🏏

Lesson 2 - Pull Shot & Drive Technique

Technical Mastery & Analysis

•

Year 8

•

Cricket

•

Big Question

How can mastering two fundamental cricket shots transform your batting performance and game strategy?

Learning Objectives

Demonstrate correct bat grip, stance and consistently strike the ball using pull shot and straight drive techniques
Reflect on performance and recognise success in self and others through peer assessment
Link batting skills to perform coordinated sequences of movement in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will execute pull shots and straight drives with improved technique and consistency
Students will provide constructive feedback to peers and accurately self-assess their batting performance
Students will apply batting skills effectively in competitive game scenarios with strategic shot selection

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

15 (1 per 2 students)

Check bat size appropriate for students - handle should reach mid-thigh when held upright

Alternative: Rounders bats, plastic cricket bats for beginners

Tennis Balls

Ensure balls are in good condition without cracks or flat spots

Alternative: Softer cricket balls, foam balls for nervous students

Cones

Use bright colours for visibility, arrange around perimeter for initial collection

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, chalk circles

Cricket Stumps

8 sets

Ensure wickets are stable and appropriate height for age group

Alternative: Skittles, plastic bottles, cones in triangular formation

Tees

Set at appropriate height for comfortable batting stance

Alternative: Traffic cones with tennis balls balanced on top, adjustable stands

Chalk

4 pieces

Use to mark target areas, creases, and bowling positions clearly

Alternative: Spray paint, rope, tape for marking

Key Vocabulary

Pull Shot

A cross-batted shot played to a short-pitched ball, swinging the bat from high to low across the body

Straight Drive

A vertical-batted shot played straight back past the bowler to a full-pitched delivery

Batting Stance

The balanced, ready position adopted by a batsman to face bowling

Grip

How the hands hold the bat with V's formed by thumb and forefinger aligned down the handle

Non-striking Batsman

The batsman at the opposite end who is not facing the current delivery

Calling

Verbal communication between batsmen to coordinate running: 'Yes', 'No', 'Wait'

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of cricket rules and scoring
Fundamental catching and throwing skills
Experience with hand-eye coordination activities

Current Skills

Correct batting grip and stance formation
Pull shot technique for short-pitched deliveries
Straight drive technique for full deliveries
Running between wickets with effective calling

Next Steps

Advanced shot repertoire including cut and cover drive
Strategic batting partnerships and rotation of strike
Bowling techniques and field placement strategies

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball-bat contact in practice situations

Appropriate shot selection based on ball delivery

Effective communication during running between wickets

Accurate peer assessment using technical criteria

Key Teaching Points

Correct batting grip with V's aligned down the back of the bat is fundamental to all shots
Shot selection depends on ball length - short balls for pull shot, full balls for straight drive
Step towards the ball for straight drive, maintain front-on stance for pull shot
Complete follow-through essential for power and direction in both shots
Clear, early calling crucial for safe running between wickets
Peer assessment develops understanding and creates supportive learning environment
Game application allows skill transfer from practice to competitive situations

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Harder swing always means better shot' - Correction: Focus on timing and technique over power
Misconception: 'Any shot can be played to any ball' - Correction: Shot selection must match ball delivery
Misconception: 'Calling doesn't matter if you're fast' - Correction: Communication prevents collisions and run-outs
Misconception: 'Grip doesn't affect shot quality' - Correction: Proper grip is foundation of all batting technique
Misconception: 'Only successful shots matter' - Correction: Good technique and effort are equally important

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent positive feedback, allow movement breaks, give specific roles and responsibilities

dyspraxia

Use larger, softer balls for easier contact, provide additional practice time, break down movements into smaller steps, offer hand-over-hand guidance

autism spectrum

Establish clear routines and expectations, provide visual schedule of lesson activities, offer quiet zones for breaks, use consistent verbal cues

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and cones, provide verbal cues for all demonstrations, establish buddy system for guidance, use sound-making balls if available

hearing impairment

Ensure clear visual demonstrations, use hand signals for communication, provide written instruction cards, position for clear sight lines to teacher

physical disability

Provide lighter bats or shorter handles, modify stance requirements, allow seated batting position, adjust target distances for individual needs

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Forces and motion in batting swing, projectile motion of cricket ball, biomechanics of efficient movement, physics of ball-bat collision

Geography

Directional awareness and compass points in diamond cricket, spatial reasoning for field positioning, mapping movement patterns around cricket field

Mathematics

Scoring systems and points calculation, angles of bat swing and ball direction, distance measurement for target areas, statistics tracking of success rates

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation skills, resilience when facing challenges, leadership development through peer coaching, respect and fair play values

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move continuously between practice areas, positioning at corners for maximum visibility of multiple groups simultaneously

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip and stance, ball-bat contact quality, appropriate shot selection, safety awareness, peer interaction quality

Intervention Points

Step in when technique is significantly wrong or unsafe, when students are struggling with peer assessment, or when safety rules are not being followed

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate key techniques multiple times from different angles, use exaggerated movements for clarity, involve confident students in demonstrations, show common mistakes and corrections

Verbal Cues

•'V's down the back of the bat!'
•'Front-on for pull shot, sideways for straight drive!'
•'Step to the ball!'
•'Watch the ball into your hands!'
•'Call early and loud!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m outdoor space or large sports hall, divided into distinct practice areas

Surface Check

Level, dry surface free from debris, adequate grip for running and batting movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check cricket bats for cracks, splinters or loose handles
•Ensure tennis balls are intact without cracks or flat spots
•Verify wickets are stable and appropriate height
•Check batting tees are secure and not wobbly

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body from batting or fielding
•Bat swings hitting other students
•Collisions during running between wickets
•Trips and falls over equipment

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear safety zones around each batting area
•Ensure adequate spacing between practice groups
•Position fielders at safe distances with clear sight lines
•Teach and enforce awareness of surroundings during bat swings
•Use softer tennis balls instead of hard cricket balls

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all batting areas
•Monitor high-activity areas during game situations
•Check students understand and follow safety boundaries
•Watch for fatigue affecting concentration and safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students remain in safe areas