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Lesson 2 - Bowling Techniques

Advanced Strategies & Team Play

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Year 5

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Cricket

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Big Question

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

Cricket Equipment

1 per 4 students (8)

Check balls are not too hard for indoor use

Alternative: Tennis balls, rounders balls for safety

Cricket Stumps

3 sets (9 stumps)

Position stumps securely to avoid falling over

Alternative: Cones, skittles, or markers

Dish Cones

36 (12 per clock setup)

Arrange in clear clock formation around stumps

Alternative: Hoops, bean bags, or spots

Tees

3 for differentiation

Available for students needing support

Alternative: Cones to balance ball on

Key Vocabulary

Bowling

Delivering the ball towards the wickets to try to get the batter out

Wickets

The three wooden stumps that the bowler aims to hit

Overarm Bowling

Bowling technique where the arm comes over the shoulder in a straight line

Tactics

Plans and strategies used to outwit opponents and gain advantage

Fielding Positions

Where players stand to prevent runs and take catches

Accuracy

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

Consistent accuracy when bowling at targets

Evidence of tactical thinking in bowling placement

Effective communication with fielders about positioning

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