Grade 5 Physical And Health Education Games And Sports – Bating- Stance And C-Grip Notes
Physical & Health Education — Games and Sports
Subtopic: Batting — Stance and C-Grip
Age: 10 years / Setting: School field or compound in Kenya.
Goal: Learn a safe, balanced batting stance and the correct C-grip so you can hit the ball with control.
What you need
- A bat (cricket or softball bat used at school)
- A soft ball or tennis ball for practice
- Helmet if you are facing real bowling or a hard ball
- Flat, open space (school pitch or playing ground)
1. The Batting Stance — Easy steps
- Stand side-on to the bowler/pitcher. If you are right-handed, your left shoulder faces the bowler. If left-handed, your right shoulder faces the bowler.
- Feet shoulder-width apart. Feet should point slightly towards the bowler (about 45°) so you can move easily.
- Knees slightly bent and weight on the balls of your feet — be ready to move forward or back.
- Hold the bat slightly off the shoulder, near the back shoulder — relaxed, not tense.
- Keep your head still and eyes level. Watch the ball from the bowler’s hand until it reaches you.
2. The C-Grip — how to hold the bat
The C-grip is easy to remember — your top hand makes a small "C" shape around the handle. Hands stay close together and fingers do most of the holding (not the palms). This gives good control and quick wrists.
Steps to make the C-grip
- Hold the bat out in front with the handle level.
- Place your top hand (left hand for right-handed batter) on the handle so the fingers wrap and make a small “C” shape around it.
- Place your bottom hand just below the top hand so the hands are close together — not far apart.
- Hold with your fingers, not the palms. Your thumbs should point down the handle (or slightly around it).
- Grip firm but relaxed — not too tight. Tight grip makes your arms stiff and slows your swing.
Quick practice drills (10–15 minutes)
- Shadow batting: Practice stance and swing without a ball. Repeat 10 slow swings keeping the head still.
- Tee or cone toss: Place ball on a cone or tee. Focus on C-grip and hit gently to the front (rolls are fine).
- Soft toss from a partner: Partner tosses soft balls underarm. Keep eyes on the ball and use the correct grip.
- Grip squeeze: Hold bat and squeeze then relax many times to find a comfortable grip strength.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Hands too far apart — keep them close so the bat is easier to control.
- Grip too tight — relax fingers and wrists; try a grip squeeze drill.
- Head moving — keep eyes level and watch the ball the whole time.
- Weight on heels — stay on the balls of your feet to move quickly.
Safety tips
- Always wear a helmet if facing a hard ball or real bowling.
- Make sure the area behind and around you is clear of people.
- Use softer balls for beginners and small children.
- Ask a coach or teacher to check your stance and grip before facing faster bowling.
Short self-check (ask yourself)
- Are my feet shoulder-width and knees slightly bent?
- Is my head still and eyes watching the ball?
- Does my top hand make a small “C” around the handle?
- Are my hands close together and am I holding with my fingers?
Practice this often on the school ground or with your teammates. If you get it right, you will hit with more control and confidence. Ask your P.E. teacher to watch and give feedback.
Good luck — have fun and stay safe!