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Lesson 2 - Pull Shot & Drive Techniques

Cricket Skills Foundation

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Year 7

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Cricket

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Big Question

How can mastering different batting shots help you control where the ball goes in cricket?

Learning Objectives

Develop correct grip, stance and striking technique for pull shot and straight drive
Demonstrate reflective skills and ability to recognise success in self and others
Link technical skills to perform effective batting sequences

Key Outcomes

Students will execute pull shot and straight drive with correct technique
Students will provide constructive feedback to peers on batting technique
Students will apply batting skills effectively in competitive game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

15 (1 per 2 students)

Check bat sizes appropriate for students, handles secure

Alternative: Plastic cricket bats, rounders bats for beginners

Tennis Balls

30 balls

Ensure balls are in good condition, adequate bounce

Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls for safety

Cones

20 cones

Use for target areas, boundaries, and bowling markers

Alternative: Markers, bean bags for boundaries

Cricket Stumps

8 sets (3 stumps each)

Set up securely, check bails are loose enough to fall

Alternative: Foam wickets, cones for target practice

Tees

6 tees

Adjust height for different students, stable base

Alternative: Traffic cones, improvised ball holders

Chalk

3 pieces

For marking target areas, creases, and boundaries

Alternative: Marker spray, rope for ground markings

Gloves

4 pairs

Optional for added realism in game situations

Alternative: Regular gloves, bare hands for soft balls

Key Vocabulary

Pull Shot

A batting shot played across the body from a front-on position to a short-pitched ball

Straight Drive

A batting shot played straight back past the bowler with full follow-through

Stance

The positioned adopted by a batsman when ready to receive a ball

Grip

How the hands hold the bat handle for optimal control and power

Front-on Position

Body positioning facing the bowler square-on for pull shot execution

Non-striking Batsman

The batsman at the opposite end who is not currently facing the bowler

Calling

Verbal communication between batsmen to coordinate running

Run Out

Dismissal when fielders break the wickets before batsman reaches crease

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and catching skills
Understanding of cricket scoring and basic rules
Experience with simple batting from previous lesson

Current Skills

Pull shot technique and application
Straight drive technique and timing
Running between wickets and calling
Peer assessment and feedback skills

Next Steps

Advanced batting shots (cut, sweep, hook)
Bowling techniques and variations
Advanced fielding positions and tactics
Match play with full cricket rules

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact with ball from tee feed

Correct body positioning for each shot type

Effective communication during running

Constructive peer feedback given

Key Teaching Points

Pull shot requires front-on body position facing the bowler throughout the swing
Straight drive needs positive forward movement with front foot beside the ball
Calling between wickets depends on ball direction - striker calls for balls they hit
Safety is paramount - clear batting directions and equipment handling procedures
Peer feedback should focus on technique points, not just outcomes
Progressive difficulty from tee to drop feed to bowled delivery based on ability
Game application reinforces skills learned in practice situations

Common Misconceptions

Students often confuse when to use each shot - clarify based on ball length and height
Many students think power is more important than technique - emphasise control and accuracy
Running between wickets calling can be confusing - use clear scenarios and practice
Students may think cricket is too complex - break down into simple, manageable components
Some believe only naturally gifted students can play cricket - emphasise that all can improve
Students might think criticism means failure - frame feedback as improvement opportunities

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with clear boundaries, regular movement opportunities, clear and simple instructions, immediate feedback

dyspraxia

Larger equipment options, reduced complexity of movements, extra practice time, step-by-step instruction breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear routines and structure, visual timetable for lesson sections, quiet zones available, advance warning of activity changes

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for positioning and safety

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with clear hand signals, written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication for lip reading

physical disability

Seated batting position available, modified bat sizes, adapted distances and targets, alternative scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating team scores, measuring distances for targets, angles of bat swing and ball direction, statistical analysis of success rates

Science

Forces and motion in ball trajectory, energy transfer from bat to ball, biomechanics of batting action, friction effects on ball movement

Geography

Directions and compass points for field placements, spatial awareness and mapping of cricket field, coordinates for target areas

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, fair play and sportsmanship, leadership skills development

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position with clear sightlines to all activities, move between groups during skill practice

Observation Focus

Watch for correct batting technique, safe equipment handling, positive peer interactions, and tactical understanding

Intervention Points

Step in if technique is unsafe, students are struggling with concepts, or group dynamics become negative

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations for complex techniques, repeat key points multiple times, use student demonstrators to show good examples

Verbal Cues

•'Front-on position for pull shot!'
•'Step to the ball for straight drive!'
•'Soft hands for catching!'
•'Clear calls for running!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large sports hall or cricket pitch, minimum 40m x 30m for full lesson activities

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles, suitable for running and batting movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check cricket bats for loose handles or splinters
•Ensure tennis balls are in good condition with adequate bounce
•Verify stumps are stable and bails are correctly positioned
•Test batting tees for stability and appropriate height

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to participants or observers
•Collisions during running activities
•Trips and falls during game situations
•Bat handling injuries during skill practice

Risk Mitigation

•Clear batting directions away from other participants
•Adequate spacing between all activities and groups
•Safe ball collection procedures established
•Proper supervision of equipment handling
•Clear boundaries and safety zones marked

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all batting areas
•Monitor high-activity areas during warm-up and games
•Ensure safe equipment transitions between activities
•Watch for fatigue affecting coordination and safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required