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Lesson 4 - Overarm Bowling Technique

Role-Specific Skills

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Year 4

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Cricket

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Big Question

How can we use overarm bowling to make it harder for batters to score runs?

Learning Objectives

To develop and demonstrate overarm bowling technique from a stationary position
To apply overarm bowling skills effectively in game situations
To understand how bowling occurs from both ends of the cricket field

Key Outcomes

Students will execute overarm bowling with correct body positioning and arm action
Students will successfully bowl from both ends of the wicket in game situations
Students will explain the tactical advantages of overarm bowling over underarm

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

Distributed in equipment bags around the area

Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls for safety

Cricket Stumps

4 sets

Set up at each end of 4 pitches

Alternative: Cones, markers to represent wickets

Hoops

Various sizes for target practice

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Sun Markers

20 cones

Mark 4's and 6's boundaries clearly

Alternative: Bibs, rope, painted lines

Gloves

4 pairs

Optional for added authenticity

Alternative: Not essential, can use bare hands

Key Vocabulary

Overarm bowling

A bowling technique where the arm comes over the shoulder in a windmill action

Over

A set of six consecutive balls bowled from one end of the pitch

Wicketkeeper

The fielder who stands behind the stumps to collect the ball

Follow through

The continuation of the bowling action after releasing the ball

Release point

The moment and position where the ball leaves the bowler's hand

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Students can throw overarm with reasonable accuracy
Students understand basic cricket rules including bowling and batting
Students can work cooperatively in small groups

Current Skills

Overarm bowling technique from stationary position
Bowling accuracy towards targets
Game application of overarm bowling

Next Steps

Bowling with a run-up approach
Varying bowling speed and line
Advanced fielding positions and tactics

Milestone Indicators

Consistent overarm action with ball release above shoulder height

Ability to bowl 4 out of 6 balls within target area

Understanding of over structure and bowling from both ends

Key Teaching Points

Overarm bowling requires side-on stance with bowling hand furthest from target
The windmill action creates power through circular arm motion over the shoulder
Weight transfer from back foot to front foot generates additional bowling force
Release point at highest part of arm swing ensures correct ball trajectory
An over consists of exactly 6 balls before changing ends
Overarm bowling offers tactical advantages: speed, bounce, and variation
Accuracy is more important than pace for effective cricket bowling

Common Misconceptions

Believing overarm bowling is just about throwing hard - correct by emphasising technique and accuracy over power
Thinking players are 'out' and stop batting in Pairs Cricket - clarify that points are deducted but batting continues
Assuming bowling action is all about the arm - explain importance of whole body movement and weight transfer
Not understanding why bowlers change ends - connect to fairness and game flow in cricket
Believing faster bowling is always better - emphasise control and placement over speed
Thinking cricket is too complicated - break down rules into simple, manageable parts

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments with clear transitions, provide additional movement breaks, use high-energy activities constructively, ensure clear behaviour expectations

dyspraxia

Allow extra practice time for complex movements, break bowling action into smaller steps, provide physical guidance for technique, use larger equipment for success

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of lesson structure, use consistent routines for equipment collection, offer quiet break options, prepare for potential sensory challenges with ball sounds

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, use larger targets for bowling practice, ensure clear auditory signals for game changes

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and clear hand signals, provide written instruction cards, ensure students can see teacher's face for lip reading, use visual timers

physical disability

Adapt bowling action to seated or supported position, use lighter balls or larger targets, modify running requirements, provide stability aids if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Cricket terminology and vocabulary development, following multi-step instructions, explaining tactics and strategies

Maths

Counting balls in overs (6), calculating team scores and point deductions, measuring bowling distances and boundary markers

Science

Forces and motion in ball trajectory, understanding of projectile motion, biomechanics of bowling action

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning new skills, fair play and sportsmanship values

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the outside of groups during practice activities to observe all students, stand at mid-point between cricket pitches during games for oversight of both matches

Observation Focus

Watch for maintenance of overarm technique under pressure, note students struggling with coordination or accuracy, monitor game understanding and tactical development

Intervention Points

Step in if bowling technique becomes unsafe, support students who are frustrated with initial accuracy, encourage tactical thinking rather than just power bowling

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated slow-motion demonstrations for technique teaching, show tactical variations during game play, model positive communication and encouragement

Verbal Cues

•'Side-on stance!'
•'Big windmill action!'
•'Release at the top!'
•'Step forward for power!'
•'Follow through across your body!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area minimum 40m x 60m with cricket pitch markings, or large sports hall with clear ceiling height for overarm bowling

Surface Check

Level grass or artificial surface free from holes or debris, non-slip indoor surface if using hall

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Soft cricket balls or tennis balls only for Year 4 students
•Check stumps are properly secured and not damaged
•Ensure bats are appropriate size and weight for age group
•Hoops and cones in good condition with no sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body from overarm bowling
•Collisions between players during game play
•Overexertion during bowling action
•Slips and falls on playing surface

Risk Mitigation

•Use only soft balls appropriate for age group
•Establish clear bowling and fielding zones
•Teach proper technique to control ball direction
•Adequate spacing between practice groups
•Clear communication protocols for ball collection

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students during bowling practice
•Monitor overarm technique to prevent unsafe bowling actions
•Watch for signs of fatigue that could affect control
•Ensure wicketkeepers positioned safely behind targets

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students move to safe area