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Lesson 2 - Underarm Bowling Accuracy

Technical Mastery Focus

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Year 3

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Cricket

•

45 min

Big Question

How can we bowl accurately and consistently to help our batting partner score runs?

Learning Objectives

To develop underarm bowling technique with consistent accuracy
To apply bowling skills effectively in competitive game situations
To work collaboratively as fielders to support team bowling efforts

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved underarm bowling accuracy when targeting specific areas
Students will show consistent bowling technique during game-based activities
Students will work effectively as a team to retrieve and return the ball to the bowler

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

1 per student (30)

Distributed around activity areas, extras available for quick replacement

Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls

Coloured Cones

30 (10 red, 10 yellow, 10 green)

Set up in matching pairs at varying distances across the playing area

Alternative: Coloured markers, bean bags

Hoops

7 hoops

Positioned as bowling targets at appropriate distances for Year 3 students

Alternative: Target circles marked with chalk, skittles

Dish Cones

6 sets

Used as wickets for game situations

Alternative: Cones, skittles, chalk marks

Key Vocabulary

Underarm bowling

A bowling technique where the arm swings from below the shoulder in an underhand motion

Backswing

The backward motion of the bowling arm before releasing the ball forward

Target

The specific area or position where the bowler aims to deliver the ball

Fielders

Players who work together to collect the ball and return it to the bowler

Consistency

Being able to repeat the same bowling technique accurately multiple times

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of taking turns and following simple game rules
Ability to work cooperatively in small groups

Current Skills

Underarm bowling technique with stepping and pointing
Accurate bowling to enable batting opportunities
Collaborative fielding and ball retrieval skills

Next Steps

Developing bowling variations (speed, bounce, placement)
Understanding bowling strategies in competitive games
Advanced fielding positions and communication

Milestone Indicators

Consistent use of opposite foot step when bowling

Ball reaches batter at appropriate height for hitting

Quick and efficient team ball retrieval

Key Teaching Points

Step forward with opposite foot to bowling hand for balance and accuracy
Point non-bowling hand at target to help with aiming and body alignment
Use smooth backswing action like a pendulum to generate controlled power
Follow through with bowling hand pointing at target after ball release
Bowl accurately to enable batting success rather than trying to prevent hitting
Work as a team when fielding to quickly return ball to bowler
Focus on quality technique development over immediate accuracy results

Common Misconceptions

Believing bowling should be as difficult as possible to prevent batting success
Thinking more power always equals better bowling accuracy
Assuming fielders should work individually rather than as a coordinated team
Expecting immediate accuracy without focusing on proper technique development
Misunderstanding that both bowlers and batters can score points in the game

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent position changes through rotations, clear short-term goals (5 bowling attempts), immediate feedback and praise for good technique

dyspraxia

Extra practice time for technique development, larger equipment where possible, simplified movement patterns, buddy support system

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure for rotations, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet zones available if needed during competitive games

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and targets, provide verbal cues for bowling direction, ensure clear audio descriptions of demonstrations

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, clear hand signals for game instructions, written key points displayed prominently

physical disability

Shorter bowling distances, larger targets, seated bowling options, modified catching positions for batters

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting scores and runs, measuring bowling distances, calculating team totals, understanding addition and subtraction in scoring

Science

Forces in bowling - how backswing creates power, trajectory and gravity affecting ball flight, friction when ball bounces

Geography

Direction and compass points for bowling accuracy, spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of angles

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation in fielding, resilience when bowling accuracy improves gradually, respect for opponents and fair play

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly between groups during practice and games to provide coaching and ensure safety

Observation Focus

Watch for correct bowling technique, effective teamwork, and positive sporting behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in if students abandon technique for power, if safety issues arise, or if cooperation breaks down

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show technique clearly, demonstrate both successful and unsuccessful examples for comparison

Verbal Cues

•'Remember your four magic points!'
•'Bowl to help your batter succeed!'
•'Work together as a fielding team!'
•'Quality technique over power!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m area with additional space for multiple game zones

Surface Check

Level grass or sports hall surface free from holes, debris, and moisture

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis balls are in good condition without cracks
•Ensure stumps/targets are stable and positioned safely
•Verify hoops are flat against ground to prevent tripping

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes from poor bowling technique
•Collisions during fielding and running
•Tripping over equipment or in holes
•Overexertion during competitive games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established between game areas
•Emphasis on controlled bowling technique rather than power
•Fielders positioned safely away from bowling line
•Regular equipment checks and safe storage protocols

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple game areas simultaneously
•Monitor bowling technique to prevent dangerous deliveries
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Ensure fair play and positive behaviour

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school procedures if needed