Lesson 6 - Bowling & Fielding Skills
Role-Specific Skills
•Year 4
•Cricket
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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
Check for damage before use, ensure appropriate softness for age group
Alternative: Tennis balls, rubber cricket balls
Position 15 metres apart, ensure stable placement
Alternative: Cones, plastic bottles
Use bright colours for clear boundary marking
Alternative: Marker discs, plastic bottles
Check for cracks, appropriate weight for students
Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis rackets
Create clear, visible boundaries appropriate to space
Alternative: Rope, chalk lines
Key Vocabulary
A bowling technique where the arm passes over the shoulder in a windmill motion
A fielding method where the body forms a wall to stop the ball, kneeling with the non-throwing knee down
A gentle underarm throw that bounces once before reaching the receiver
A tournament structure where every team plays every other team once
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
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