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Lesson 2 - Introducing Underarm Bowling

Tactical Cricket Strategies

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Year 4

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Cricket

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Big Question

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

Cricket balls

1 per pair (15)

Distributed at each bowling station

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for safety

Rackets

1 set per group (6 sets)

Positioned 15-20 metres from bowling crease

Alternative: Cones, skittles, or marked targets on wall

Hoops

9 hoops (3 per station)

Placed in line between bowler and wickets for target practice

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, marked zones

Cones

20 cones

Mark bowling creases, boundaries, and fielding positions

Alternative: Markers, bean bags

Cricket Equipment

1 per group (6)

Available for batting practice in main game

Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis rackets

Bibs

2 different colours (12 each)

Distinguish between bowling and batting teams

Alternative: Team bands, coloured markers

Key Vocabulary

Underarm bowling

Throwing the ball with an underhand motion, keeping the arm below shoulder height

Wicket

The three wooden posts that the bowler aims to hit

Accuracy

The ability to bowl the ball exactly where you want it to go

Fielding position

Where fielders stand to best catch or stop the ball

Bowling crease

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

Consistent bowling action with good balance

Ability to hit target area 7 out of 10 attempts

Clear understanding of when to bowl fast versus slow

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