Aggressive batting for maximum runs
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can play a range of batting shots to score runs quickly.
Key learning points
- Move: changing foot position to respond to short pitched balls puts the batter in position to playback foot shots.
- Move: timing the swing to hit the ball in the middle of the bat gives the best chance of the ball travelling far.
- Think: maximising runs comes with a significantly increased risk of getting caught out.
- Feel: being brave when facing short balls increases the chance of scoring runs, defending the ball and not being hit.
- Connect: tactically aggressive batting at the right times in a game lead to better run rates and cause for celebration.
Keywords
Hook (shot) - stroke played to a short-pitched ball around chest height, hitting it towards the leg side, typically between mid-wicket and square leg
Pull (shot) - stroke played to a short-pitched ball, where the batter hits it on the leg side with a horizontal bat between mid-wicket and square leg
Cut (shot) - stroke played to a short, wide ball where the batter hits it square or behind square on the off side using a horizontal bat
Common misconception
Many young batters fail to move their feet when batting, instead they try to contort their bodies to deal with all sorts of line and length deliveries with little success.
Through practice, pupils can learn how to move their feet in response to different pitches of delivery. With short deliveries moving weight on to the back foot and changing foot position allows for pull, hook and cut shots.
Teacher tip
Wet tennis balls (weighted) are great for practising short deliveries because pupils can be braver about making mistakes and not getting hurt. If you can afford to put your tennis balls in a bucket of water, it's a more realistic feel than dry ones and a good practice tool for short deliveries.
Equipment
bats, wickets, tennis balls, cones
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Why do bowlers use a variety of lengths?
Q2.When do we particularly need practice and perseverance?
Q3.Where is a full length ball likely reach?
Q4.When is gripping across the seam required?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What must we do with our feet almost every time we hit the ball?
Q2.What will being brave on short balls allow you to do?
Q3.Where should we connect with the ball on bat to hit big shots?
Q4.What does a batter need to avoid when trying to achieve a high run rate?
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Aggressive batting for maximum runs, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Aggressive batting for maximum runs, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 4 physical education lessons from the Striking and fielding games: teaching others to play creative cricket games unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.