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Lesson 2 - Underarm Bowling and Accuracy

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 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

Cones

Use for boundaries, targets, and running markers

Alternative: Markers, small obstacles for boundaries

Cricket Wickets

7 sets

Position 7m from bowling positions

Alternative: Cones arranged in triangles, skittles

Hoops

Mark bowling positions for continuous cricket

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Tennis Balls

Ensure sufficient grip and safe bounce characteristics

Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls

Key Vocabulary

Underarm bowling

A bowling technique where the arm swings below shoulder height to deliver the ball

Wickets

Three wooden stumps that the bowler aims to hit with the ball

Over

A set of six consecutive balls bowled by the same bowler

Fielders

Players positioned around the field to catch or retrieve the ball

One 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 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

Consistent one-bounce delivery

Hitting target 5+ times out of 10

Effective communication during games

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