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Lesson 6 - Overarm Bowling Technique

Foundational Skills Development

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Year 3

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Cricket

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46 min

Big Question

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

Cones

Use for marking boundaries and running targets

Alternative: Markers, spots, or small objects for boundaries

Cricket Equipment

Check for damage before use

Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis rackets for adapted games

Cricket Wickets

Ensure stable placement on level ground

Alternative: Cones, skittles, or marked walls as targets

Team bibs

Different colours for easy team identification

Alternative: Coloured bibs, scarves, or arm bands

Tennis Balls

Check balls are properly inflated and undamaged

Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls for safety

Key Vocabulary

Overarm bowling

A bowling technique where the arm moves in a high arc over the shoulder

Wicket keeper

The fielder who stands behind the wickets to catch the ball

Stance

The position of your body before bowling - sideways on to target

Release point

The moment when you let go of the ball during bowling

Fair play

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

Consistent ball release with straight arm

Regular bounces before reaching target

Confident participation in team roles

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