Lesson 3 - Underarm Bowling Accuracy and Rules
Foundation Skills & Team Play
•Year 3
•Rounders
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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
Distributed to group leaders at start of skill development
Alternative: Soft rounders balls, foam balls for safety
Use for batting squares, target areas, and mini-game boundaries
Alternative: Bean bags, markers, chalk lines
Placed as 'bowler's base' for mini-games
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, cone markers
Key Vocabulary
Throwing the ball with your arm below shoulder height using a smooth, pendulum motion
An incorrect bowl that breaks the rules - too high, too low, too wide, or at the body
The 2m x 2m area where the batter must stand to receive the ball
The fielder who stands behind the batter to collect balls that are not hit
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
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