Lesson 2 - Underarm Bowling Accuracy
Cricket Basics & Strategy
•Year 6
•Cricket
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Distributed in equipment boxes around the playing area
Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls for safety
Positioned 7 metres from bowling positions
Alternative: Cones arranged in triangular formation, posts with markers
Marking bowling positions for continuous cricket activity
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, marked spots
Marking boundaries, running targets, and activity areas
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, chalk marks
Key Vocabulary
A bowling technique where the ball is released below waist height with an underhand motion
Three vertical wooden posts that the bowler aims to hit
When the ball hits the ground once before reaching the batter
Collecting and returning the ball to prevent runs or get batters out
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
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