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Lesson 4 - Bowling & Skill Progression

Skill Integration & Mastery

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Year 5

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Cricket

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Big Question

How can we combine technical cricket skills to create effective match strategies?

Learning Objectives

To bowl with consistent accuracy and length using proper technique
To field effectively using one-handed pick-up techniques under pressure
To use footwork to get to the pitch of the ball when batting

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved bowling accuracy with a run-up approach
Students will execute quick one-handed fielding techniques consistently
Students will show confident footwork when batting, leaving their crease when appropriate

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

12-15

Distributed across activity stations

Alternative: Bean bags for nervous students, different coloured balls for tracking

Cricket Stumps

6 sets

Set up at each bowling and batting station

Alternative: Cones arranged in triangle, skittles, target posts

Cones

20-25

Mark run-up distances, target areas, and safe zones

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, rope boundaries

Chalk

3.5 pieces

For marking creases on outdoor surfaces

Alternative: Rope, cones, ground markers

Key Vocabulary

Run-up

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

Crease

The marked lines on the pitch that define legal bowling and batting positions

Pitch of the ball

The point where the ball bounces, which batsmen should move towards

One-handed pick-up

Fielding technique using one hand to collect and return the ball quickly

Backing up

Supporting a fielder by positioning behind them to stop overthrows

Straight drive

A batting stroke played straight down the ground towards the bowler

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic bowling action and grip
Two-handed fielding techniques
Static batting stance and simple strokes

Current Skills

Bowling with run-up and consistent line and length
One-handed fielding under pressure
Dynamic footwork in batting

Next Steps

Advanced bowling variations (pace and spin)
Specialist fielding positions and tactics
Shot selection and placement strategies

Milestone Indicators

Bowler hits target area 7/10 times

Fielder completes one-handed pick-up in under 3 seconds

Batsman successfully advances down pitch when appropriate

Key Teaching Points

Head movement leads foot movement in batting - this sequence is crucial for timing
One-handed fielding requires continuous motion - pickup and return should flow together
Bowling run-up should be consistent - mark it clearly and use the same approach each time
Communication in cricket is essential - loud, clear calls prevent confusion and injuries
Backing up prevents overthrows - always have someone supporting the primary fielder
Game situation application - skills practiced in isolation must transfer to match play
Safety through awareness - all players must stay alert to ball position at all times

Common Misconceptions

Students think they must swing hard to hit far - teach controlled technique for better results
Belief that bowling fast is better than bowling accurately - emphasise consistency over speed
Fielders think they must catch everything - sometimes it's better to stop and return quickly
Batsmen try to hit every ball - explain leaving balls and shot selection
Players think cricket is just individual skills - emphasise team tactics and support
Assumption that bigger run-up means better bowling - teach appropriate run-up length

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback and movement breaks

dyspraxia

Larger targets, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, peer support partnerships

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, quiet zones available, predictable rotation system between activities

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of field positions, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual signals for game instructions, clear line of sight for lip reading, written score cards

physical disability

Seated batting options, modified bowling distances, adapted equipment like lighter bats

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating runs scored, measuring pitch distances, angles of bat swing and ball trajectory

Science

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

Geography

Understanding pitch layout, field positions and spatial relationships

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing disappointment, celebrating others' success, leadership roles

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location allowing observation of all three stations, moving regularly to provide specific coaching

Observation Focus

Look for skill progression from practice to game application, note students struggling with technique

Intervention Points

Step in when safety standards drop, provide additional support for students finding skills challenging

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for visibility, involve confident students in demonstrations, repeat key points frequently

Verbal Cues

•'Head first, then foot!'
•'Smooth and continuous motion!'
•'Keep your eye on the target!'
•'Back each other up!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Two cricket pitch areas minimum 25m x 20m each, plus additional space for skill stations

Surface Check

Level grass surface free from holes, stones, or debris that could cause injury

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check bats for splits or sharp edges
•Ensure balls are appropriate hardness for age group
•Verify wickets are stable and properly positioned

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collision between players
•Trips from uneven ground or equipment

Risk Mitigation

•Soft/tennis balls used instead of hard cricket balls
•Adequate spacing between activity stations
•Clear boundaries and safe zones established
•Wicket keepers positioned safely behind stumps

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all stations simultaneously
•Extra attention during bowling activities
•Monitor game intensity to prevent overexcitement

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school office if serious