⚾

Lesson 2 - Bowling and Batting Skills

Team Performance Skills

•

Year 4

•

Rounders

•

45 min

Big Question

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

Rounders Equipment

8-10

Distribute around activity area for easy access

Alternative: Tennis balls, soft play balls

Cones

Use to create targets and boundaries

Alternative: Markers, bean bags

Hoops

Position as bowling targets 5m from bowlers

Alternative: Large cones, target circles drawn with chalk

Digital Cameras

For filming leadership skills during game session

Alternative: Phone, video camera

Key Vocabulary

Winston Churchill grip

A bowling grip with first two fingers on top of ball, thumb underneath, and fingers 3 and 4 supporting the side

Sideways-on stance

Body positioned with side facing the target, providing better balance and power

Self-feed

Throwing the ball up gently with non-hitting hand to strike with the other

Underarm bowling

Bowling technique where arm swings in an underarm motion for accuracy

Backstop

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

Consistent use of correct grip without prompting

Natural adoption of sideways stance

Improved accuracy in both bowling and batting

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