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Lesson 2 - Underarm Bowling Technique

Foundational Skills Development

•

Year 3

•

Cricket

•

45 min

Big Question

How can I bowl the ball accurately to help my team in cricket?

Learning Objectives

To develop correct underarm bowling technique with opposite foot step
To bowl with accuracy and control towards a target
To apply bowling skills in simple game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate underarm bowling with correct footwork
Students will bowl with increasing accuracy and consistency
Students will understand the importance of bowling in cricket games

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Various colours for different activities and boundaries

Alternative: Marker spots, bean bags for boundaries

Cricket Wickets

7 sets

Ensure stable setup on appropriate surface

Alternative: Skittles, cones arranged as targets

Hoops

Large enough for students to stand comfortably inside

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Tennis Balls

Check condition - no splits or damage

Alternative: Sponge balls, foam cricket balls for safety

Key Vocabulary

Underarm bowling

Bowling the ball using an underarm action where the bowling arm swings from below hip level

Opposite foot

The foot opposite to your bowling arm that steps forward during delivery

One bounce

The ball bouncing once between the bowler and the receiver

Wickets

The three wooden stumps that the bowler aims to hit

Release point

The moment the ball leaves the bowler's hand

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of opposite hand/foot coordination
Experience with target games

Current Skills

Correct underarm bowling technique
Accuracy and control in bowling
Application in simple cricket situations

Next Steps

Varying bowling speed and placement
Understanding different types of deliveries
Tactical bowling in competitive games

Milestone Indicators

Consistent one-bounce delivery to partner

Ability to hit wickets from set distance

Understanding of bowling's role in cricket

Key Teaching Points

Step forward with opposite foot to bowling arm for balance and power
Keep bowling arm straight and pointing towards target throughout action
Release ball with fingertips pointing at target for accuracy
Aim for one bounce between bowler and receiver
Encourage teammates with positive, specific feedback
Maintain balanced stance after delivery
Look at target before and during bowling action

Common Misconceptions

Using same-side foot instead of opposite foot when stepping
Throwing overarm instead of using underarm bowling action
Bowling too hard thinking it will be more accurate
Not following through after ball release
Focusing only on hitting target without considering technique
Thinking cricket bowling is just like throwing
Believing faster bowling is always better

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with frequent changes, clear boundaries and expectations, movement breaks between static activities, positive reinforcement system

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier handling, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time for coordination, step-by-step technique breakdown cards

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, consistent routine structure, quiet space available if needed, predictable role rotations with advance warning

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide tactile markers for distances, buddy system for guidance, verbal descriptions of demonstrations

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with clear modelling, hand signals for key instructions, written technique reminders on cards, visual cues for game rules

physical disability

Seated bowling from chair or modified position, shorter distances adapted for range, larger target areas, peer support for equipment handling

Cross-Curricular Links

English

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

Maths

Measuring 7-metre distances, counting successful deliveries, calculating accuracy percentages, understanding angles of ball trajectory

Science

Forces involved in bowling action, gravity affecting ball bounce, friction between ball and surface, trajectory and motion principles

Geography

Understanding directions and spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns around playing area, compass directions for field positions

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation skills, resilience when facing challenges, celebrating others' success, positive communication strategies

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Circulate between pairs/groups while maintaining overview of all activities

Observation Focus

Watch for correct footwork, arm action, and bowling accuracy development

Intervention Points

Step in when technique breaks down, safety concerns arise, or students need encouragement

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations for technique, emphasise opposite foot step clearly, show release point with exaggerated follow-through

Verbal Cues

•'Step with opposite foot!'
•'Smooth arm swing!'
•'Point your fingertips at the target!'
•'One bounce to your partner!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m area with additional space for multiple activities

Surface Check

Level grass or sports hall surface, free from holes or obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis balls for splits or damage
•Ensure wickets are stable and properly assembled
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Check hoops are undamaged and safe size

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes from inaccurate bowling
•Collisions during running activities
•Tripping over equipment
•Wickets falling on students

Risk Mitigation

•Clear bowling lanes with adequate spacing
•All students bowling in same direction
•Stable wicket setup away from other activities
•Clear running paths marked
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all bowling activities
•Monitor spacing between groups
•Check equipment setup regularly
•Watch for students in bowling paths

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, contact medical support if needed