Lesson 3 - Overarm Bowling & Striking
Team Challenge Cricket
•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 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
Distribute to bowling stations around the area
Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls
Mark creases, targets, and boundaries clearly
Alternative: Markers, spots, bean bags
Check grip size appropriate for Year 1 hands
Alternative: Short tennis rackets, paddle bats
Height adjustable for different students
Alternative: Upturned cones, improvised stands
Positioned for clear targets at each station
Alternative: Large cones, skittles, markers
Key Vocabulary
Bowling technique where the arm moves in a full circular motion over the shoulder
The line from which bowlers must bowl and batsmen must reach to be safe
The side of the field to the right of a right-handed batsman when facing the bowler
The fielder who stands behind the stumps to collect the ball
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
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