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Lesson 3 - Overarm Bowling & Striking

Team Challenge Cricket

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Year 1

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Striking & Fielding

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45 min

Big Question

How can I bowl accurately and strike a ball to score runs in cricket?

Learning Objectives

To develop overarm bowling technique with straight arm action
To strike a ball off a tee through the off-side with correct footwork
To understand basic cricket rules including creases and boundaries

Key Outcomes

Students will bowl overarm with improved accuracy and technique
Students will strike a ball off a tee consistently to the off-side
Students will demonstrate understanding of basic cricket rules and boundaries

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

1 per 3 students (10 balls)

Distribute to bowling stations around the area

Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls

Cones

30 (including target and boundary markers)

Mark creases, targets, and boundaries clearly

Alternative: Markers, spots, bean bags

Cricket Equipment

8 bats

Check grip size appropriate for Year 1 hands

Alternative: Short tennis rackets, paddle bats

Tees

8 tees

Height adjustable for different students

Alternative: Upturned cones, improvised stands

Dish Cones

10 sets

Positioned for clear targets at each station

Alternative: Large cones, skittles, markers

Key Vocabulary

Overarm bowling

Bowling technique where the arm moves in a full circular motion over the shoulder

Crease

The line from which bowlers must bowl and batsmen must reach to be safe

Off-side

The side of the field to the right of a right-handed batsman when facing the bowler

Wicket-keeper

The fielder who stands behind the stumps to collect the ball

Follow through

The continuation of movement after releasing the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic underarm rolling and throwing
Simple striking with large implements
Understanding of turn-taking and simple games

Current Skills

Overarm bowling with straight arm action
Off-side striking from a tee
Wicket-keeping ready position and catching

Next Steps

Bowling at different speeds and lengths
Striking moving balls
Understanding leg-side and off-side placement

Milestone Indicators

Bowling arm stays straight throughout action

Ball released at highest point (12 o'clock position)

Back foot steps back and across when striking

Key Teaching Points

Overarm bowling requires a straight arm throughout the entire action from backswing to follow-through
The bowling grip uses two fingers on top, thumb underneath, with fingers 3 and 4 providing side support
Off-side striking requires stepping back and across with the back foot before swinging outward
Wicket-keepers must stay low in ready position until the ball bounces, then move in line with the ball
Fielding success depends on one person collecting while others back up at key positions
Understanding boundaries and rules is as important as developing physical skills
Fair rotation and teamwork create positive learning experiences for all students

Common Misconceptions

Students think they can bowl with a bent arm (like throwing) - emphasise the straight arm windmill action
Many believe they should face the target when bowling - reinforce the side-on stance
Students often grip the bat with equal pressure in both hands - teach tight top hand, loose bottom hand
Children think wicket-keepers should stand upright - emphasise the low, ready squat position
Students believe all fielders should chase the ball - teach backing-up positions and roles
Many think rules don't matter in practice - emphasise that rules help create fair, fun games

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use movement breaks, give specific roles and responsibilities

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment for easier handling, provide additional practice time, break down skills into smaller steps, offer physical guidance

autism spectrum

Provide clear routines and structure, use visual schedule of lesson activities, create quiet spaces if needed, prepare for transitions

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, use sound cues for ball location, pair with sighted buddy

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for start/stop, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Adapt batting to seated position if needed, use lighter equipment, modify distances, provide physical support for stability

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following multi-step instructions, using cricket vocabulary accurately, describing techniques and tactics clearly

Maths

Measuring bowling distances, counting runs scored, calculating group rotation sequences, understanding angles in off-side placement

Science

Forces in bowling and striking, trajectory and ball flight paths, impact and momentum in ball sports

Geography

Understanding directional language (off-side, on-side), spatial awareness in field positions, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, fair play and honesty, managing emotions in competitive situations, celebrating others' achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around stations to support all groups, position yourself where you can see all activity areas simultaneously

Observation Focus

Watch for straight arm bowling action, correct batting grip and footwork, safe fielding positions and backing-up

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for safety concerns, provide individual technique support when needed, facilitate group rotation smoothly

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations for complex skills, show contrasts between correct and incorrect technique, use student demonstrations to reinforce learning

Verbal Cues

•'Straight arm like a windmill!'
•'Step back and across!'
•'Watch the ball all the way!'
•'Back each other up!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or playground area minimum 30m x 25m, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, check for wet patches, ensure even ground for running activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check cricket bats for cracks or splinters
•Ensure tees are stable and appropriate height
•Verify tennis balls are in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes from bowling or striking activities
•Bat contact during striking practice
•Collisions during running and fielding
•Trips over equipment or boundary markers

Risk Mitigation

•Ensure adequate spacing between activity stations (minimum 8m)
•Clear safety zones behind batting areas
•Proper technique teaching to reduce wild throws/hits
•Constant supervision during bat and ball activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Pay particular attention to batting areas for safe technique
•Monitor for students collecting balls safely during activities

Emergency Procedures

STOP command for immediate halt, assess injury severity, appropriate first aid response, clear communication with school office if required