Lesson 2 - Overarm Bowling and Wicket Keeping
Progressive Skill Integration
•Year 4
•Cricket
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can mastering bowling and wicket keeping techniques help our team control the game?
Learning Objectives
- To develop overarm bowling technique with straight arm action
- To master wicket keeping stance and ball collection from both sides
- To understand the importance of reflection and recognising success in self and others
Key Outcomes
- Students will bowl with correct grip and straight arm technique
- Students will demonstrate confident wicket keeping stance and movement
- Students will provide constructive feedback to peers and self-assess accurately
Equipment & Resources Required
Distribute to wicket keeping practice areas
Alternative: Tennis balls or soft training balls for safety
Position at each practice station
Alternative: Cones or markers to represent wickets
Set up for game session hitting practice
Alternative: Traffic cones or improvised stands
Mark fielding positions and target areas
Alternative: Markers or chalk for boundaries
Key Vocabulary
Bowling technique where the arm comes over the shoulder in a straight motion
The preparatory phase of bowling where the bowler rocks back and lifts front leg
Crouched position behind stumps with palms facing bowler and clear view
Dismissing a batsman by removing bails when they're out of their crease
The raised stitching around a cricket ball used for grip
Fielding technique for collecting slow-moving balls close to wicket
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic underarm throwing technique
- Understanding of cricket field positions
- Experience with catching and basic ball handling
Current Skills
- Overarm bowling with straight arm action
- Wicket keeping stance and movement
- One-handed fielding pickup technique
- Peer assessment and reflection skills
Next Steps
- Bowling with consistent line and length
- Advanced wicket keeping including standing back
- Tactical awareness of field placements
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise straight arm action throughout bowling sequence - this is fundamental for legal delivery
- Wicket keeper positioning is crucial - wide stance for clear vision prevents missed opportunities
- One-handed pickup requires attacking the ball - passive waiting leads to fumbled chances
- Peer feedback must be specific and constructive - develop observation skills alongside cricket skills
- Self-reflection goes beyond technique - include social interaction and learning processes
- Safety through controlled practice - maintain spacing and appropriate speeds at all times
- Link skills to game situations - help students understand when and why to use each technique
Common Misconceptions
- Bowling fast is more important than technique - emphasise accuracy and correct action over speed
- Wicket keeper should stand directly behind stumps - explain why wide positioning improves vision
- One-handed pickup is always better - clarify when different fielding techniques are appropriate
- Good cricket players don't need to practice basics - stress that fundamentals underpin all advanced play
- Peer feedback should focus only on mistakes - teach positive reinforcement and specific technical observations
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Build in movement breaks, provide fidget tools during instruction time, offer choice of roles in group activities
dyspraxia
- Break down complex actions into smaller steps, allow extra practice time, use larger equipment for easier handling
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routine structure, offer quiet observation time, use visual schedules for activity transitions
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and larger targets, provide verbal descriptions of stance positions, ensure clear audio cues for activities
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations extensively, establish clear hand signals for instructions, provide written technique reminders
physical disability
- Modify stance requirements to accommodate mobility, allow seated wicket keeping where appropriate, adjust throwing distances
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Technical vocabulary development, clear communication during peer feedback, descriptive language for technique explanation
Maths
Counting catches in warm-up, measuring distances for bowling, calculating runs scored in game situation
Science
Forces and motion in bowling action, trajectory and angles of ball flight, reaction times in wicket keeping
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding angles and directions for field placements
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Circulate between groups with focus on bowling technique safety, position for clear demonstration visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for straight arm bowling action, correct wicket keeping stance, quality of peer feedback and self-reflection
Intervention Points
Step in for safety concerns, assist groups struggling with technique, facilitate peer learning opportunities
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Use exaggerated movements for clarity, break down complex skills into steps, involve confident students in demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'Straight arm like a windmill!'
- •'Attack the ball, don't wait for it!'
- •'Eyes on the bowler, keeper!'
- •'What specifically did they do well?'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 40m outdoor area or large sports hall for bowling practice
Surface Check
Level, dry surface free from holes or obstacles that could cause trips
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check cricket balls for damage or excessive wear
- •Ensure stumps are stable and bails secure
- •Verify bats have no cracks or loose handles
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes from bowling practice
- •Collisions between groups during activities
- •Trips from running between markers
Risk Mitigation
- •Minimum 12-metre spacing between bowling groups
- •Clear directional bowling to avoid crossed paths
- •Controlled speeds during all ball activities
- •Designated movement areas for each group
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all bowling practice areas
- •Monitor group spacing and safe movement
- •Check equipment handling and throwing control
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activities immediately, assess injury severity, apply appropriate first aid, contact school emergency procedures if needed