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Lesson 3 - Underarm Bowling Accuracy and Rules

Foundation Skills & Team Play

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Year 3

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Rounders

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Big Question

How can we bowl a ball accurately while following the rules of rounders?

Learning Objectives

To develop underarm bowling technique with accuracy and consistency
To understand and apply the rules of bowling in rounders
To demonstrate good catching and throwing skills in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will bowl a ball towards a target with improved accuracy
Students will understand and begin to apply the rules of rounders bowling
Students will work cooperatively in small groups and take on different roles

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

10 (1 per group of 3)

Distributed to group leaders at start of skill development

Alternative: Soft rounders balls, foam balls for safety

Cones

30 (for marking areas and targets)

Use for batting squares, target areas, and mini-game boundaries

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, chalk lines

Hoops

5 (one per mini-game group)

Placed as 'bowler's base' for mini-games

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, cone markers

Key Vocabulary

Underarm bowling

Throwing the ball with your arm below shoulder height using a smooth, pendulum motion

No ball

An incorrect bowl that breaks the rules - too high, too low, too wide, or at the body

Batting square

The 2m x 2m area where the batter must stand to receive the ball

Backstop

The fielder who stands behind the batter to collect balls that are not hit

Umpire

The person who watches the game and makes decisions about whether rules are followed

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 rules
Experience of working in small groups

Current Skills

Underarm bowling technique with step and point
Understanding of rounders bowling rules and 'no ball' calls
Accurate bowling to targets at varying distances

Next Steps

Batting technique and timing
Advanced fielding positions and tactics
Full rounders game with all rules and positions

Milestone Indicators

Consistent underarm bowling action with opposite foot step

Accurate bowling within the batting square area

Clear understanding of 'no ball' rules and their application

Key Teaching Points

Opposite foot step is fundamental to bowling balance and accuracy
Smooth pendulum arm action creates consistent bowling technique
Pointing follow-through directs ball toward target accurately
Umpiring develops rules knowledge and decision-making confidence
Teamwork in fielding creates better game understanding
Rules application in game context reinforces learning
Safety positioning especially important for backstop role

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking bowling can be overarm like cricket - emphasise underarm only rule
Confusion about which foot to step with - practice opposite foot repeatedly
Believing power is more important than accuracy - focus on control first
Uncertainty about batting square dimensions - practice with clear markers
Thinking umpire decisions can be argued with - emphasise respect for officials
Assuming fielding is individual work - promote teamwork strategies

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear role definitions, regular movement breaks, positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Simplified bowling technique focus, larger equipment, reduced complexity, extra practice time

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedules for role rotations, predictable routines, quiet zones if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal cues for spatial positioning, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for umpiring, written rule cards

physical disability

Seated bowling variations, modified distances, larger target areas, adapted equipment

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances for bowling, counting scoring in games, geometry of batting squares and playing areas

Science

Forces and motion in bowling action, trajectory of ball flight, balance and momentum in movement

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of directions and angles in field placement

PSHE

Fair play and honesty in umpiring, respect for others' decisions, teamwork and cooperation

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during activities, central position for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for technique development, rule understanding, and positive group dynamics

Intervention Points

Step in when umpiring lacks confidence, safety concerns arise, or groups need support

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for visibility, involve students in demonstrations, check understanding frequently

Verbal Cues

•'Step with opposite foot!'
•'Point to your target!'
•'Smooth pendulum swing!'
•'Watch the bowling zone!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m for multiple mini-games, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, level surface suitable for running and safe ball activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Tennis balls checked for damage and appropriate pressure
•Cones positioned safely to avoid tripping hazards
•Hoops flat on ground and not warped

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes from bowling or throwing
•Collisions during running or fielding
•Tripping over equipment or boundaries
•Backstop positioning safety

Risk Mitigation

•Clear instruction on bowling speed and control
•Safe backstop positioning well behind batting area
•Adequate spacing between mini-game areas
•Progressive skill building before game application

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple groups during mini-games
•Monitor backstop safety particularly closely
•Watch for appropriate ball speed and technique

Emergency Procedures

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