Lesson 2 - Introducing Underarm Bowling
Tactical Cricket Strategies
•Year 4
•Cricket
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can accurate bowling help our team prevent the opposition from scoring runs?
Learning Objectives
- To learn and practice the technique of underarm bowling with accuracy
- To understand how bowling tactics can limit the batter's scoring opportunities
- To develop fielding positioning skills that support the bowling strategy
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to bowl underarm with consistent accuracy towards a target
- Students will understand the tactical importance of bowling placement and speed variation
- Students will demonstrate improved team coordination between bowler and fielders
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed at each bowling station
Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for safety
Positioned 15-20 metres from bowling crease
Alternative: Cones, skittles, or marked targets on wall
Placed in line between bowler and wickets for target practice
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, marked zones
Mark bowling creases, boundaries, and fielding positions
Alternative: Markers, bean bags
Available for batting practice in main game
Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis rackets
Distinguish between bowling and batting teams
Alternative: Team bands, coloured markers
Key Vocabulary
Throwing the ball with an underhand motion, keeping the arm below shoulder height
The three wooden posts that the bowler aims to hit
The ability to bowl the ball exactly where you want it to go
Where fielders stand to best catch or stop the ball
The line from which the bowler must release the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching skills from Year 3
- Understanding of striking and fielding game concepts
- Experience with simple target practice activities
Current Skills
- Underarm bowling technique with smooth, controlled action
- Accuracy in bowling towards specific targets
- Understanding of bowling tactics and field positioning
Next Steps
- Introduction to overarm bowling techniques
- Advanced tactical understanding of field placements
- Development of spin bowling and pace variation
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Underarm bowling technique: side-on stance, pendulum arm action, opposite foot forward, complete follow-through
- Accuracy is more important than power - controlled, smooth actions produce better results
- Tactical bowling placement: bowl to the batter's weaker side or vary speed to challenge them
- Teamwork between bowler and fielders: communication and positioning support bowling success
- Progressive target practice builds confidence before applying skills in game situations
- Positive encouragement and fair play create better learning environment for all students
- Safety procedures: ball collection from behind wickets only, clear bowling lanes, appropriate equipment
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'Bowling fast is always better' - Correct: Accuracy and control are more important than speed
- Misconception: 'The bowler works alone' - Correct: Fielders and bowler work as a team with communication and positioning
- Misconception: 'You aim anywhere at the wickets' - Correct: Tactical placement based on batter's position and weaknesses
- Misconception: 'Getting the batter out is just luck' - Correct: Good technique and tactics increase chances of success
- Misconception: 'Practice doesn't matter if you're not naturally good' - Correct: Everyone can improve through focused practice and technique work
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with frequent changes, clear role definitions, regular positive feedback and engagement checks
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment for easier handling, simplified bowling action breakdown, extra practice time with technique, visual cues for positioning
autism spectrum
- Clear structure and routine for lesson progression, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and larger targets, provide verbal descriptions of field layouts, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards for tactics
physical disability
- Seated bowling option, modified distances, use of bowling ramps if needed, larger or softer balls
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Calculating scores in target bowling challenge, measuring distances between hoops and wickets, recording and comparing bowling statistics
Science
Understanding forces in bowling - how arm speed affects ball speed, trajectory and gravity affecting ball flight path
Geography
Directional language and spatial awareness in field positioning, understanding angles and positioning relative to wickets
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation in cricket teams, resilience when bowling attempts don't succeed, respect for opponents and fair play
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position during demonstrations with clear sight lines to all students, circulate actively during practice activities
Observation Focus
Watch for correct bowling technique, accurate targeting, positive team interactions, and safe play procedures
Intervention Points
Step in when bowling technique needs correction, when team dynamics become negative, or when safety procedures aren't followed
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Always show bowling action slowly first, then at normal speed. Exaggerate key teaching points for clarity. Use students as positive examples when possible.
Verbal Cues
- •'Smooth pendulum action!'
- •'Step forward with opposite foot!'
- •'Eyes on target!'
- •'Follow through high!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 40m outdoor area or large sports hall, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Even surface free from holes or debris, appropriate for running and quick direction changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check cricket balls are appropriate softness for age group
- •Ensure wickets are stable and positioned safely
- •Verify hoops have no sharp edges or damage
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes from bowling or hitting
- •Collisions between students during fielding
- •Tripping over equipment during running
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear bowling lanes with adequate spacing between groups
- •Establish safe ball collection procedures behind wickets only
- •Use soft cricket balls appropriate for Year 4
- •Clear boundaries between multiple game areas
- •Teaching progressive bowling technique to prevent wild throws
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all bowling activities simultaneously
- •Circulate between groups during games to monitor safety
- •Ensure clear sight lines to all students during activities
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, seek additional support if needed