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Lesson 4 - Overarm Bowling with Run-Up

Core Skills & Tactics

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Year 5

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Cricket

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Big Question

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

Cricket Equipment

Distributed in buckets near bowling areas

Alternative: Bean bags for beginners, incrediball for safety

Cricket Stumps

6 sets (18 stumps)

Positioned at standard 22-yard intervals where possible

Alternative: Cones arranged in triangle, skittles, foam stumps

Cones

30-40

For marking boundaries, target areas, and safe zones

Alternative: Markers, bean bags

Score Sheets

One per team for tracking points in pairs cricket

Alternative: Mini whiteboards, clipboards

Measuring Tapes

For setting up accurate pitch distances

Alternative: Paced distances, pre-marked lines

Key Vocabulary

Run-up

The approach a bowler takes before delivering the ball to build momentum and speed

Over

A set of six consecutive bowls delivered from one end of the pitch

Wicket

The three wooden stumps that the bowler aims to hit

Bowling action

The complete movement pattern from run-up through ball release

Line and length

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

Consistent 4-step run-up without losing balance

6 out of 10 deliveries hitting target area

Bowling action maintains same technique as stationary position

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