Lesson 6 - Hitting Techniques: Defence & Drive
Cricket Basics & Strategy
•Year 6
•Cricket
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Distributed to bowling pairs for practice activities
Alternative: Soft training cricket balls, foam balls
Various sizes available to suit different student heights
Alternative: Rounders bats, paddle bats for smaller students
Positioned at appropriate height for Year 6 students
Alternative: Cones, skittles, or chalk marks on wall
Used for marking boundaries and running targets
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk lines
For students requiring additional support with timing
Alternative: Adjustable height cones or improvised stands
Key Vocabulary
A batting technique designed to control the ball and keep it on the ground to avoid getting out
An attacking batting technique aimed at hitting the ball firmly along the ground to score runs
The balanced position a batter takes before facing a delivery
How the hands hold the cricket bat for maximum control and power
The completion of the batting swing after contact with the ball
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
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