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Lesson 6 - Bowling & Fielding Skills

Role-Specific Skills

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Year 4

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Cricket

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Big Question

How can we combine accurate bowling with quick fielding to control the game?

Learning Objectives

Use overarm bowling in a game situation with some consistency
Effectively stop a bouncing ground ball using correct technique
Identify and describe successful play in competitive scenarios

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved overarm bowling consistency in game situations
Students will successfully field bouncing balls using the barrier technique
Students will analyse and explain effective passages of play during matches

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket balls

1 per group of 8 (4 total)

Check for damage before use, ensure appropriate softness for age group

Alternative: Tennis balls, rubber cricket balls

Cricket Stumps

4 sets (2 per pitch)

Position 15 metres apart, ensure stable placement

Alternative: Cones, plastic bottles

Cones

Use bright colours for clear boundary marking

Alternative: Marker discs, plastic bottles

Cricket Equipment

4 (size 4-5 for Year 4)

Check for cracks, appropriate weight for students

Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis rackets

Sun Markers

16 cones per pitch

Create clear, visible boundaries appropriate to space

Alternative: Rope, chalk lines

Key Vocabulary

Overarm bowling

A bowling technique where the arm passes over the shoulder in a windmill motion

Barrier technique

A fielding method where the body forms a wall to stop the ball, kneeling with the non-throwing knee down

Bobble feed

A gentle underarm throw that bounces once before reaching the receiver

Round-robin format

A tournament structure where every team plays every other team once

Wicketkeeper

The player positioned behind the stumps who collects the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic underarm bowling technique from previous lessons
Fundamental catching and throwing skills
Understanding of basic cricket rules and positions

Current Skills

Overarm bowling technique development
Bouncing ball fielding using barrier method
Game analysis and tactical awareness

Next Steps

Advanced bowling variations and placement
Complex fielding scenarios and positioning
Strategic game management and captaincy skills

Milestone Indicators

Consistent overarm bowling action with follow-through

Quick, low approach to bouncing balls

Clear articulation of successful tactical decisions

Key Teaching Points

Overarm bowling requires high arm action, forward step, and follow-through
Barrier technique uses body as wall positioned 90 degrees to ball path
Getting behind the ball is crucial for safe and effective fielding
Analysis of play should focus on technique and tactics, not just results
Accuracy in bowling is more important than speed at this level
Teamwork and communication are essential for effective cricket
Safety comes first - maintain awareness of ball and other players at all times

Common Misconceptions

Students think bowling faster is always better - emphasise accuracy over speed
Belief that fielding is about catching everything - teach proper positioning first
Assumption that cricket is too complex - break down into manageable skills
Thinking the barrier technique is just for show - explain safety and effectiveness
Misconception that captaincy is just about telling others what to do - teach leadership skills

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter rotation periods, provide clear movement boundaries, offer leadership roles to maintain focus

dyspraxia

Break down barrier technique into smaller steps, use larger equipment, allow extra practice time

autism spectrum

Provide clear role cards for each position, maintain consistent routines, offer quiet space if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of field positions, pair with sighted buddy

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for game starts/stops, written rule cards, ensure clear sight lines for demonstrations

physical disability

Modify bowling distance and height, allow seated bowling if needed, adapted equipment as required

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Cricket vocabulary development, communication during team play, articulating observations

Maths

Scoring calculations, distance measurement for field setup, angles for bowling and fielding

Science

Forces and motion in bowling action, momentum and trajectory in ball flight

Geography

Spatial awareness, positioning and field placement, understanding of boundaries and areas

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership through captaincy, resilience when facing challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups to provide feedback, position for overview during matches

Observation Focus

Watch for bowling consistency, fielding technique application, and tactical understanding

Intervention Points

Step in if safety concerns arise, when technique needs immediate correction, or during tactical analysis

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique demonstration, involve students in showing good examples

Verbal Cues

•'Get behind the ball!'
•'High arm action!'
•'Watch it all the way!'
•'Quick and low movement!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m for multiple cricket pitches, clear of obstacles and with run-off areas

Surface Check

Level, dry grass or artificial surface suitable for safe running and kneeling

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check cricket balls for damage and appropriate softness
•Ensure stumps are stable and not sharp
•Verify bat handles are secure and appropriate size
•Confirm boundary markers are visible and stable

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions between running students
•Slips and falls during quick movements
•Bat strikes during enthusiastic play

Risk Mitigation

•Use appropriate soft balls for age group
•Establish clear bowling and running lanes
•Teach proper technique for all skills
•Maintain adequate spacing between activities
•Ensure students are alert and concentrating

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for overview of all activities
•Move between groups to maintain close supervision
•Watch particularly for overenthusiastic play
•Monitor students during transitions

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, inform office if required