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Lesson 2 - Overarm Bowling and Wicket Keeping

Cricket Skill Progression

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Year 2

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Striking & Fielding

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1h 11min

Big Question

How can we use technique and teamwork to become skilled cricket players?

Learning Objectives

To develop overarm bowling technique with a straight arm
To learn the correct wicket keeping stance and ball collection
To understand basic cricket rules including no-balls and wides

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to bowl overarm from the crease line
Students will demonstrate correct wicket keeping position and movement
Students will show understanding of cricket terminology and rules

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

15 (1 per pair)

Distributed to each bowling pair

Alternative: Soft play balls, bean bags for beginners

Cones

6 pieces

Set up as wickets and distance markers

Alternative: Plastic bottles, skittles

Coloured Bibs

3 (different colours)

For Voldemort and Harry Potter game

Alternative: Coloured bands, hats

Cricket Stumps

6 sets

For target bowling and wicket keeping practice

Alternative: Large cones, cardboard wickets

Tee Stands

For final striking game

Alternative: Traffic cones, improvised stands

Key Vocabulary

Overarm bowling

Bowling the ball with a straight arm action from above shoulder height

Crease line

The line that bowlers must bowl from behind

Wicket keeper

The player who stands behind the stumps to collect the ball

No-ball

An illegal delivery when the bowler's front foot crosses the crease line

Wide

A ball bowled too far from the batsman to reach

Stance

The position a player adopts ready to play

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic underarm throwing and catching
Understanding of taking turns and following rules
Basic spatial awareness and movement skills

Current Skills

Overarm bowling with straight arm technique
Wicket keeping stance and lateral movement
Understanding cricket terminology and rules

Next Steps

Batting technique and timing
Advanced fielding positions and strategies
Game tactics and team coordination

Milestone Indicators

Consistent straight arm bowling action

Confident wicket keeping movement and collection

Clear understanding of basic cricket rules

Key Teaching Points

Overarm bowling requires a completely straight arm throughout the action
Wicket keepers must position themselves to see around the wickets clearly
Communication is essential for effective team fielding
No-balls and wides are rule violations that give the opposing team advantages
Rising with the ball helps wicket keepers make clean collections
Accuracy is more important than power in cricket skills
Good sportsmanship and encouragement make games more enjoyable for everyone

Common Misconceptions

Students often think bowling faster makes them better - emphasise accuracy and technique over speed
Many students bend their elbow thinking it gives more power - demonstrate how straight arm creates better action
Students may think wicket keeping is easy - highlight the skill and concentration required
Some students believe only catching counts as good fielding - show how communication and positioning are equally important
Students might think no-balls and wides don't matter - explain the significant impact on game scores

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity bursts, provide clear boundaries and expectations, give specific roles in team activities

dyspraxia

Break down skills into smaller steps, use larger equipment initially, provide extra practice time for coordination skills

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure with visual schedules, allow time to process instructions, create quiet zones if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of all actions, use buddy system for positioning

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, ensure student can see teacher's face when speaking

physical disability

Adapt bowling distance as needed, allow seated wicket keeping position, modify running requirements in games

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Learning and using cricket terminology correctly, following and giving clear instructions, team communication

Maths

Counting bowling attempts and runs scored, measuring 12m distances for bowling practice, calculating team totals

Science

Understanding forces in bowling action, trajectory and bounce of balls, body movement and balance

PSHE

Working cooperatively in teams, showing resilience when techniques are challenging, displaying fair play and honesty

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the outside of activities to observe all students, position at corners for maximum visibility during games

Observation Focus

Watch for straight arm bowling technique, safe wicket keeping movement, positive communication during team activities

Intervention Points

Step in if students show dangerous technique, if games become too competitive, or if communication breaks down

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, demonstrate common mistakes to avoid, use confident students as positive examples

Verbal Cues

•'Straight arm like a windmill!'
•'Rise with the ball!'
•'Talk to your teammates!'
•'Well done, that was excellent technique!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or outdoor area minimum 30m x 20m with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from obstacles and trip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Tennis balls checked for damage and properly inflated
•Cones stable and positioned away from high-activity areas
•No loose equipment left in running or throwing areas

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes from overarm bowling
•Collisions during running games
•Trips and falls during lateral movement

Risk Mitigation

•Clear throwing directions established and maintained
•Adequate spacing between bowling pairs
•Controlled game environment with clear boundaries
•Progressive skill building from slow to full speed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activity areas
•Monitor bowling technique to prevent dangerous actions
•Watch for fatigue that might affect coordination

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear procedures for injury management