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Lesson 2 - Underarm Bowling and Fielding

Tactical Striking

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Year 3

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Rounders

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45 min

Big Question

How can we work together as a team to get the ball back to the bowler quickly and accurately?

Learning Objectives

To bowl an underarm ball with consistency at a target
To work collaboratively to return the ball to the bowler efficiently
To understand the importance of accurate throwing in fielding

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved underarm bowling technique with stepping action
Students will show effective teamwork in fielding situations
Students will be able to explain tactics for quick ball return

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

15 (1 per pair)

Store in central box for starter activity, then distribute to pairs

Alternative: Bean bags, soft play balls, rounders balls

Cones

20-30

Used as targets and for marking collection/scoring areas

Alternative: Bean bags, hoops, markers

Hoops

6-8

Two hoops per team for cone collection game

Alternative: Cones in circles, marked areas with chalk

Large Water Container

Central storage for balls in starter activity

Alternative: PE basket, large hoop

Rounders Equipment

6-8

One per batting team, check for damage before use

Alternative: Tennis rackets, cricket bats, paddle bats

Key Vocabulary

Underarm bowling

A bowling technique where the ball is released from below shoulder height with an underhand motion

Stepping action

Taking a step forward with the opposite foot to your throwing arm as you release the ball

Target

The specific area or person you are aiming to hit with your throw

Fielding

The team that tries to stop the ball and return it to the bowler

Collaboration

Working together as a team to achieve a common goal

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic underarm throwing technique
Simple catching with two hands
Understanding of team games and taking turns

Current Skills

Underarm bowling with stepping action
Collaborative fielding and ball return
Target accuracy in throwing

Next Steps

Overarm bowling techniques
Advanced fielding positions and strategy
Batting techniques and scoring runs

Milestone Indicators

Consistent stepping action with opposite foot

Ball reaching intended target 7 out of 10 times

Quick decision-making in fielding situations

Key Teaching Points

Stepping with opposite foot is crucial for accurate underarm bowling
Pendulum arm swing creates consistent ball release and power
Eye contact with target throughout bowling action improves accuracy
Fielding teamwork through passing is more efficient than individual chasing
Clear communication between team members prevents confusion and improves performance
Maintaining technique under game pressure requires practice and concentration
Collaborative problem-solving develops both physical and cognitive skills

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: Harder throwing means more accurate bowling. Correction: Controlled technique with proper stepping creates better accuracy
Misconception: The fastest runner should always chase the ball in fielding. Correction: Strategic positioning and passing is more effective
Misconception: Underarm bowling is easier than overarm. Correction: Underarm requires specific technique and practice for consistency
Misconception: Individual skill is more important than teamwork. Correction: Successful rounders requires both individual technique and collaborative strategy
Misconception: Winning is only about speed and power. Correction: Technique, tactics, and teamwork are equally important for success

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear physical boundaries, regular movement breaks, specific role assignments

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, reduced complexity in multi-step tasks, extra practice time, simplified movement patterns

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available, predictable routines, advance warning of activity changes

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls for better visibility, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for spatial guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards for complex rules

physical disability

Seated bowling variations, modified distances, adapted equipment (larger balls, shorter throws), alternative scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting cones collected for scoring, estimating distances for bowling accuracy, measuring throwing power needed for different ranges

Science

Understanding forces in bowling action, friction effects on ball movement, body systems during exercise and cool-down

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, directional language (forward, backward, left, right), mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration, managing emotions during competition, resilience when facing challenges, leadership skills development

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at corner of activity area with clear sight lines to all students and teams

Observation Focus

Watch for correct stepping action in bowling, effective communication in fielding, safe movement around activity areas

Intervention Points

Step in when technique is unsafe, when teams need tactical guidance, or when conflicts arise

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for bowling technique, demonstrate fielding tactics with clear spatial awareness, show positive sporting behaviour consistently

Verbal Cues

•'Step and swing!'
•'Aim for the hands!'
•'Talk to your team!'
•'Pass, don't run!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor area or large indoor hall, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas that could cause falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check balls are properly inflated and free from damage
•Inspect bats for cracks or splinters before use
•Ensure cones and hoops have no sharp edges or broken parts
•Verify all equipment is age-appropriate size and weight

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during running activities
•Ball strikes to face or body during throwing/catching
•Tripping over equipment or other students
•Overexertion during high-energy activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Adequate spacing between teams and individuals
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Regular safety reminders and rule reinforcement
•Teacher positioned for maximum visibility of all students

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position at corner of activity area for full visibility
•Move continuously between groups during team games
•Monitor for signs of fatigue or frustration
•Watch for students not following safety guidelines

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact school office if serious injury occurs