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Lesson 2 - Overarm Bowling and Wicket Keeping

Progressive Cricket Play

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Year 1

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Striking & Fielding

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1h 3min

Big Question

How can we develop accurate bowling and safe wicket keeping skills to improve our cricket game?

Learning Objectives

To develop overarm bowling technique with a straight arm
To learn the correct wicket keeper stance and ball stopping technique
To understand basic cricket rules including no-ball and wide

Key Outcomes

Students will bowl overarm with improved technique and accuracy
Students will demonstrate safe wicket keeping skills
Students will communicate effectively during team activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

1 per student (30)

Distribute balls at start of bowling activities

Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls for beginners

Coloured Bibs

3 different colours (10 each)

2 for Voldemort, 1 for Harry Potter in warm-up

Alternative: Coloured bands, team pennants

Cones

60 cones

Used for targets, wickets, and court boundaries

Alternative: Markers, chalk circles

Tee Stands

3 tees

Positioned at batting end for final game

Alternative: Traffic cones with ball holders

Chalk

4 pieces

For marking crease lines and court boundaries

Alternative: Ground markers, tape

Key Vocabulary

Overarm bowling

A cricket bowling technique where the arm moves over the shoulder in a straight motion

Crease line

The line from which bowlers must deliver the ball in cricket

Wicket keeper

The player positioned behind the stumps to catch and stop the ball

No-ball

An illegal delivery in cricket, often when the bowler steps over the crease line

Wide

A ball bowled too far from the batsman to hit reasonably

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of simple games rules
Ability to follow instructions and work in pairs

Current Skills

Overarm bowling technique with straight arm
Wicket keeper stance and ball stopping
Communication during fielding activities

Next Steps

Bowling at stumps with accuracy
Advanced wicket keeping including stumping
Tactical field positioning and communication

Milestone Indicators

Consistent straight arm bowling action

Confident wicket keeper stance and movement

Clear communication during fielding

Key Teaching Points

Overarm bowling requires straight arm throughout entire action - like a windmill motion
Wicket keeper stance: crouch with feet shoulder-width apart, hands ready, rise with the ball
Communication in fielding is essential - call for the ball and help teammates position
Bowling accuracy comes from consistent technique, not just throwing harder
Teamwork in cricket means supporting each other whether batting or fielding

Common Misconceptions

Students think bowling faster is always better - emphasise accuracy and technique over speed
Wicket keepers should stay crouched throughout - teach rising with the ball for clean catches
Individual brilliance wins cricket games - stress importance of team communication and support
Cricket is only about batting and bowling - highlight importance of fielding and wicket keeping
Mistakes mean failure - reinforce that learning takes practice and improvement should be celebrated

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear focus points, use movement and energy positively in games

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment initially, provide extra practice time, break down complex movements into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Provide clear routines and expectations, use visual schedules for activity progression, offer quiet retreat space if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, assign sighted buddies for support

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Adapt bowling to seated or supported position, modify wicket keeping to standing or supported crouch, adjust distances as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development with cricket terms, following complex instructions, communication skills

Maths

Measuring distances for bowling, counting scores and points, understanding angles in bowling action

Science

Forces and motion in bowling and catching, trajectory and bounce physics, muscle groups used

Geography

Understanding field positions and spatial awareness, directions and positioning

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move continuously between activities, positioning to see all students and provide immediate feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for straight arm bowling action, correct wicket keeping stance, and positive communication

Intervention Points

Step in to correct unsafe technique, support struggling students, and redirect off-task behaviour

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion technique breakdowns, exaggerated movements for clarity, and positive student examples

Verbal Cues

•'Straight arm like a windmill!'
•'Crouch down, hands ready!'
•'Call for the ball, teammates!'
•'Great teamwork - keep talking!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or outdoor space minimum 30m x 20m for multiple bowling lanes and courts

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from puddles or debris, suitable for running and catching

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis balls for damage and appropriate bounce
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify tee stands are stable and secure

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body during bowling practice
•Collisions between students during fielding games
•Slips or falls during running or sudden direction changes
•Overexertion during continuous activity

Risk Mitigation

•Clear bowling lanes with adequate spacing established
•Emphasise soft catches and controlled throwing
•Boundaries clearly marked to prevent collisions
•Regular water breaks and activity rotation

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple bowling pairs simultaneously
•Monitor team games for safe play and fair competition
•Watch for students struggling with technique or confidence

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed