Lesson 4 - Overarm Bowling Technique
Role-Specific Skills
•Year 4
•Cricket
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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
Distributed in equipment bags around the area
Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls for safety
Set up at each end of 4 pitches
Alternative: Cones, markers to represent wickets
Various sizes for target practice
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
Mark 4's and 6's boundaries clearly
Alternative: Bibs, rope, painted lines
Optional for added authenticity
Alternative: Not essential, can use bare hands
Key Vocabulary
A bowling technique where the arm comes over the shoulder in a windmill action
A set of six consecutive balls bowled from one end of the pitch
The fielder who stands behind the stumps to collect the ball
The continuation of the bowling action after releasing the ball
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
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