Lesson 5 - Overarm Bowling Technique
Foundational Skills & Games
•Year 5
•Cricket
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How can I use the overarm bowling technique to become a strategic and accurate bowler in cricket?
Learning Objectives
- To develop correct overarm bowling technique with consistent accuracy
- To understand tactical bowling placement and wicket targeting
- To demonstrate effective fielding positioning and ball retrieval skills
Key Outcomes
- Students will perform overarm bowling with correct grip, arm action, and follow-through
- Students will achieve accuracy by hitting wickets from varying distances
- Students will work effectively as a team in fielding positions and game situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Used for marking bowling positions, boundaries and field markings
Alternative: Marker spots, bean bags for boundary marking
Size 5 or 6 bats suitable for Year 5 students
Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis rackets for modified games
Plastic wickets or wooden stumps with bails if available
Alternative: Cones arranged in triangular formation, target boards
60cm diameter hoops for bowling accuracy targets
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles for target practice
Standard tennis balls provide good bounce and safety
Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls for safety
Key Vocabulary
A cricket delivery where the ball is released above shoulder height with a straight arm action
Three wooden posts (stumps) that the bowler aims to hit to dismiss the batter
How to hold the cricket ball using two fingers and thumb for control and accuracy
The continuation of the bowling action after releasing the ball
The defensive aspect of cricket where players retrieve and return the ball
The fielder who stands behind the wickets to collect the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of cricket rules and equipment
- Experience with underarm bowling techniques
- Ability to catch and throw a ball with reasonable accuracy
Current Skills
- Overarm bowling technique with correct grip and arm action
- Accuracy in bowling at wickets from various distances
- Strategic fielding and ball retrieval skills
Next Steps
- Advanced bowling variations (pace and spin)
- Batting techniques and shot selection
- Advanced fielding positions and team tactics
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Overarm bowling uses two-finger and thumb grip for maximum control and accuracy
- The 'number 6' arm action ensures full range of motion and power generation
- Opposite foot stepping creates balance and directs power towards the target
- Straight arm at release point is crucial for accuracy and authentic cricket technique
- One bounce before hitting wickets represents proper cricket bowling length
- Fair play and honest decision making are as important as technical skill development
- Effective fielding requires communication, quick reactions, and tactical awareness
Common Misconceptions
- Students often grip ball with whole hand like catching - correct to two fingers and thumb grip
- Many students bend arm during bowling action - emphasise straight arm throughout
- Common mistake of stepping with same-side foot - reinforce opposite foot stepping
- Students may bowl directly at wickets without bounce - teach proper cricket length with bounce
- Some students think bowling fast is better - emphasise accuracy and technique over power
- Misconception that arguing shows competitive spirit - teach fair play as strength not weakness
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear role definitions, regular position changes, immediate feedback and encouragement
dyspraxia
- Simplified technique breakdown, additional practice time, peer support partners, alternative equipment if needed
autism spectrum
- Clear routine establishment, visual technique cards, designated quiet areas, predictable activity structure
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of technique, buddy system for positioning
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations with clear hand signals, written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Seated bowling versions, adapted grip techniques, modified distances, alternative equipment as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting successful bowls, calculating bowling averages, measuring distances, understanding angles of ball trajectory
Science
Forces and motion in bowling action, gravity affecting ball bounce, friction between ball and ground
Geography
Understanding field positions and spatial awareness, mapping bowling lines and lengths
PSHE
Teamwork skills, conflict resolution, honest decision making, supporting others, managing competitive emotions
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand where you can see all groups, particularly during overarm bowling practice when injury risk is highest
Observation Focus
Watch for correct overarm technique development, safe positioning during games, and positive team dynamics
Intervention Points
["Step in immediately if bowling technique is dangerous", "Intervene in game disputes to model conflict resolution", "Provide additional support for students struggling with coordination", "Redirect groups not following safety protocols"]
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Use slow-motion technique demonstrations, exaggerate key technique points for visibility, show both right and left-handed bowling examples
Verbal Cues
- •'Two fingers and thumb for grip control!'
- •'Draw that number 6 with your arm!'
- •'Step with opposite foot for power!'
- •'Straight arm at release for accuracy!'
- •'Wicket keeper - safe position behind stumps!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 40m outdoor area or large sports hall with high ceiling for overarm bowling
Surface Check
Level grass or sports hall floor, free from holes, wet patches, or obstacles
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check cricket bats for cracks or splinters before use
- •Ensure wickets are stable and properly assembled
- •Tennis balls checked for excessive wear or damage
- •Cones positioned to avoid tripping hazards
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or body from wild bowling
- •Collision between students during fielding
- •Tripping over equipment or uneven ground
- •Bat-related injuries from improper handling
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established with adequate spacing between groups
- •Wicket keepers positioned safely behind stumps
- •Controlled bowling distances appropriate for age group
- •Proper bat handling instruction and supervision
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all bowling activities
- •Monitor high-activity areas during game application
- •Check equipment setup before activities commence
- •Ensure adequate spacing during overarm bowling practice
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required, inform school leadership