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      Striking the ball at different angles and speeds

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can strike the ball at different angles and speeds to score runs in a game of cricket.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: striking the ball at various angles and speeds, following through towards space will help us to score more runs.
      2. Move: stepping the front foot forward gets the body into position to hit a drive shot.
      3. Think: varying the angle and speed we strike the ball can help us to outwit our opponents to help us score more runs.
      4. Feel: taking responsibility when we make mistakes and striving to keep working hard shows great resilience.
      5. Connect: providing feedback helps others to improve their performances and demonstrates excellent encouragement.

      Keywords

      • Strike - the act of hitting/making contact with the ball

      • Drive - a batting stroke played on the front foot

      • Angle - the direction and elevation when striking the ball

      Common misconception

      Pupils do not move their feet when striking the ball, leading to mistimed and awkward shots.

      Almost every shot requires some foot movement and the players stance should allow for this by being on the balls of feet and with knees slightly bent. Practising footwork using a batting tee will make applying footwork to a moving ball easier.

      Teacher tip

      Paper cups make for good tees in the absence of real ones, although they don't last as long.

      Equipment

      4 cones between 2, 1 bat between 2, 1 batting tee between 2, 2 balls between 2, cricket stumps.

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - physical activity

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What are you doing with the ball if you throw it back to the wicket keeper or bowler?

      batting it
      catching it
      Correct answer: returning it

      Q2.
      When stopping a ball, which part of your body can act as a barrier behind your hand?

      back
      Correct answer: foot
      elbow

      Q3.
      How can you show responsibility in a game?

      Correct answer: follow the rules
      ignore the umpire
      powerful striking

      Q4.
      What can help to resolve disagreements in a game?

      always winning
      ignoring others
      Correct answer: good communication

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Where is the ideal place to hit the ball to help you to score runs?

      into the ground
      Correct answer: into space
      straight to fielders

      Q2.
      What is the name of the batting shot you play by stepping forwards with your front foot?

      Correct answer: drive
      smash
      backswing

      Q3.
      Which foot does a drive shot not require you to step forwards with?

      neither foot
      Correct answer: back foot
      front foot

      Q4.
      How can you support other pupils to improve their performance?

      Correct answer: give them feedback
      beat them
      ignore them

      To help you plan your 5 physical education lesson on: Striking the ball at different angles and speeds, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...