Lesson 2 - Pull Shot & Drive Techniques
Cricket Skills Foundation
•Year 7
•Cricket
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Check bat sizes appropriate for students, handles secure
Alternative: Plastic cricket bats, rounders bats for beginners
Ensure balls are in good condition, adequate bounce
Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls for safety
Use for target areas, boundaries, and bowling markers
Alternative: Markers, bean bags for boundaries
Set up securely, check bails are loose enough to fall
Alternative: Foam wickets, cones for target practice
Adjust height for different students, stable base
Alternative: Traffic cones, improvised ball holders
For marking target areas, creases, and boundaries
Alternative: Marker spray, rope for ground markings
Optional for added realism in game situations
Alternative: Regular gloves, bare hands for soft balls
Key Vocabulary
A batting shot played across the body from a front-on position to a short-pitched ball
A batting shot played straight back past the bowler with full follow-through
The positioned adopted by a batsman when ready to receive a ball
How the hands hold the bat handle for optimal control and power
Body positioning facing the bowler square-on for pull shot execution
The batsman at the opposite end who is not currently facing the bowler
Verbal communication between batsmen to coordinate running
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
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