bowling technique
Understanding of cricket safety rules
Experience with striking a moving ball

Current Skills

Defensive shot technique with controlled downward contact
Driving shot technique for forward attacking play
Tactical decision-making about shot selection
Reading the game situation and choosing appropriate shots

Next Steps

Advanced batting shots including cuts and pulls
Playing shots to specific field placements
Developing batting partnerships and rotation of strike
Match situation batting and pressure scenarios

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact with ball using correct technique

Clear difference between defensive and attacking shots

Appropriate shot selection based on field placement

Maintaining balance and control throughout shot execution

Key Teaching Points

Both defensive and driving shots use identical grip and stance fundamentals
Defensive shots prioritise control and keeping ball on ground for survival
Driving shots focus on power and placement for run-scoring opportunities
Tactical shot selection depends on game situation and field placement
Quality technique is more important than power in both shot types
Cricket requires both individual skill and team cooperation
Fair play and honesty are essential values in cricket participation

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: Need to change grip for different shots. Correction: Same grip works for both defensive and driving techniques
Misconception: Always try to hit ball as hard as possible. Correction: Shot selection should match game situation and tactical needs
Misconception: Defensive shots are for weak players. Correction: Defensive play is a crucial tactical skill for all cricketers
Misconception: Cricket is only about individual batting performance. Correction: Cricket success requires teamwork and supporting others
Misconception: Getting out means you've failed. Correction: Taking calculated risks and learning from mistakes are part of cricket

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with regular movement breaks, clear and simple instructions one at a time, positive reinforcement for focus and attention

dyspraxia

Extra practice time for coordination skills, simplified technique breakdowns, larger equipment for easier handling, patient repetition of movements

autism spectrum

Clear structure with predictable routine, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet space available if needed, advance warning of any changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system with sighted partner for positioning

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations of all techniques, written instruction cards for complex activities, use of hand signals for communication

physical disability

Adapt batting positions for wheelchair users, modify equipment size and weight as needed, adjust running distances or provide alternative scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Scoring runs and calculating totals, measuring distances for boundaries and running, understanding angles of shot placement, probability of shot success rates

Science

Forces involved in bat and ball contact, trajectory and momentum in shot making, physics of swing and ball movement, biomechanics of human movement in cricket

Geography

Understanding of cricket playing countries and cultures, spatial awareness of field placement, mapping movement patterns around cricket field

PSHE

Fair play and honesty in self-officiating, cooperation and teamwork within cricket groups, resilience when facing challenging bowling, respect for opponents and teammates

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position centrally during demonstrations for maximum visibility, move actively between groups during practice, maintain clear sight lines across all activities

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip and stance consistency, monitor shot technique development, assess tactical understanding through questioning, observe group cooperation and fair play

Intervention Points

Step in when technique is unsafe or significantly incorrect, provide individual support for students struggling with coordination, address any unsporting behaviour immediately

Demonstration Notes

Use slow motion demonstrations to highlight key technique points, contrast defensive and driving shots clearly, model excellent sportsmanship throughout, encourage peer demonstration for confidence building

Verbal Cues

•'Hands together, knees bent!'
•'Step and control!' for defensive shots
•'Through and follow!' for driving shots
•'Think about the situation!'
•'Good cricket brain!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor space minimum 30m x 20m, clear of obstacles and with adequate ceiling height for cricket shots

Surface Check

Level, non-slip surface suitable for cricket movements, free from holes or hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Cricket bats checked for cracks, splinters or loose handles
•Tennis balls inflated correctly and without damage
•Wickets stable and properly assembled with no sharp edges
•Cones in good condition without cracks that could cause injury

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Bat contact with other students during practice
•Ball strikes from hitting or throwing
•Collision between students during running
•Trips and falls during quick movements

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing of minimum 5 metres between cricket groups
•Controlled bat swings with emphasis on technique over power
•Tennis balls used instead of hard cricket balls
•Clear boundaries and movement patterns established
•Constant supervision and positioning for maximum visibility

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear sight lines across all groups
•Move actively between groups during practice phases
•Monitor bat control and safe swing techniques
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safety

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop signal (whistle/raised hand), assessment of any incidents, appropriate first aid response, incident reporting as required by school policy