Lesson 2 - Bowling & Batting Practice
Confidence Through Skills
•Year 3
•Rounders
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can I use my whole body to bowl accurately and bat powerfully in rounders?
Learning Objectives
- Develop basic bowling techniques using correct grip and body position
- Learn to bat using sideways stance and coordinated striking action
- Demonstrate leadership skills through team cooperation and encouragement
Key Outcomes
- Students will bowl underarm accurately using the Winston Churchill grip
- Students will bat from a sideways position with controlled strikes
- Students will show leadership by supporting teammates and making tactical decisions
Equipment & Resources Required
Distribute after successful hand striking demonstration
Alternative: Tennis bats, cricket bats, or large wooden spoons
One ball per pair initially, extras for lost balls
Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls, or bean bags
Various uses: boundaries, targets, and court marking
Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk marks
Target practice for bowling accuracy activities
Alternative: Large cones, buckets, or chalk circles
Team identification for Danish Long Ball game
Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts or arm bands
Key Vocabulary
Bowling grip with first two fingers on top, thumb underneath, and fingers 3-4 supporting the side
Body positioned side-on to target with non-throwing/hitting foot forward
Throwing the ball up with non-hitting hand to strike with the other
Bowling technique with arm swinging below shoulder height in pendulum motion
Taking responsibility to help others and improve team performance
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching skills
- Understanding of underarm throwing technique
- Experience working in pairs and small groups
Current Skills
- Winston Churchill grip for bowling
- Sideways stance for batting and bowling
- Self-feeding and striking coordination
- Leadership and teamwork skills
Next Steps
- Advanced batting techniques with moving balls
- Tactical bowling placement
- Complex fielding positions and strategies
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Winston Churchill grip essential for accurate bowling - first two fingers on top, thumb underneath
- Sideways stance fundamental for both bowling and batting - shoulder points to target
- Self-feeding coordination critical - gentle vertical toss, strike at optimal height
- Leadership development through encouragement and supporting struggling teammates
- Progressive skill building - hand striking before bat introduction
- Safety awareness particularly with bat handling and adequate spacing
- Honest self-assessment using thumbs system for realistic progress tracking
Common Misconceptions
- Using whole hand grip instead of finger placement for Winston Churchill grip
- Standing square-on instead of sideways when batting or bowling
- Thinking leadership means being bossy rather than supportive and encouraging
- Believing all students should progress to bats regardless of hand striking competency
- Assuming power is more important than accuracy and control in striking
- Self-assessment should match others rather than reflecting personal progress honestly
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, immediate feedback systems, active roles throughout lesson
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment options, simplified grip instructions, extra practice time, step-by-step technique breakdown
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet zones available, predictable partner arrangements
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for spatial guidance
hearing impairment
- Enhanced visual demonstrations, clear hand signals for instructions, written technique reminders on cards
physical disability
- Seated batting options, modified equipment sizes, adapted throwing distances, alternative leadership roles
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting consecutive catches, measuring distances for accuracy, calculating game scores and percentages
Science
Understanding forces in bowling and batting, exploring friction and ball movement, studying body mechanics during striking
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding angles and directions, mapping field positions
PSHE
Leadership development, teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, celebrating diverse achievements
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter during activities for optimal visibility, position centrally during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for consistent technique application, positive social interactions, and safety compliance
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggle with technique, unsafe behaviour occurs, or negative interactions develop
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique demonstration, involve confident students as models, repeat key demonstrations frequently
Verbal Cues
- •'Sideways stance, remember!'
- •'Winston Churchill grip - V for Victory!'
- •'Gentle self-feed, controlled strike!'
- •'Encourage your partner!'
- •'Safe bat handling everyone!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 40m x 30m outdoor space or large sports hall, clear of obstacles and hazards
Surface Check
Even, dry surface suitable for running and ball games, free from holes or debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check rounders bats for cracks or splinters before distribution
- •Ensure balls are properly inflated and not damaged
- •Verify cones are stable and have no sharp edges
- •Check hoops are intact without rough edges
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Bat contact with other students during swinging
- •Ball strikes to head or body during practice
- •Collisions during running games
- •Slips and falls on playing surface
Risk Mitigation
- •Adequate spacing enforced between batting pairs (minimum 5m)
- •Clear boundaries established with cone markers
- •Progressive skill introduction from hand striking to bat use
- •Constant supervision during equipment use
- •Safe equipment handling procedures demonstrated and reinforced
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear sight lines to all batting activities
- •Monitor bat handling during transitions and game play
- •Watch for appropriate contact levels during warm-up games
- •Ensure equal participation and prevent exclusion
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact school emergency procedures if needed