Lesson 2 - Underarm Bowling and Accuracy
Cricket Skills & Team Play
•Year 4
•Cricket
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can I control the bounce and direction of my underarm bowling to become an accurate cricket bowler?
Learning Objectives
- To develop accurate underarm bowling technique with controlled bounce
- To apply bowling skills in competitive game situations
- To demonstrate good sportsmanship and communication during cricket activities
Key Outcomes
- Students will consistently bowl underarm with one controlled bounce towards target
- Students will understand the importance of stepping forward with opposite foot
- Students will communicate effectively with teammates during cricket games
Equipment & Resources Required
Use for boundaries, targets, and running markers
Alternative: Markers, small obstacles for boundaries
Position 7m from bowling positions
Alternative: Cones arranged in triangles, skittles
Mark bowling positions for continuous cricket
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
Ensure sufficient grip and safe bounce characteristics
Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls
Key Vocabulary
A bowling technique where the arm swings below shoulder height to deliver the ball
Three wooden stumps that the bowler aims to hit with the ball
A set of six consecutive balls bowled by the same bowler
Players positioned around the field to catch or retrieve the ball
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 throwing technique
- Understanding of simple cricket concepts
- Ability to catch a bouncing ball
Current Skills
- Controlled underarm bowling with step
- Bowling accuracy towards targets
- Game application in competitive scenarios
Next Steps
- Overarm bowling introduction
- Advanced fielding positions
- Strategic game play and tactics
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Step forward with opposite foot to bowling arm for balance and power
- Keep bowling arm straight and pointing directly at target throughout delivery
- Release ball with fingertips pointing toward target for accuracy and control
- Aim for one controlled bounce before reaching wickets or partner
- Maintain balanced stance before bowling in game situations for consistency
- Communicate clearly with teammates during fielding and batting roles
- Use overarm throwing technique when batting to achieve maximum distance
Common Misconceptions
- Students think they should step with the same foot as their bowling arm - correct this by demonstrating opposite foot stepping
- Believing harder throws are more accurate - emphasise smooth, controlled bowling action over power
- Thinking the ball should roll rather than bounce - demonstrate and practice the one-bounce requirement consistently
- Assuming communication isn't important in individual skill practice - highlight how feedback improves learning
- Believing cricket is only about individual skills - emphasise teamwork and tactical elements throughout
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear boundaries and consistent signals for attention
dyspraxia
- Use larger, softer balls for easier handling, reduce complexity of multi-step instructions, provide additional practice time for motor skills
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routine structure, use visual schedule for lesson sections, offer quiet break area if sensory needs arise
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal cues for all demonstrations, assign sighted buddy for spatial awareness support
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication for lip reading
physical disability
- Adapt bowling distance and height requirements, provide seated bowling options, modify running elements to wheelchair-accessible alternatives
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting accuracy scores out of 10, measuring 7m distances, calculating team totals in spelling games, timing and pace in continuous cricket
Science
Forces and motion in ball trajectory, friction between ball and ground affecting bounce, gravity's effect on bowling action, energy transfer in throwing
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding direction and angles for accurate bowling, mapping field positions and game areas
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation skills, communication and leadership development, resilience when facing challenges, respect and fair play values
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at corner of teaching area for visibility of all groups, move between pairs during practice to provide individual feedback
Observation Focus
Watch for correct foot stepping, straight bowling arm action, one-bounce delivery, and positive communication between students
Intervention Points
Step in if bowling technique is unsafe, distances are incorrect, or students struggling with game rules and need additional support
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for key teaching points, demonstrate both correct and incorrect technique for comparison, involve confident students in demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'Opposite foot forward!'
- •'Smooth arm like a pendulum!'
- •'Point those fingertips at your target!'
- •'One bounce then hit!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor area or large sports hall, clear of obstacles and boundaries marked
Surface Check
Level, dry surface free from holes or debris, adequate grip for running and bowling actions
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Tennis balls checked for damage and proper bounce
- •Cricket wickets stable and securely positioned
- •Cones and hoops free from sharp edges or cracks
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or body during bowling/fielding
- •Collisions between students during running games
- •Trips and falls during rapid direction changes
- •Equipment-related injuries from wickets or cones
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear bowling lanes established with adequate spacing
- •Students instructed in safe throwing and catching techniques
- •Controlled running speeds emphasised during games
- •Equipment positioned securely and checked regularly
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all bowling areas
- •Monitor high-activity continuous cricket games closely
- •Ensure safe ball retrieval procedures are followed
- •Intervene immediately if unsafe practices observed
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately on whistle signal, assess any injuries with appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if required