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Lesson 2 - Underarm Bowling Accuracy

Foundational Skills & Games

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Year 5

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Cricket

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45 min

Big Question

How can we develop accuracy in underarm bowling to become effective cricket players?

Learning Objectives

To develop consistent underarm bowling technique
To improve accuracy when bowling at targets
To understand the role of fielding in cricket

Key Outcomes

Students will bowl underarm with consistent technique and improved accuracy
Students will demonstrate effective fielding skills including clean collection and accurate returns
Students will apply bowling and fielding skills in modified cricket games

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

1 per student (30)

Pre-distribute around activity area for quick collection

Alternative: Softball cricket balls, bean bags for beginners

Cricket Wickets

7 sets

Position at 7m intervals around activity space

Alternative: Cones arranged in triangular formation, skittles

Cones

Use for boundaries, target markers, and running points

Alternative: Marker discs, bean bags as boundary markers

Hoops

Mark bowling positions for accuracy practice

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Key Vocabulary

Underarm bowl

A bowling technique where the ball is released with an underarm motion, allowing it to bounce once before reaching the batter

Wickets

The three wooden stumps that the bowler aims to hit to get the batter out

Fielding

Collecting the ball cleanly and returning it quickly to prevent runs or get batters out

Bounce

The ball hitting the ground once before reaching the batter, approximately 2m in front

Follow through

The completion of the bowling action where the arm points toward the target

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and catching skills
Understanding of personal space and boundaries
Simple throwing and catching techniques

Current Skills

Underarm bowling technique with accuracy
Fielding skills including clean collection
Basic cricket concepts and terminology

Next Steps

Overarm bowling techniques
Advanced fielding positions and tactics
Full cricket match play with strategic thinking

Milestone Indicators

Consistent opposite foot placement when bowling

Ball bouncing approximately 2m before reaching target

Clean fielding with accurate returns to bowler

Key Teaching Points

Opposite foot forward when bowling for balance and accuracy
Smooth underarm swing motion like painting a rainbow
Follow through by pointing hand where you want ball to go
Ball should bounce approximately 2 metres in front of target
Support and encourage teammates even during competition
Focus on accuracy and technique rather than bowling speed
Quick, clean fielding helps prevent runs being scored

Common Misconceptions

Same foot forward as throwing arm - correct with 'opposite sides' rule
Bowling as hard as possible improves accuracy - emphasise control over power
Ball should go directly to target without bouncing - reinforce one-bounce rule
Only individual performance matters - highlight importance of teamwork
Faster bowling is always better - connect speed to accuracy and control

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear movement boundaries, regular positive feedback

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, additional practice time, larger equipment for easier handling

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of setup, buddy system for positioning

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, visual signals for game changes

physical disability

Seated bowling options, modified distances, adapted equipment like larger balls

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following and giving instructions clearly, descriptive language for technique feedback

Maths

Measuring distances accurately, counting successful hits, calculating averages and percentages

Science

Forces and motion in bowling, trajectory and bounce physics, reaction times in fielding

Geography

Spatial awareness, direction and positioning, mapping field positions

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, celebrating others' achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups to provide individual feedback, position centrally for demonstrations and instructions

Observation Focus

Monitor technique development, group cooperation, and individual confidence levels

Intervention Points

Step in when technique is unsafe, groups are not cooperating, or students appear frustrated

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations for technique clarity, involve students in demonstrations to reinforce learning

Verbal Cues

•'Opposite foot forward!'
•'Smooth swing like painting a rainbow!'
•'Point where you want the ball to go!'
•'Bounce 2 metres in front!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear area, preferably grass or sports hall with adequate ceiling height

Surface Check

Level surface free from holes, wet patches, or debris that could cause slips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis balls are not split or damaged
•Ensure wickets are stable and properly assembled
•Confirm cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body from bowling
•Collisions during running activities
•Slips and falls on wet surfaces

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear bowling directions away from other groups
•Maintain adequate spacing between activity areas
•Emphasise controlled bowling rather than power
•Clear running lanes marked for continuous cricket

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear sight lines to all groups
•Monitor bowling force and technique
•Watch for fatigue affecting safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury severity, apply appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required