Lesson 2 - Underarm Bowling Accuracy
Foundational Skills & Games
•Year 5
•Cricket
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
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
Pre-distribute around activity area for quick collection
Alternative: Softball cricket balls, bean bags for beginners
Position at 7m intervals around activity space
Alternative: Cones arranged in triangular formation, skittles
Use for boundaries, target markers, and running points
Alternative: Marker discs, bean bags as boundary markers
Mark bowling positions for accuracy practice
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
Key Vocabulary
A bowling technique where the ball is released with an underarm motion, allowing it to bounce once before reaching the batter
The three wooden stumps that the bowler aims to hit to get the batter out
Collecting the ball cleanly and returning it quickly to prevent runs or get batters out
The ball hitting the ground once before reaching the batter, approximately 2m in front
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
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