Lesson 2 - Bowling Techniques
Advanced Strategies & Team Play
•Year 5
•Cricket
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How can bowlers use different tactics to outwit batters and prevent runs?
Learning Objectives
- To refine bowling accuracy and consistency using underarm and overarm techniques
- To understand and apply simple bowling tactics to prevent batters scoring runs
- To develop decision-making skills when positioning fielders strategically
Key Outcomes
- Students will bowl with improved accuracy towards specific targets
- Students will demonstrate tactical awareness in bowling placement
- Students will show understanding of fielder positioning to support bowling
Equipment & Resources Required
Check balls are not too hard for indoor use
Alternative: Tennis balls, rounders balls for safety
Position stumps securely to avoid falling over
Alternative: Cones, skittles, or markers
Arrange in clear clock formation around stumps
Alternative: Hoops, bean bags, or spots
Available for students needing support
Alternative: Cones to balance ball on
Key Vocabulary
Delivering the ball towards the wickets to try to get the batter out
The three wooden stumps that the bowler aims to hit
Bowling technique where the arm comes over the shoulder in a straight line
Plans and strategies used to outwit opponents and gain advantage
Where players stand to prevent runs and take catches
Bowling the ball exactly where you aim it consistently
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic underarm bowling technique from Year 4
- Understanding of basic cricket rules and positions
- Experience of working in pairs and small groups
Current Skills
- Refining bowling accuracy through target practice
- Developing tactical understanding of bowling placement
- Learning to vary bowling speed and direction
Next Steps
- Advanced bowling variations including spin
- Complex fielding strategies and communication
- Match situation analysis and tactical adaptation
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Bowling accuracy comes from consistent technique, not power
- Tactical thinking before each ball makes bowling more effective
- Communication between bowler and fielders is essential for success
- Target practice transfers directly to match situations
- Good sportsmanship includes encouraging teammates and opponents
- Different bowling tactics work against different types of batters
- Overarm bowling requires careful technique development and safety awareness
Common Misconceptions
- Students think bowling hard is more effective than bowling accurately - emphasise placement over power
- Belief that all balls should be bowled the same way - teach variety in pace and placement
- Assumption that fielders should stay in same positions - show how tactical movement helps bowling
- Idea that getting people out is more important than stopping runs - explain both are valuable
- Misconception that only the bowler affects whether runs are scored - emphasise team defensive work
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear movement boundaries, regular position changes to maintain engagement
dyspraxia
- Simplified bowling technique focus, extra practice time, larger targets and equipment for success
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet spaces available for breaks if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and cones, clear verbal descriptions of setup, buddy system for positioning
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all instructions, hand signals for game situations, written strategy cards
physical disability
- Seated bowling options, modified distances, adapted equipment like larger balls or shorter bats
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Vocabulary development, communication skills during team discussions, following and giving instructions
Maths
Angles of bowling delivery, calculating runs and scores, measuring distances for field positions
Science
Forces in bowling action, trajectory and flight of ball, effect of spin on ball movement
Geography
Directions and positions on field, mapping fielding positions, spatial awareness
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, leadership roles, dealing with competition pressure and disappointment
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location to observe all groups, moving between activities
Observation Focus
Bowling technique, tactical understanding, teamwork and communication
Intervention Points
Step in if safety concerns, technique needs correction, or conflict resolution needed
Demonstration Notes
Use slow motion for technique, exaggerated movements for tactics visibility
Verbal Cues
- •'Eyes on target!'
- •'Step and follow through!'
- •'Think before you bowl!'
- •'Talk to your fielders!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m hard court or field area, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Even surface free from holes, debris, or wet patches
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check cricket balls are appropriate hardness for indoor/outdoor use
- •Ensure wickets are stable and won't fall when hit
- •Verify bats are correct size and weight for Year 5 students
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes from bowling
- •Collisions between groups
- •Trips from equipment on ground
- •Overarm bowling technique injuries
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear separation between bowling areas
- •Controlled bowling pace appropriate for space
- •Constant supervision of overarm bowling attempts
- •Equipment stored safely when not in use
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all groups simultaneously
- •Special attention to overarm bowling extension group
- •Regular checks on student positioning during games
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if serious