Lesson 5 - Bowling, Fielding and Communication
Progressive Skill Integration
•Year 4
•Cricket
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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- Complete activity instructions & timing
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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
Check condition before use, ensure appropriate hardness for year group
Alternative: Tennis balls, incrediball cricket balls
Stable base, correct height (71cm for juniors)
Alternative: Cones, plastic bottles
Positioned for bowling target practice
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
For marking creases on playground surface
Alternative: Cones for marking
Various colours for different activities
Alternative: Bean bags, markers
Key Vocabulary
The approach run a bowler takes before delivering the ball
A fielding technique where the fielder positions their body to create a barrier to stop the ball
The final step in bowling where the bowler releases the ball
The line marking the end of the pitch where batsmen must reach to be safe
The batsman at the opposite end who is not facing the ball
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
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