Defensive batting
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can avoid getting out by playing defensive cricket shots.
Key learning points
- Move: angling the bat down towards the ground when playing defensive shots greatly reduces the risk of being caught out.
- Move: batters can leave the ball by remaining still as it passes both them and the wicket.
- Think: remembering to resist the urge to swing for the ball and remain disciplined is key to protecting the wicket.
- Feel: protecting the wicket for a long spell and sensing the frustration of the fielders is a satisfying feeling.
- 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.
Teacher tip
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.
Equipment
wickets, wind balls, bats, cones
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which foot do we place our weight onto for hooks, pulls and cuts?
Q2.What will you need to be to keep your eyes on a short pitched ball?
Q3.Why is it best to hit the ball with the middle of the bat?
Q4.What are aggressive shots generally?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What might determine whether the batter plays defensive shots instead of attacking ones?
Q2.How do we angle the bat when defending to reduce the chance of getting caught out?
Q3.What defensive choice can be made if the batter judges the line of the ball is wide of the wicket?
Q4.What is the sporting way to respond to the end of a long innings by an opposing batter?
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Defensive batting, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Defensive batting, 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.