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Lesson 4 of 6
  • Year 10

Defensive batting

I can avoid getting out by playing defensive cricket shots.

Lesson 4 of 6
New
New
  • Year 10

Defensive batting

I can avoid getting out by playing defensive cricket shots.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: angling the bat down towards the ground when playing defensive shots greatly reduces the risk of being caught out.
  2. Move: batters can leave the ball by remaining still as it passes both them and the wicket.
  3. Think: remembering to resist the urge to swing for the ball and remain disciplined is key to protecting the wicket.
  4. Feel: protecting the wicket for a long spell and sensing the frustration of the fielders is a satisfying feeling.
  5. Connect: congratulating a long-standing batter at the end of their innings is good sporting behaviour and respectful.

Keywords

  • Defensive - the batter aims to protect their wicket rather than score runs

  • Forward defensive - a defensive batting shot played by stepping forward towards the pitch of the ball and using a straight bat to block the ball

  • Leave - a deliberate action where the batter chooses not to play a shot

Common misconception

There is certainly a misconception with many pupils that the ball should be hit out into the field whenever possible, exacerbated by the need to do this in many other striking and fielding games.

Pupils should understand on occasions in cricket, blocking or leaving the ball are actually preferable shots to play, rather than shots with a higher risk of getting out. It requires a different mindset to a lot of other striking and fielding games.


To help you plan your year 10 physical education lesson on: Defensive batting, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Good bowling is essential for practising defensive shots, but not all pupils will be able to bowl consistently. To ensure the batter is properly tested, allow overarm or underarm thrown deliveries. This way, the batter still faces a realistic challenge, even if some players can’t bowl accurately.
Teacher tip

Equipment

wickets, wind balls, bats, cones

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Which foot do we place our weight onto for hooks, pulls and cuts?

both feet
Correct answer: back foot
front foot

Q2.
What will you need to be to keep your eyes on a short pitched ball?

Correct answer: brave
scared
scared

Q3.
Why is it best to hit the ball with the middle of the bat?

makes loud noise
looks good
Correct answer: goes further

Q4.
What are aggressive shots generally?

Correct answer: riskier
safer
low scoring

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
What might determine whether the batter plays defensive shots instead of attacking ones?

you always should
Correct answer: the game situation
the crowd’s desires

Q2.
How do we angle the bat when defending to reduce the chance of getting caught out?

Correct answer: angled down
angled up
angled flat

Q3.
What defensive choice can be made if the batter judges the line of the ball is wide of the wicket?

hook it
cover drive
Correct answer: leave it

Q4.
What is the sporting way to respond to the end of a long innings by an opposing batter?

jeer them
Correct answer: congratulate them
ignore them