Lesson 4 - Overarm Bowling with Run-Up
Core Skills & Tactics
•Year 5
•Cricket
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How can using a run-up help bowlers deliver the ball with greater speed and accuracy?
Learning Objectives
- Develop accuracy in overarm bowling whilst incorporating a run-up approach
- Apply overarm bowling technique consistently in competitive game situations
- Understand the tactical advantages of bowling with increased speed and precision
Key Outcomes
- Students will bowl with improved accuracy using a structured run-up
- Students will demonstrate consistent overarm bowling technique in game scenarios
- Students will explain the benefits of run-up bowling for tactical advantage
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed in buckets near bowling areas
Alternative: Bean bags for beginners, incrediball for safety
Positioned at standard 22-yard intervals where possible
Alternative: Cones arranged in triangle, skittles, foam stumps
For marking boundaries, target areas, and safe zones
Alternative: Markers, bean bags
One per team for tracking points in pairs cricket
Alternative: Mini whiteboards, clipboards
For setting up accurate pitch distances
Alternative: Paced distances, pre-marked lines
Key Vocabulary
The approach a bowler takes before delivering the ball to build momentum and speed
A set of six consecutive bowls delivered from one end of the pitch
The three wooden stumps that the bowler aims to hit
The complete movement pattern from run-up through ball release
The direction and distance the ball travels - good line is straight, good length bounces in front of batter
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic overarm bowling technique from stationary position
- Understanding of cricket field positions and rules
- Basic catching and fielding skills
Current Skills
- Incorporating run-up into overarm bowling action
- Maintaining accuracy whilst increasing bowling speed
- Strategic bowling placement in game situations
Next Steps
- Advanced bowling variations (spin, swing)
- Fielding placement and tactical bowling
- Full match play with specialised roles
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Run-up should begin with same foot as bowling hand to maintain natural rhythm and coordination
- Bowling action must remain identical to stationary technique - run-up adds momentum, not different technique
- Accuracy is more important than speed - start slowly and build up pace as control improves
- 4-step sequence: walk-walk-walk-jump and bowl, maintaining smooth rhythm throughout
- Line and length remain crucial - bowl in front of stumps at good length for maximum effectiveness
- Game application requires tactical thinking about when and how to use run-up bowling
- Safety protocols must be maintained at all times - clear directions, adequate spacing, controlled movements
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'Run-up means running as fast as possible' - Correction: Run-up should be controlled and rhythmical for accuracy
- Misconception: 'Different bowling action needed with run-up' - Correction: Overarm technique stays exactly the same, just with added momentum
- Misconception: 'Speed is more important than accuracy' - Correction: Accurate bowling wins games, speed without control is ineffective
- Misconception: 'All bowlers must use run-up' - Correction: Run-up is a choice - some bowlers are more accurate without it
- Misconception: 'Longer run-up always better' - Correction: 4-6 steps usually optimal for primary students, longer can reduce control
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear physical boundaries, regular movement breaks, immediate positive feedback for focus and effort
dyspraxia
- Simplified run-up sequence (2-step instead of 4), larger targets for success, extra practice time, peer support for coordination challenges
autism spectrum
- Clear predictable routines, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet zone available if needed, advance warning of activity changes
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of field setup, employ buddy system for guidance, use sound cues for ball location
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Seated bowling options available, modified run-up distance or stationary alternative, adapted equipment like larger balls or different stumps
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Technical vocabulary development, giving clear instructions to teammates, descriptive language for technique feedback
Science
Forces and motion in bowling action, momentum and energy transfer, friction between ball and pitch surface
Geography
Understanding of distances and spatial relationships on cricket field, compass directions for field placement
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move constantly between groups to provide individual feedback, position to see all bowling actions clearly
Observation Focus
Watch for: smooth run-up rhythm, maintenance of overarm technique, accuracy improvement, positive team interaction
Intervention Points
Step in immediately for: unsafe bowling practices, poor sportsmanship, students showing frustration, technique regression
Demonstration Notes
Use slow-motion demonstrations frequently, show common errors alongside correct technique, involve students in demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'Smooth rhythm, don't rush the approach'
- •'Same bowling action as before, just with speed'
- •'Great line and length - right in front of the stumps'
- •'Excellent sportsmanship accepting that decision'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large outdoor area minimum 40m x 30m with additional run-off space, ideally proper cricket pitch or large playground
Surface Check
Level, dry surface free from holes, stones, or other trip hazards - grass or artificial surface preferred
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all cricket balls for damage - no splits or hard edges
- •Ensure stumps are stable and positioned safely
- •Verify bats have no splinters or damage to handles
- •Confirm cones are visible and not creating trip hazards
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or body during bowling/batting
- •Collisions between students during running or fielding
- •Slips and falls during run-up or rapid direction changes
- •Overexertion from sustained physical activity
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear bowling directions established - all bowl same way
- •Adequate spacing between activities (minimum 5m gaps)
- •Progressive skill building from walking to running pace
- •Continuous supervision of all cricket activities
- •Use of softer balls where appropriate for age group
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all bowling areas
- •Monitor high-activity game zones closely
- •Circulate between groups during skill practice
- •Maintain awareness of students showing fatigue or distress
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school office if medical attention required