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Lesson 5 - On Drive and Off Drive Techniques

Tactical Game Insights

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Year 6

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Cricket

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Big Question

How can mastering different drive shots make me a more effective cricket batter?

Learning Objectives

Demonstrate and describe the difference between an on-drive and off-drive
Explain tactical reasons for using different drive shots in game situations
Execute on-drive technique with correct form and ball placement

Key Outcomes

Students will perform on-drive shots with proper technique and ball contact
Students will make tactical decisions about shot selection in game contexts
Students will explain the technical differences between drive variations

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

1 per group of 4 (8)

Check bat sizes appropriate for student heights

Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis bats for smaller students

Dish Cones

30 for warm-up activity

Place in line with adequate spacing for scramble activity

Alternative: Small marker cones, bean bags

Cricket Stumps

2 sets for game activity

Ensure stumps are stable and safe for running near

Alternative: Large cones, plastic bottles

Sun Markers

12-16 cones

Create clear playing area boundaries for safety

Alternative: Rope boundary, painted lines

Key Vocabulary

On-drive

A batting shot played with a straight bat to the leg side of the wicket

Off-drive

A batting shot played with a straight bat to the off side of the wicket

Crease

The line marked on the pitch that batters must reach to be safe from run-outs

Straight bat

Keeping the bat vertical and perpendicular to the ground when playing drives

Follow through

The continuation of the bat swing after contact with the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic batting stance and grip from previous cricket lessons
Understanding of bowling and fielding positions
Experience with simple batting techniques like forward defensive

Current Skills

On-drive technique with correct foot movement and bat angle
Off-drive technique for comparison and tactical variety
Shot selection based on ball position and field placement

Next Steps

Advanced stroke play including square drives and cuts
Power hitting techniques for boundary scoring
Match situation awareness and innings building

Milestone Indicators

Consistent middle-of-bat contact on drive shots

Ball travels along ground in intended direction

Shows tactical awareness of when to use different drives

Key Teaching Points

Ball position level with front foot for correct drive shot setup
Bat face angled downward at contact to keep ball along ground
Top hand guides direction while bottom hand provides stability
Weight transfer forward into shot for power generation
Eyes remain over ball throughout shot execution
Follow through continues in direction of intended shot
Tactical shot selection based on field placement awareness

Common Misconceptions

Students think drive shots should go in the air - emphasise ground shots for control
Belief that power comes from bottom hand - demonstrate top hand guidance principle
Assumption that all shots should be hit hard - teach placement over power initially
Thinking on-drive and off-drive are just different names for same shot - highlight technical differences
Misunderstanding that good shots automatically mean runs - connect to tactical awareness

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity rotations with regular movement changes, clear visual boundaries for activity areas, immediate positive feedback for focus

dyspraxia

Extra demonstration time and practice opportunities, larger equipment for easier handling, simplified movement patterns initially

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure with visual schedule, quiet zones available for sensory breaks, consistent equipment placement and procedures

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and high contrast equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstration, partner system for guidance and safety

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations with exaggerated movements, written instruction cards, use of hand signals for game communication

physical disability

Modified batting positions including seated options, lightweight equipment alternatives, adapted running distances and rules

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating run totals and averages during game scoring, measuring distances for field placement, understanding angles for shot direction

Science

Forces and motion in ball trajectory, friction between bat and ball, physics of spin and bounce effects

Geography

Directional awareness for shot placement, mapping field positions and movement patterns, understanding spatial relationships

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation in group activities, resilience when facing challenges, fair play and sporting values

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location during demonstrations, mobile between groups during practice, optimal viewing angle during game activities

Observation Focus

Technical execution of drive shots, tactical decision-making in game situations, group cooperation and sporting behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in when safety compromised, provide immediate technical feedback during practice, encourage positive team dynamics

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated slow-motion movements for technique clarity, demonstrate from multiple angles for complete understanding, show common mistakes and corrections

Verbal Cues

•'Bat down, eyes over the ball!'
•'Look for the gaps in the field!'
•'Smooth swing, let the bat do the work!'
•'Great shot placement - that found the gap!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 25m clear area for game activities, additional space for skill development stations

Surface Check

Even grass or hard court surface free from holes, debris, or water hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Cricket bats checked for cracks or loose handles before use
•Balls appropriate softness for age group and confidence levels
•Wickets stable and positioned away from walls or obstacles

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body from batting or fielding
•Collisions between students during running or fielding
•Trips and falls from uneven ground or misplaced equipment

Risk Mitigation

•Clear batting/fielding zones established with adequate safety distances
•Underarm bowling only to maintain control and accuracy
•Fielders positioned initially outside hitting zone until experienced
•Continuous supervision and intervention when unsafe play observed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all practice groups during skill development
•Monitor game area for safe fielding positions and running routes
•Watch for fatigue or overexertion, especially in competitive game situations

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess need for first aid, appropriate adult support or emergency services as required