Lesson 2 - Underarm Bowling Technique
Foundational Skills Development
•Year 3
•Cricket
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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
Various colours for different activities and boundaries
Alternative: Marker spots, bean bags for boundaries
Ensure stable setup on appropriate surface
Alternative: Skittles, cones arranged as targets
Large enough for students to stand comfortably inside
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
Check condition - no splits or damage
Alternative: Sponge balls, foam cricket balls for safety
Key Vocabulary
Bowling the ball using an underarm action where the bowling arm swings from below hip level
The foot opposite to your bowling arm that steps forward during delivery
The ball bouncing once between the bowler and the receiver
The three wooden stumps that the bowler aims to hit
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
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