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Lesson 2 - Overarm Bowling and Wicket Keeping

Progressive Skill Integration

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Year 4

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Cricket

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Big Question

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

Cricket Equipment

1 per group (5 total)

Distribute to wicket keeping practice areas

Alternative: Tennis balls or soft training balls for safety

Stumps and Bails

5 sets

Position at each practice station

Alternative: Cones or markers to represent wickets

Tees

Set up for game session hitting practice

Alternative: Traffic cones or improvised stands

Cones

Mark fielding positions and target areas

Alternative: Markers or chalk for boundaries

Key Vocabulary

Overarm bowling

Bowling technique where the arm comes over the shoulder in a straight motion

Coil

The preparatory phase of bowling where the bowler rocks back and lifts front leg

Wicket keeping stance

Crouched position behind stumps with palms facing bowler and clear view

Stumping

Dismissing a batsman by removing bails when they're out of their crease

Seam

The raised stitching around a cricket ball used for grip

One-handed pickup

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

Maintains straight arm throughout bowling action

Moves smoothly to both sides when wicket keeping

Provides constructive, specific feedback to peers

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