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Lesson 5 - Overarm Bowling Technique

Foundational Skills & Games

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Year 5

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Cricket

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45 min

Big Question

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

Cones

Used for marking bowling positions, boundaries and field markings

Alternative: Marker spots, bean bags for boundary marking

Cricket Equipment

Size 5 or 6 bats suitable for Year 5 students

Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis rackets for modified games

Cricket Wickets

9 sets

Plastic wickets or wooden stumps with bails if available

Alternative: Cones arranged in triangular formation, target boards

Hoops

60cm diameter hoops for bowling accuracy targets

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles for target practice

Tennis Balls

Standard tennis balls provide good bounce and safety

Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls for safety

Key Vocabulary

Overarm Bowling

A cricket delivery where the ball is released above shoulder height with a straight arm action

Wickets

Three wooden posts (stumps) that the bowler aims to hit to dismiss the batter

Grip

How to hold the cricket ball using two fingers and thumb for control and accuracy

Follow-through

The continuation of the bowling action after releasing the ball

Fielding

The defensive aspect of cricket where players retrieve and return the ball

Wicket Keeper

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

Consistent overarm bowling action without falling away

Ability to hit wickets 6 out of 10 attempts from 10 metres

Effective communication and positioning during fielding

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