⚾

Lesson 3 - Bowling Technique and Rules

Skill Foundations in Rounders

•

Year 4

•

Rounders

•

1h 7min

Big Question

How can we bowl accurately and consistently while following rounders rules?

Learning Objectives

To develop accurate and consistent underarm bowling technique
To understand and apply rounders bowling rules in game situations
To demonstrate improved ball control and targeting skills

Key Outcomes

Students will bowl with improved accuracy using correct technique
Students will identify and apply bowling rules during practice
Students will show progress in consistency and control

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

1 per 3 students (minimum 10)

Distribute around activity areas for easy collection

Alternative: Rounders balls, soft cricket balls, bean bags for beginners

Cones

30 (5 per group of 6)

Use for targets, boundaries, and pitch markers

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, hoops as targets

Hoops

5 (1 per group)

Position as bowling base in mini games

Alternative: Circles drawn with chalk, rope circles

Measuring Tapes

For measuring 4m, 7m, and 7.5m distances

Alternative: Pre-measured rope, pace counting

Key Vocabulary

Underarm bowl

A throwing action where the ball is released below shoulder height with an upward swing

NO BALL

A ball that doesn't meet the bowling rules requirements

Batting square

The 2m x 2m area where the batter must stand to receive the ball

Backstop

The fielder positioned behind the batter to collect the ball

Step and point

The key bowling technique: step forward with opposite foot, point fingers at target

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of simple game rules
Experience with underarm throwing actions

Current Skills

Underarm bowling technique with step and point
Knowledge of rounders bowling rules
Consistent ball delivery to target

Next Steps

Advanced bowling tactics and variations
Bowling under pressure in competitive games
Understanding fielding positioning relative to bowling

Milestone Indicators

Consistent step-point action

80% accuracy within batting square

Ability to call own 'NO BALLS'

Key Teaching Points

Step forward with opposite foot to throwing arm for balance and power
Point fingers at target on release for accuracy and follow-through
Underarm action only - no overarm bowling permitted in rounders
Ball must be delivered between batter's knee and head height
No bouncing allowed - ball must reach batter through the air
Bowling within batting square boundaries - not wide or at body
Two consecutive NO BALLS awards half rounder to batting team

Common Misconceptions

Thinking any underarm throw is correct bowling technique
Believing that power is more important than accuracy in bowling
Assuming small bounces are acceptable in ball delivery
Misunderstanding the batting square boundaries and legal delivery zone
Thinking umpire decisions can be argued or changed by players
Believing that stepping with the same foot as throwing arm is correct

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries and expectations, frequent positive feedback, movement breaks, specific roles and responsibilities

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, extra demonstration time, peer support partners, simplified multi-step instructions, additional practice time

autism spectrum

Clear, predictable routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, consistent rules and expectations, extra processing time

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, tactile guidance for technique, clear verbal calls for boundaries

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with exaggerated movements, written rule cards, hand signals for umpiring decisions, visual boundary markers

physical disability

Seated bowling variations, modified distances, larger or softer balls, adapted scoring systems, alternative roles as coaches

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances (4m, 7m, 7.5m), counting successful deliveries, calculating scoring, angles and trajectories of throws

Science

Forces in bowling action, gravity and ball flight, friction between ball and ground, energy transfer in throwing

Geography

Directional language (left, right, forward, back), spatial awareness, mapping positions on field

PSHE

Fair play and sportsmanship, dealing with decisions and disappointment, teamwork and cooperation, respect for officials

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly between groups, position at corners for maximum visibility, avoid having back to active areas

Observation Focus

Watch for correct step-and-point technique, accurate rule application, safe play, positive interactions

Intervention Points

Step in for unsafe play, incorrect technique patterns, rule disputes, exclusion or negative behaviour

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate at students' level, exaggerate key points for visibility, use students as positive examples, show both correct and incorrect technique for contrast

Verbal Cues

•'Step and point!'
•'Opposite foot forward!'
•'Good ball' or 'NO BALL HIGH/LOW/WIDE!'
•'Soft hands for catching!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor space or large indoor hall, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, adequate grip for running and stopping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis balls are in good condition with no cracks
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or damage
•Hoops securely positioned and not moving during use

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions during running activities
•Slips and falls on wet surfaces
•Overexertion in warm weather

Risk Mitigation

•Clear throwing zones established with adequate spacing
•Emphasise controlled bowling, not power
•Safe positioning of backstop behind batting area
•Regular hydration breaks in warm weather
•Clear stop signals and boundaries

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor high-activity areas during games
•Ensure umpire authority is respected
•Watch for fatigue and overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, follow school procedures for serious incidents