Lesson 2 - Bowling Technique and Rules
Skill Progression & Tactics
•Year 5
•Rounders
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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
Distribute in baskets around activity areas
Alternative: Softer playground balls, bean bags for beginners
Check for damage, appropriate size for Year 5
Alternative: Cricket bats, tennis rackets for adapted play
Different colours for different purposes
Alternative: Markers, hoops, chalk lines
Large enough for balls to pass through easily
Alternative: Buckets, cones in circles, chalk circles
Key Vocabulary
A bowling technique where the ball is released below shoulder height with an underhand motion
A call made by the umpire when the ball is not bowled according to the rules
A 2m x 2m area where the batter must stand when receiving the ball
The fielder positioned behind the batter to collect balls that are not hit
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
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