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Lesson 6 - Bowling and Wicket Keeping Skills

Team Challenge Cricket

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Year 1

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Striking & Fielding

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1h 9min

Big Question

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

Tennis Balls

15 (1 per 2 students)

Store in bucket at each practice station

Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls for safety

Cones

30 mixed colours

Use for targets, boundaries, and self-assessment sorting

Alternative: Markers, bean bags for targets

Dish Cones

8 sets

Position at bowling targets for each group

Alternative: Large cones, skittles, chalk circles on wall

Hoops

8 pieces/spots

Mark batting creases and safe standing areas

Alternative: Masking tape, rope for line marking

Cricket Equipment

8 (child-sized)

Ensure appropriate size for Year 1 students

Alternative: Tennis rackets, wooden paddles, foam bats

Key Vocabulary

Overarm bowling

A bowling technique where the arm comes over the shoulder in a windmill motion

Wicket keeper

The player who stands behind the stumps to collect the ball and attempt run-outs

Backing up

Supporting a teammate by positioning behind them to collect missed balls

Crease

The marked line that batters must stay behind when not running

Follow-through

The completion of the bowling action after releasing the ball

Long barrier

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

Consistent bowling action with follow-through

Quick reaction and safe ball collection

Understanding when and why to back up teammates

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