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Lesson 2 - Bowling & Batting Practice

Confidence Through Skills

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Year 3

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Rounders

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1h 16min

Big Question

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

Rounders Equipment

15-20

Distribute after successful hand striking demonstration

Alternative: Tennis bats, cricket bats, or large wooden spoons

Soft Rounders Balls

One ball per pair initially, extras for lost balls

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls, or bean bags

Cones

Various uses: boundaries, targets, and court marking

Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk marks

Hoops

Target practice for bowling accuracy activities

Alternative: Large cones, buckets, or chalk circles

Bibs

Team identification for Danish Long Ball game

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts or arm bands

Key Vocabulary

Winston Churchill grip

Bowling grip with first two fingers on top, thumb underneath, and fingers 3-4 supporting the side

Sideways stance

Body positioned side-on to target with non-throwing/hitting foot forward

Self-feeding

Throwing the ball up with non-hitting hand to strike with the other

Underarm bowling

Bowling technique with arm swinging below shoulder height in pendulum motion

Leadership

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

Consistent accurate bowling to partner

Controlled batting with purposeful direction

Natural leadership behaviours during games

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