⚾

Lesson 2 - Bowling Technique and Rules

Skill Progression & Tactics

•

Year 5

•

Rounders

•

Big Question

How can mastering accurate bowling give your team the advantage in rounders?

Learning Objectives

To develop consistent underarm bowling technique with accuracy and control
To understand and apply the official rules of bowling in rounders
To identify and explain different types of 'No Ball' calls

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved accuracy in underarm bowling
Students will confidently identify rule violations during bowling
Students will understand the strategic importance of accurate bowling

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

30 (1 per student)

Distribute in baskets around activity areas

Alternative: Softer playground balls, bean bags for beginners

Rounders Equipment

5 (1 per group in mini games)

Check for damage, appropriate size for Year 5

Alternative: Cricket bats, tennis rackets for adapted play

Cones

35 (for bases, boundaries, batting squares)

Different colours for different purposes

Alternative: Markers, hoops, chalk lines

Hoops

5 (bowling target practice and base markers)

Large enough for balls to pass through easily

Alternative: Buckets, cones in circles, chalk circles

Key Vocabulary

Underarm bowling

A bowling technique where the ball is released below shoulder height with an underhand motion

No Ball

A call made by the umpire when the ball is not bowled according to the rules

Batting square

A 2m x 2m area where the batter must stand when receiving the ball

Backstop

The fielder positioned behind the batter to collect balls that are not hit

Umpire

The official who makes decisions about the rules during the game

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of simple game rules
Experience with ball games and turn-taking

Current Skills

Underarm bowling technique with step and point
Knowledge of rounders bowling rules
Umpiring skills for calling 'No Balls'

Next Steps

Tactical bowling variations and placement
Advanced umpiring and game management
Combining bowling with fielding strategies

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball placement within batting square

Confident rule application during games

Smooth coordination of step, swing and release

Key Teaching Points

Underarm bowling technique with opposite foot step forward
Ball must travel between batter's head and knee height
Point fingers at target on release for accuracy
Clear umpire calls with reasons for 'No Ball' decisions
Quick fielding returns ball to bowler to prevent scoring
Smooth rotations ensure everyone experiences all roles
Safety through controlled bowling force and clear boundaries

Common Misconceptions

Thinking overarm bowling is acceptable - emphasise underarm only rule
Believing faster bowling is better - focus on accuracy and control
Confusion about 'No Ball' heights - use clear visual demonstrations
Thinking umpire decisions can be argued - establish umpire authority
Believing batting technique is important - clarify focus is on bowling
Assuming all roles are equally easy - acknowledge different skill requirements

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter rotation periods, frequent position changes, clear visual boundaries, regular movement breaks

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls initially, reduced throwing distance, extra practice time, step-by-step visual guides

autism spectrum

Clear visual routine cards, defined roles and boundaries, quiet timeout space available if overwhelmed

visual impairment

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

hearing impairment

Visual signals for umpire calls, written rule cards available, demonstration emphasis over verbal explanation

physical disability

Seated bowling options, modified distances, larger balls for easier handling, alternative roles like scorer

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Clear communication as umpire, following verbal instructions, explaining rules to others

Maths

Measuring 7.5m bowling distance, counting good balls vs no balls, calculating team scores

Science

Forces and motion in bowling trajectory, angles of ball flight, momentum transfer

Geography

Understanding spatial relationships on pitch, direction and distance concepts

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during demonstrations, rotate between groups during practice, corner position for overview during games

Observation Focus

Watch for correct stepping action, ball release point, accuracy of umpire calls, safe force levels

Intervention Points

Step in when rules confusion occurs, support struggling umpires, redirect technique if bowling becomes too forceful

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate in slow motion first, use students as positive examples, repeat key points multiple times, show both correct and incorrect examples clearly

Verbal Cues

•'Step and point!'
•'Smooth arm swing!'
•'Between head and knee!'
•'Umpire, what do you see?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area minimum 30m x 40m or large sports hall with 4m ceiling height

Surface Check

Even surface free from holes, debris, or wet patches that could cause slipping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis balls are not split or damaged
•Ensure rounders bats have no cracks or loose grips
•Verify cones are stable and not cracked
•Hoops should be intact with no sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Balls thrown too hard causing injury
•Collisions between students in confined space
•Bats swung carelessly near other students
•Tripping over bases or equipment

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established with 3m buffer zones between groups
•Emphasis on controlled bowling technique over power
•Designated areas for different activities with clear supervision
•Regular checks that students are following safety instructions

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all groups during mini rounders simultaneously
•Move between groups during bowling practice to check technique and force
•Watch for fatigue which can lead to poor technique and increased risk

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately with whistle/voice command, assess injured student, apply appropriate first aid, seek additional support if needed