🏏

Lesson 5 - Bowling, Fielding and Communication

Progressive Skill Integration

•

Year 4

•

Cricket

•

1h 8min

Big Question

How do cricketers work as a team to prevent runs and take wickets?

Learning Objectives

Develop bowling technique with a run-up approach
Master the long barrier fielding technique for stopping hard-hit balls
Improve communication skills when batting with a partner

Key Outcomes

Students will bowl with improved accuracy using a proper run-up technique
Students will effectively stop hard-hit balls using the long barrier method
Students will communicate clearly with batting partners using correct cricket calls

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

1 per 2 students (size 4-5)

Check condition before use, ensure appropriate hardness for year group

Alternative: Tennis balls, incrediball cricket balls

Cricket Stumps

4 sets

Stable base, correct height (71cm for juniors)

Alternative: Cones, plastic bottles

Hoops

6-8

Positioned for bowling target practice

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Chalk

4 pieces

For marking creases on playground surface

Alternative: Cones for marking

Cones

Various colours for different activities

Alternative: Bean bags, markers

Key Vocabulary

Run-up

The approach run a bowler takes before delivering the ball

Long barrier

A fielding technique where the fielder positions their body to create a barrier to stop the ball

Delivery stride

The final step in bowling where the bowler releases the ball

Crease

The line marking the end of the pitch where batsmen must reach to be safe

Non-striking batsman

The batsman at the opposite end who is not facing the ball

Cricket calls

Verbal communication between batsmen: 'Yes', 'No', 'Wait'

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic bowling action from stationary position
Simple catching and fielding skills
Understanding of basic cricket rules

Current Skills

Bowling with run-up coordination
Long barrier fielding technique
Partner communication during batting

Next Steps

Advanced bowling variations and tactics
Complex fielding positions and strategies
Game leadership and captaincy skills

Milestone Indicators

Smooth coordination between run-up and bowling action

Confident execution of long barrier under pressure

Clear, decisive communication during batting partnerships

Key Teaching Points

Bowling run-up should be smooth and controlled, not fast and out of control
Long barrier requires side-on body position with knee beside heel creating solid barrier
Cricket communication must be immediate, loud and clear - 'YES', 'NO', 'WAIT'
Non-striking batsman calls for balls hit behind, striking batsman calls for balls hit in front
Safety is paramount - controlled bowling pace and awareness of others at all times
Peer coaching develops both technical understanding and communication skills
Game application should maintain technique standards learned in skill practice

Common Misconceptions

Faster bowling is always better - actually control and accuracy are more important
Long barrier is just putting knee down - requires full side-on body positioning
Any communication is good - calls must be specific, immediate and loud enough to hear
Only natural athletes can succeed - cricket skills can be developed through practice and coaching
Competition means forgetting technique - best performance comes from maintaining good technique under pressure

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear endpoints, frequent position changes, fidget tools available during discussion time, clear boundaries and expectations

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns initially, extra demonstration time, peer buddies for support, focus on effort over outcome, larger equipment where helpful

autism spectrum

Clear, predictable routine for lesson structure, visual schedules for activity transitions, quiet zones available, advance warning of any changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, use peer partners for guidance, ensure clear audio cues for all activities

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, hand signals for calls, written instruction cards, ensure clear sight lines to teacher

physical disability

Adapted bowling distances, seated fielding positions where appropriate, modified equipment (lighter bats, softer balls), alternative roles in team games

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Clear verbal communication, following and giving instructions, technical vocabulary development

Maths

Scoring systems, measuring distances for field placement, calculating run rates and statistics

Science

Forces and motion in bowling delivery, angles of ball trajectory, physics of ball bounce

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with success and failure, leadership and responsibility

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between activity areas to maintain oversight, position at corner for maximum field visibility during games

Observation Focus

Watch for correct technique development, safe play standards, positive communication and inclusive participation

Intervention Points

Step in when bowling becomes too fast for safety, technique deteriorates significantly, or negative behaviour emerges

Demonstration Notes

Use slow, exaggerated movements for technique demonstration, involve confident students in modelling, repeat key demonstrations throughout lesson

Verbal Cues

•'Smooth and controlled' for bowling run-up
•'Side-on, knee down' for long barrier
•'Call loud and clear' for batting communication
•'Safety first, technique second' when pace gets too fast

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area minimum 30m x 40m, or large school hall if indoor

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, debris or obstacles that could cause trips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check cricket balls for damage - no cracks or loose seams
•Ensure bats have secure handles and appropriate weight
•Verify wickets are stable and correct height
•Confirm hoops and cones have no sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions during running between wickets
•Trips and falls during bowling run-ups
•Equipment-related injuries from damaged gear

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established between different activities
•Controlled bowling pace appropriate for year group
•Adequate spacing between practice areas
•Proper warm-up to prepare muscles for dynamic movement
•Clear running lanes marked for batting practice

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups simultaneously
•Monitor bowling pace and technique for safety
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety
•Ensure students maintain focus during competitive elements

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury severity, apply appropriate first aid, summon additional help if required