🏏

Lesson 2 - Underarm Bowling Accuracy

Cricket Basics & Strategy

•

Year 6

•

Cricket

•

45 min

Big Question

How can precise underarm bowling technique help us control the game and create scoring opportunities?

Learning Objectives

To develop accurate underarm bowling technique with consistent ball placement
To improve fielding speed and accuracy when returning the ball
To apply bowling skills strategically in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved underarm bowling accuracy targeting wickets
Students will field quickly and return balls accurately to the bowler
Students will understand the tactical importance of accurate bowling in cricket

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

1 per student (30)

Distributed in equipment boxes around the playing area

Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls for safety

Cricket Wickets

7 sets

Positioned 7 metres from bowling positions

Alternative: Cones arranged in triangular formation, posts with markers

Hoops

Marking bowling positions for continuous cricket activity

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, marked spots

Cones

Marking boundaries, running targets, and activity areas

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, chalk marks

Key Vocabulary

Underarm bowl

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

Wickets

Three vertical wooden posts that the bowler aims to hit

Bounce

When the ball hits the ground once before reaching the batter

Fielding

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

Follow-through

The continuation of arm movement after releasing the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of cricket equipment and basic rules
Experience with underarm throwing technique

Current Skills

Accurate underarm bowling with consistent bounce placement
Quick fielding reactions and accurate returns
Strategic understanding of bowling in game context

Next Steps

Developing overarm bowling technique
Advanced fielding positions and strategies
Batting technique and shot selection

Milestone Indicators

Consistently hitting target area with underarm bowls

Quick reaction time when fielding

Understanding when to bowl fast or slow tactically

Key Teaching Points

Opposite foot forward to throwing arm creates stable base and power
Smooth pendulum arm action provides consistency and accuracy
Follow-through direction determines where ball will go
Ball should bounce approximately 2 metres in front of batter
Quick fielding and accurate returns prevent runs in game situations
Positive communication and sportsmanship enhance team performance
Strategic thinking about pace and placement improves bowling effectiveness

Common Misconceptions

Faster bowling is always better - explain accuracy vs power balance
Same foot forward as throwing arm - demonstrate opposite foot technique
Ball should reach batter without bouncing - emphasise one bounce rule
Fielding is just about catching - show importance of quick returns
Competition means being unsupportive - model positive rivalry
Bowling technique doesn't matter in games - connect practice to performance

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and structure, offer movement breaks as needed

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment for easier handling, provide additional practice time, break down movements into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of activities, offer quiet space if overwhelmed, use consistent routines and language

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide clear verbal descriptions of setup, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Adapt bowling distance and technique, use larger or lighter balls, allow seated bowling position if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances accurately, counting scores and targets, calculating averages and statistics

Science

Understanding forces and motion in ball flight, exploring gravity effects on bounce, analysing trajectory and angles

Geography

Using directional language and spatial awareness, understanding field positioning and boundaries

PSHE

Developing teamwork and cooperation skills, building resilience when facing challenges, showing respect for others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the groups systematically, spending 2-3 minutes with each to provide specific feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for correct foot positioning, smooth arm action, follow-through direction, and ball bounce placement

Intervention Points

Step in when technique is significantly incorrect, safety is compromised, or group dynamics need support

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Use slow, exaggerated movements for technique points, involve students in demonstrations where appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Opposite foot forward!'
•'Smooth swing like a pendulum!'
•'Point where you want it to go!'
•'Watch the bounce!'
•'Great teamwork!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area minimum 30m x 40m with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Flat, dry surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check cricket balls are not too hard for age group
•Ensure wickets are stable and won't fall over easily
•Verify hoops and cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body during bowling/fielding
•Collisions between students during running activities
•Trips and falls over equipment or uneven surfaces

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established between groups with adequate spacing
•Tennis balls used instead of hard cricket balls
•Students wait for 'ready' signal before bowling
•Running routes clearly marked to avoid collisions
•Equipment checked and positioned safely

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor high-activity areas during continuous cricket
•Watch for fatigue and adjust intensity accordingly

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess any injury, provide appropriate first aid, arrange support if needed