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Lesson 6 - Overarm Bowling Technique

Cricket Skills & Team Play

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Year 4

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Cricket

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45 min

Big Question

How can I use proper bowling technique to accurately hit targets and work as an effective team member?

Learning Objectives

To develop accurate overarm bowling technique using the 'number 6' method
To understand team roles in cricket and play fairly in fielding and batting teams
To apply bowling skills in competitive game situations with score keeping

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved overarm bowling accuracy by hitting targets consistently
Students will work effectively in teams, understanding roles of bowler, wicket keeper, and fielders
Students will keep accurate scores and play with honesty and integrity

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Used for target areas, boundaries, and running markers

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or other boundary markers

Cricket Equipment

Check for damage, appropriate size for Year 4 students

Alternative: Rounders bats, paddle bats, or tennis rackets

Cricket Wickets

Ensure stable setup on various surfaces

Alternative: Cone wickets, skittles, or cardboard targets

Team bibs

Different colours for team identification during activities

Alternative: Coloured bibs, wristbands, or fabric strips

Tennis Balls

Check balls are not too hard and appropriate for indoor/outdoor use

Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls, or windball cricket balls

Key Vocabulary

Overarm bowling

Cricket bowling technique where the arm goes over the shoulder in a high arc

Wickets

The three wooden posts that the bowler aims to hit

Wicket keeper

The fielder who stands behind the wickets to catch the ball

Number 6 technique

Drawing the shape of number 6 with bowling arm for correct overarm action

Bounce

When the ball hits the ground once before reaching the target

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic underarm bowling technique
Understanding of aiming and target practice
Basic knowledge of team games and turn-taking

Current Skills

Overarm bowling technique using 'number 6' method
Accurate bowling to make ball bounce once before target
Team play in cricket-style activities with role understanding

Next Steps

Bowling in competitive matches with varying conditions
Advanced cricket techniques including spin and pace
Strategic field placement and game tactics

Milestone Indicators

Student can demonstrate correct grip, stance, and arm movement

Ball bounces once before reaching target in 7 out of 10 attempts

Student can explain their role in team and support teammates effectively

Key Teaching Points

Focus on technique quality over bowling speed - accuracy comes from good form
Use the number 6 visual aid consistently to help students remember arm action
Emphasise stepping with opposite foot for balance and power generation
Make ball bounce once before target for realistic cricket bowling practice
Encourage honest scorekeeping and celebrate good sportsmanship
Provide regular feedback on grip, stance, and arm action throughout activities
Connect bowling skills to real cricket context and professional examples

Common Misconceptions

Students think bowling harder always means more accurate - emphasise control over power
Belief that overarm bowling is just throwing - highlight specific technique differences
Assumption that stepping with same foot as bowling arm provides more power
Thinking that grip doesn't matter much - demonstrate how proper grip affects accuracy
Misconception that hitting wickets is pure luck - show how technique creates consistency
Belief that bowling is individual skill only - emphasise team aspects of cricket
Thinking ball should be thrown directly at wickets without bouncing

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with regular changes, clear and simple instructions, movement breaks integrated, positive reinforcement for focus

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, reduced complexity in technique, extra practice time, step-by-step breakdown of skills

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure with visual schedule, quiet zones available for overwhelm, consistent language and instructions, predictable activity order

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of all actions, pair with sighted buddy for guidance and support

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, written instructions on cards, hand signals for communication, ensure students can see teacher clearly

physical disability

Seated bowling option using ramp or modified action, shorter distances to targets, lightweight equipment, alternative scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting scores accurately, calculating team totals, measuring distances between cones and bowling lengths, understanding number concepts through scoring systems

Science

Forces and motion in bowling action, trajectory and bounce of balls, gravity and momentum in ball movement, understanding lever actions in bowling arm

Geography

Direction and positioning in field placement, spatial awareness and map-like thinking for game strategy, understanding angles in bowling delivery

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, honest behaviour and integrity in scorekeeping, resilience when facing challenges, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups to observe technique, position for clear view of all bowling and running areas

Observation Focus

Watch for correct bowling technique, safe movement patterns, and positive team interactions

Intervention Points

Step in when technique is unsafe, when students are struggling with coordination, or when fair play issues arise

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate overarm action slowly and clearly, emphasise each component separately before combining, show both correct and common incorrect techniques for comparison

Verbal Cues

•'Remember your number 6!'
•'Step with the opposite foot!'
•'Count your scores out loud!'
•'Bounce once before the wickets!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m, clear of obstacles, suitable for multiple bowling and running areas

Surface Check

Even surface free from holes or debris, adequate grip for running and bowling actions

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check cricket bats for cracks or loose handles
•Ensure tennis balls are not too hard and appropriate for age group
•Verify wickets are stable and won't tip easily
•Check cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision between students in running and bowling areas
•Cricket balls striking students in head or body
•Trips and falls during running activities
•Overextension injuries from bowling action

Risk Mitigation

•Clear separation between bowling and running areas
•Adequate spacing between different groups
•Progressive skill building from technique to game application
•Emphasis on controlled movements and spatial awareness

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activity areas
•Monitor bowling technique to prevent overextension
•Watch for safe running patterns and collision avoidance
•Ensure equipment handling follows safety guidelines

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if required