Lesson 6 - Bowling and Wicket Keeping Skills
Team Challenge Cricket
•Year 1
•Striking & Fielding
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we work as a team to stop runs and get batters out in cricket?
Learning Objectives
- Develop overarm and underarm bowling techniques with accuracy
- Learn proper wicket keeping stance and ball collection
- Apply teamwork skills through backing up and field positioning
Key Outcomes
- Students will bowl with improved accuracy using correct technique
- Students will demonstrate safe and effective wicket keeping
- Students will show understanding of cricket rules and boundaries
Equipment & Resources Required
Store in bucket at each practice station
Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls for safety
Use for targets, boundaries, and self-assessment sorting
Alternative: Markers, bean bags for targets
Position at bowling targets for each group
Alternative: Large cones, skittles, chalk circles on wall
Mark batting creases and safe standing areas
Alternative: Masking tape, rope for line marking
Ensure appropriate size for Year 1 students
Alternative: Tennis rackets, wooden paddles, foam bats
Key Vocabulary
A bowling technique where the arm comes over the shoulder in a windmill motion
The player who stands behind the stumps to collect the ball and attempt run-outs
Supporting a teammate by positioning behind them to collect missed balls
The marked line that batters must stay behind when not running
The completion of the bowling action after releasing the ball
A fielding technique using the whole body to stop the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling and catching skills
- Understanding of simple game rules
- Experience with throwing and rolling balls
Current Skills
- Overarm and underarm bowling techniques
- Wicket keeping stance and ball collection
- Backing up and field positioning
Next Steps
- Advanced bowling accuracy and variation
- Tactical field positioning
- Full game application with multiple skills
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Overarm bowling requires side-on stance with straight arm action
- Wicket keeping demands patience - stay down until ball bounces
- Backing up is essential teamwork - always support your teammates
- Clear communication prevents fielding confusion and accidents
- Cricket rules like staying in the crease keep players safe
- Practice makes permanent - focus on correct technique over speed
- Good sportsmanship is as important as technical skills
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking overarm bowling is just throwing - emphasise the specific technique
- Believing backing up is only for beginners - explain it's used at all levels
- Assuming wicket keeping is easy - highlight the skill and concentration required
- Not understanding why rules matter - connect to safety and fairness
- Thinking bowling fast is better - emphasise accuracy over pace
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Regular movement breaks, clear and short instructions, varied activities to maintain engagement
dyspraxia
- Simplified bowling action, larger targets, extra practice time, step-by-step skill breakdown
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide clear verbal descriptions of positions, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals and demonstrations, written instructions on cards, clear gestures for communication
physical disability
- Seated bowling option, modified wicket keeping position, shorter distances and adapted equipment
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring distances for field placement, counting runs and scoring, angles for bowling accuracy
Science
Forces in bowling action, friction between ball and surface, balance and stability in wicket keeping
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding boundaries and areas
PSHE
Teamwork and communication, resilience when learning new skills, respect for rules and opponents
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position with clear sight lines to all groups, move regularly to provide individual feedback
Observation Focus
Bowling technique safety, wicket keeper positioning, rule understanding and application
Intervention Points
Step in if unsafe bowling technique, incorrect wicket keeping position, or rules confusion
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, slow demonstrations for complex skills like overarm bowling, repeat key points frequently
Verbal Cues
- •'Side-on stance, straight arm back!'
- •'Wicket keeper down until it bounces!'
- •'Call for the ball and back up!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m clear area, multiple groups need adequate separation
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface free from holes or obstacles
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check cricket bats for splinters or damage
- •Ensure tennis balls are in good condition
- •Verify stumps are stable and safe
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Collision between students during running
- •Tripping over equipment or boundaries
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and safe distances between activities
- •Proper instruction on bowling technique and safety
- •Supervised equipment handling and storage
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all bowling groups simultaneously
- •Move around during practice to provide individual safety guidance
- •Monitor game play for safe batting and fielding
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, complete accident report if necessary