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Lesson 3 - Underarm Bowling Skills

Striking Basics

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Year 2

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Striking & Fielding

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45 min

Big Question

How can I use my whole body to bowl a ball accurately to help my team score points?

Learning Objectives

To develop underarm bowling technique with correct stepping action and body positioning
To improve accuracy when bowling to different positions and targets
To apply bowling skills effectively in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct stepping technique when bowling underarm
Students will bowl accurately to targets at different heights and positions
Students will explain key teaching points for effective underarm bowling

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per 2-3 students (15 total)

Check balls are clean and in good condition before use

Alternative: Bean bags, soft cricket balls, playground balls

Hoops

20-25 hoops various sizes

Mix of different sized hoops for varied challenge levels

Alternative: Cones with targets, chalk circles on tarmac

Cones

12 cones for marking areas

Use bright colours for clear visibility

Alternative: Existing playground markings, chalk lines

Key Vocabulary

Underarm bowling

Rolling or throwing a ball with hand below shoulder height using a smooth, pendulum-like arm swing

Opposite foot stepping

Stepping forward with the foot opposite to your throwing hand to create power and balance

Release point

The moment when you let go of the ball during the bowling action

Accuracy

Being able to bowl the ball exactly where you intend it to go

Smooth action

Moving your arm in one flowing motion without jerky or sudden movements

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of dominant hand
Ability to follow simple game rules

Current Skills

Stepping into underarm bowling action
Aiming accurately to different positions
Applying bowling skills in competitive games

Next Steps

Developing overarm bowling techniques
Strategic placement of balls in games
Leading warm-up activities for peers

Milestone Indicators

Consistent opposite foot stepping

Accurate bowling to moving targets

Quick decision-making in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Step forward with the foot opposite to your bowling hand for power and balance
Use a smooth, pendulum-like arm swing rather than jerky movements
Release the ball when your hand points directly at your target
Aim for the middle of your partner's body to give them the best chance of catching
Keep your eyes on the target throughout the bowling action
Follow through with your arm pointing towards where you want the ball to go
Practice makes perfect - focus on technique rather than throwing hard

Common Misconceptions

Thinking that bowling harder makes the ball more accurate - actually, controlled technique is key
Stepping with the same foot as bowling hand - this reduces power and balance
Releasing the ball too early (aiming upward) or too late (aiming downward)
Trying to make spectacular catches instead of focusing on good body positioning
Believing that only the winning team in games demonstrates good skills

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts with clear transitions, regular movement opportunities, immediate feedback on technique

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier grip, exaggerated technique demonstrations, extra practice time for coordination development

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure for activities, visual schedule of lesson progression, quiet zone available for sensory breaks

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of target positions, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for game instructions, written coaching points displayed

physical disability

Seated bowling position option, modified target distances, lightweight balls for easier manipulation

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, giving clear instructions to partners, descriptive language for technique feedback

Maths

Counting successful bowls and team scores, measuring distances between bowling positions, understanding angles for different target positions

Science

Forces and motion in bowling action, gravity effects on ball trajectory, friction between ball and surface

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, celebrating others' successes and providing encouragement

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand where you can see all groups simultaneously. Move between groups during activities to provide individual coaching. Position yourself at throwing line during target games for safety monitoring.

Observation Focus

Watch for correct stepping technique, smooth arm action, and appropriate aiming. Monitor cooperation and encouragement between students. Check for understanding through questioning.

Intervention Points

Step in if bowling becomes too forceful or technique deteriorates. Intervene if group dynamics become negative. Provide additional support for students struggling with coordination.

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate from side view so students can see body position clearly. Use slow-motion for technique teaching, normal speed for game context. Show both right-handed and left-handed techniques.

Verbal Cues

•'Opposite foot steps forward!'
•'Smooth like a pendulum!'
•'Point your hand where you want the ball to go!'
•'Gentle and controlled!'
•'Watch the ball into your hands!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m clear space for multiple group activities. Indoor hall or outdoor hard court surface suitable.

Surface Check

Dry, level surface free from obstacles. Check for any wet patches or debris before lesson begins.

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Inspect all balls for damage or excessive wear
•Ensure hoops have no sharp edges or cracks
•Check cones are weighted and stable for marking

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Balls hitting students in face or head area
•Collisions between students moving in different directions
•Slips when running to collect equipment
•Overexertion during continuous activity periods

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear bowling directions and safety zones
•Maintain adequate spacing between activities
•Use only soft, age-appropriate balls throughout
•Clear 'stop' signal established for immediate activity cessation
•Progressive skill building prevents overwhelming students

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups during activities
•Monitor bowling force levels to ensure appropriate control
•Watch for fatigue signs during continuous movement activities
•Circulate between groups providing safety reminders

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs. Clear assessment of situation. Basic first aid knowledge required. Access to first aid kit and emergency contact information.