Lesson 2 - Overarm Bowling and Wicket Keeping
Cricket Skill Progression
•Year 2
•Striking & Fielding
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Distributed to each bowling pair
Alternative: Soft play balls, bean bags for beginners
Set up as wickets and distance markers
Alternative: Plastic bottles, skittles
For Voldemort and Harry Potter game
Alternative: Coloured bands, hats
For target bowling and wicket keeping practice
Alternative: Large cones, cardboard wickets
For final striking game
Alternative: Traffic cones, improvised stands
Key Vocabulary
Bowling the ball with a straight arm action from above shoulder height
The line that bowlers must bowl from behind
The player who stands behind the stumps to collect the ball
An illegal delivery when the bowler's front foot crosses the crease line
A ball bowled too far from the batsman to reach
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
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