Lesson 6 - Overarm Bowling Technique
Foundational Skills Development
•Year 3
•Cricket
•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 we use our whole body to bowl accurately and help our team win?
Learning Objectives
- To develop overarm bowling technique with correct grip, stance and movement
- To apply bowling skills in competitive team situations
- To understand the importance of honest scoring and fair play
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved overarm bowling technique
- Students will accurately keep score in cricket activities
- Students will work effectively as part of fielding and batting teams
Equipment & Resources Required
Use for marking boundaries and running targets
Alternative: Markers, spots, or small objects for boundaries
Check for damage before use
Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis rackets for adapted games
Ensure stable placement on level ground
Alternative: Cones, skittles, or marked walls as targets
Different colours for easy team identification
Alternative: Coloured bibs, scarves, or arm bands
Check balls are properly inflated and undamaged
Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls for safety
Key Vocabulary
A bowling technique where the arm moves in a high arc over the shoulder
The fielder who stands behind the wickets to catch the ball
The position of your body before bowling - sideways on to target
The moment when you let go of the ball during bowling
Playing honestly and following the rules
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling and catching skills
- Understanding of simple games rules
- Experience with underarm bowling
Current Skills
- Overarm bowling technique development
- Target accuracy in bowling
- Team cooperation and score keeping
Next Steps
- Bowling with increased speed and accuracy
- Advanced fielding positions and tactics
- Full cricket match play
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Overarm bowling uses a 'number 6' arm movement pattern
- Grip the ball with fingertips and thumb, not whole hand
- Start sideways on with non-bowling shoulder pointing at target
- Step forward with opposite foot to bowling arm during release
- Keep bowling arm straight during forward motion and release
- Fair play and honest scoring are essential for enjoyable games
- Practice makes perfect - encourage persistence with technique
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking overarm bowling is just throwing hard - emphasise technique over power
- Believing you should face the target square-on - reinforce sideways stance
- Assuming all balls should be bowled fast - start with controlled, accurate bowling
- Thinking cheating in scoring doesn't matter - highlight importance of honesty in sport
- Believing cricket is too complex for Year 3 - show how basic skills build confidence
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear visual and verbal boundaries
dyspraxia
- Allow extra practice time for technique, use larger and lighter equipment, provide step-by-step movement cards
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routine structure, visual timetable of activities, quiet retreat space available if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, employ buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Adapt bowling stance for wheelchair users, allow seated bowling, modify distances and equipment size as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following and giving instructions, descriptive language for technique, communication in team activities
Maths
Counting scores and runs, measuring distances for bowling and running, understanding angles in bowling stance
Science
Forces and motion in ball trajectory, gravity affecting ball bounce, body mechanics in bowling action
PSHE
Fair play and honesty in competition, teamwork and cooperation, respect for others and rules
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between groups during activities, position at corner for overview during games, central position for demonstrations
Observation Focus
Monitor technique development, watch for safety issues, observe social interactions and fair play
Intervention Points
Step in when technique errors persist, address safety concerns immediately, mediate any disputes over rules or scoring
Demonstration Notes
Use slow-motion technique demonstrations, provide multiple viewing angles, involve students in demonstrations, emphasise key points visually
Verbal Cues
- •'Remember your number 6 arm movement!'
- •'Sideways stance, shoulder pointing at target!'
- •'Gentle grip like holding an egg!'
- •'Count your scores out loud for honesty!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor space or large sports hall, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Level, dry surface free from holes, debris or trip hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check tennis balls for damage or excessive wear
- •Ensure wickets are stable and securely positioned
- •Verify cones are visible and not damaged
- •Check cricket bats for cracks or splinters
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to face or body
- •Collisions during simultaneous batting and bowling
- •Trips from equipment left in playing area
- •Overexertion during continuous activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear bowling lanes with adequate spacing
- •Wicket keepers positioned safely behind stumps
- •Regular equipment checks and safe storage
- •Appropriate rest periods and hydration breaks
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups
- •Monitor high-activity areas during Beat the Bowl
- •Ensure clear communication channels with all students
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately on safety concern, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, contact emergency services if required