Lesson 2 - Bowling and Batting Skills
Team Performance Skills
•Year 4
•Rounders
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can I position my body and grip the ball to become more accurate at bowling and batting?
Learning Objectives
- To develop basic bowling and batting skills through correct body positioning
- To understand and apply the Winston Churchill grip for effective bowling
- To demonstrate leadership skills through team cooperation and support
Key Outcomes
- Students will show improved accuracy in bowling using correct grip and stance
- Students will strike a ball effectively using sideways-on batting position
- Students will demonstrate leadership qualities during team activities
Equipment & Resources Required
Distribute around activity area for easy access
Alternative: Tennis balls, soft play balls
Use to create targets and boundaries
Alternative: Markers, bean bags
Position as bowling targets 5m from bowlers
Alternative: Large cones, target circles drawn with chalk
For filming leadership skills during game session
Alternative: Phone, video camera
Key Vocabulary
A bowling grip with first two fingers on top of ball, thumb underneath, and fingers 3 and 4 supporting the side
Body positioned with side facing the target, providing better balance and power
Throwing the ball up gently with non-hitting hand to strike with the other
Bowling technique where arm swings in an underarm motion for accuracy
Player positioned behind target to collect missed balls
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of throwing and catching
- Experience with striking balls using hands
- Knowledge of simple team games
Current Skills
- Winston Churchill bowling grip
- Sideways-on batting stance
- Target bowling accuracy
- Self-feeding and striking
Next Steps
- Advanced batting techniques with different types of bowls
- Fielding positions and tactics
- Full rounders game understanding
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Winston Churchill grip: peace sign on top, thumb underneath, smooth release
- Sideways-on stance for both batting and bowling provides better balance and power
- Self-feeding requires consistent, controlled tosses to same spot each time
- Leadership means encouraging others, taking responsibility, and helping team improve
- Progressive skill building from hand striking to bat use ensures confidence
- Tactical decision making in Danish Long Ball develops strategic thinking
- Safety awareness essential when using bats and during running activities
Common Misconceptions
- Gripping ball with all fingers spread - correct with Winston Churchill grip demonstration
- Standing square-on when batting - emphasise sideways stance for power and accuracy
- Throwing ball too high when self-feeding - practice controlled, consistent tosses
- Leadership only means being loudest - show that helping and encouraging are key leadership qualities
- Bowling fast equals bowling well - focus on accuracy and smooth technique over power
- Always going for 5 points in Danish Long Ball - teach tactical decision making based on situation
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with clear time boundaries, movement breaks built in, simplified instructions given in stages
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment for easier handling, extra practice time for skill development, step-by-step movement breakdowns
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedules for activity transitions, quiet zones available, predictable routines and consistent expectations
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, pair with sighted buddy for navigation
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Adapted grips for bowling, seated batting options, modified running distances, alternative roles in games
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following complex instructions, using specific vocabulary, peer communication and reflection
Maths
Counting consecutive catches, calculating scores in Danish Long Ball, measuring 5-metre bowling distances
Science
Understanding forces in bowling and batting, exploring trajectory and accuracy, body systems during exercise
Geography
Spatial awareness in positioning, understanding directions and angles in game play
PSHE
Leadership development, teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Circulate actively during skill practice, position at corner during games for maximum court visibility
Observation Focus
Winston Churchill grip adoption, sideways stance consistency, leadership behaviours during team activities
Intervention Points
Step in to correct grip technique, remind about safety during bat use, facilitate positive team interactions
Demonstration Notes
Use confident students as models, exaggerate key teaching points for visibility, film leadership examples for sharing
Verbal Cues
- •'Peace sign on top, thumb underneath!'
- •'Sideways like a soldier standing to attention!'
- •'Step and swing smoothly!'
- •'Great leadership - you're helping your whole team!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor area or large sports hall, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from debris, suitable for running and striking activities
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check rounders bats for cracks or splinters before use
- •Ensure balls are appropriate softness for age group
- •Verify cones and hoops are stable and visible
- •Test recording equipment is secure and won't interfere with play
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Collisions during running games
- •Bat contact with other students
- •Slips and falls on playing surface
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear spacing between activity areas and batting zones
- •Emphasise controlled swinging techniques with bats
- •Establish clear boundaries for all activities
- •Progressive skill building from hand striking to bat use
- •Constant supervision during bat usage
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility during Stuck in the Mud
- •Close monitoring of students using bats
- •Active circulation during partner work
- •Strategic positioning during Danish Long Ball
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, complete accident report if required