Cricket - Lesson 5

In the fifth lesson of a Year 5 cricket series, students are introduced to the lofted drive, an advanced batting technique. The learning objectives are clear: pupils should be able to execute a lofted drive and apply this skill within a match context. The success criteria are straightforward, ensuring that by the end of the lesson, students can perform the shot and integrate it into game play. Key vocabulary for the lesson includes terms such as "feet" and "lofted drive", while essential equipment comprises cones, tennis balls, bats, and stumps. The warm-up activity is a game of Turnabout Catching, where three players pass and catch the ball in a line, with variations and extensions to cater for different skill levels, such as one-handed catching or using the weaker hand.

The main part of the lesson lasts 30 minutes and focuses on the key teaching points of the lofted drive. Students learn the importance of foot placement, getting their front foot close to the pitch of the ball, and ensuring their head is over the ball to maintain a forward weight distribution. Emphasis is placed on the shot being about timing and placement rather than power, with the top hand doing most of the work. A fielding game follows, where pupils are arranged in teams and points are scored based on hitting the ball into different coned areas. To conclude, a game of Kwik Cricket is played, encouraging pupils to focus on the lofted drive. The lesson ends with a cool-down that includes jogging, lunges, and stretching, accompanied by discussions about grip, ball spotting, and catching techniques, which help reinforce the skills learned during the session.