Lesson 2 - Overarm Bowling and Wicket Keeping
Progressive Cricket Play
•Year 1
•Striking & Fielding
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
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
Distribute balls at start of bowling activities
Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls for beginners
2 for Voldemort, 1 for Harry Potter in warm-up
Alternative: Coloured bands, team pennants
Used for targets, wickets, and court boundaries
Alternative: Markers, chalk circles
Positioned at batting end for final game
Alternative: Traffic cones with ball holders
For marking crease lines and court boundaries
Alternative: Ground markers, tape
Key Vocabulary
A cricket bowling technique where the arm moves over the shoulder in a straight motion
The line from which bowlers must deliver the ball in cricket
The player positioned behind the stumps to catch and stop the ball
An illegal delivery in cricket, often when the bowler steps over the crease line
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
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