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Lesson 3 - Bowling Skills & Tactics

Techniques to Tactics

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Year 6

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Cricket

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Big Question

How can bowlers and fielders work together strategically to outwit batters and control the game?

Learning Objectives

To consolidate and apply a range of bowling skills and tactics in game situations
To develop strategic thinking through bowling order selection and fielding placement
To demonstrate accurate and consistent bowling under pressure

Key Outcomes

Students will bowl accurately and consistently using different techniques
Students will vary their bowling style based on game situations and batter strengths
Students will work collaboratively with fielders to create tactical advantages

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

6-8 bats

Distribute between bowling ends, extras for practice

Alternative: Bean bags for beginners, foam balls for safety

Cricket Stumps

4 sets (2 per pitch)

Position 22 yards apart on each playing area

Alternative: Cones with pool noodles, skittles, markers

Tees

2-4 tees

Available for differentiation, not permanent setup

Alternative: Cones with tennis balls balanced on top

Cones

20-30 cones

Mark field boundaries and fielding restriction zones

Alternative: Bibs, markers, rope

Clipboards

4 clipboards

One per team for scoring practice

Alternative: Whiteboards, paper sheets, mobile apps

Key Vocabulary

Over

A set of six consecutive balls bowled by one bowler from one end

Line and length

The direction (line) and distance (length) the ball travels to the batter

Wicket keeper

The fielder who stands behind the stumps to collect the ball

Fielding restrictions

Rules that limit where fielders can be positioned during bowling

Bowling variations

Different types of deliveries including fast, slow, and spin bowling

Tactical bowling

Using different bowling styles and fielding positions to outsmart batters

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic overarm bowling action
Understanding of wickets and stumps
Basic fielding positions
Simple cricket rules and scoring

Current Skills

Consolidating bowling accuracy and consistency
Developing tactical bowling variations
Strategic fielding placement
Team communication and leadership

Next Steps

Advanced bowling techniques including yorkers
Complex fielding strategies for different game phases
Match captaincy and tactical decision-making
Tournament-style competitive play

Milestone Indicators

Bowling 4 out of 6 balls on target consistently

Successfully varying pace and line during an over

Directing fielders effectively to support bowling

Adapting bowling tactics based on game situation

Key Teaching Points

Bowling accuracy and consistency are more important than pace - develop reliable technique first
Tactical thinking involves matching bowling variations to game situations and batter weaknesses
Communication between bowler and fielders is essential for successful tactical implementation
Learning from observation and adapting tactics during games shows advanced cricket understanding
Pressure situations reveal character - maintain technique and support teammates regardless of score
Every bowler has unique strengths - help students identify and develop their tactical advantages
Fair play and sportsmanship are as important as tactical success in developing cricket players

Common Misconceptions

Faster bowling is always better - emphasise accuracy and tactical variation over raw pace
Bowling tactics work instantly - explain that tactical success requires patience and practice
Only the best bowler should bowl important overs - highlight how different bowlers suit different situations
Fielding positions are fixed - demonstrate how fielding should adapt to bowling type and game situation
Unsuccessful tactics are failures - frame them as learning opportunities and stepping stones to improvement
Individual bowling success is more important than team tactics - emphasise collaborative strategic thinking

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity phases with regular changes, clear tactical focus points, movement-based learning opportunities

dyspraxia

Simplified bowling action initially, larger targets and equipment, extra practice time for technique development

autism spectrum

Clear visual routine cards for game phases, quiet reflection space available, predictable team roles and responsibilities

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and larger targets, provide verbal descriptions of fielding positions, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for tactical communication, written tactical plans, demonstration-heavy instruction methods

physical disability

Seated bowling variations, modified distances, larger and softer equipment, adapted fielding positions

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating bowling averages and strike rates, measuring distances for fielding positions, angles for bowling line and length, probability in tactical decision-making

Science

Forces and motion in different bowling techniques, projectile motion and ball trajectory, friction and spin effects, physics of ball bounce and pace

Geography

Understanding spatial awareness and field positioning, mapping fielding strategies, directional language and tactical placement

PSHE

Leadership skills in tactical planning, teamwork and communication, resilience when tactics don't work, respect for opponents and umpires

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with visibility of all practice stations, moving between groups during game application

Observation Focus

Bowling technique consistency, tactical application, team communication, safety compliance

Intervention Points

Step in when safety compromised, technique deteriorating significantly, or tactical understanding unclear

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for bowling variations, involve students in fielding position demonstrations, maintain enthusiasm for tactical thinking

Verbal Cues

•'High arm action over the fence!'
•'Communicate your plan to your fielders!'
•'Trust your technique under pressure!'
•'What would a tactical bowler do here?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m area, multiple cricket pitches if possible, clear boundaries marked

Surface Check

Level, dry surface free from holes or obstacles, suitable for running and bowling

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check cricket balls for damage - no cracks or hard spots
•Ensure stumps are stable and have no sharp edges
•Verify bats are appropriate size and weight for students
•Confirm boundary markers are visible and secure

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body during bowling practice
•Collisions between fielders and batters
•Slips and falls during quick fielding movements
•Equipment-related injuries from damaged items

Risk Mitigation

•Use appropriate soft balls for skill level and conditions
•Establish clear protocols for ball collection and return
•Ensure adequate spacing between practice groups
•Teach and enforce safe catching and fielding techniques

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all bowling practice areas simultaneously
•Monitor game areas for safe umpiring and fielding
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety
•Ensure equipment handling remains safe throughout lesson

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required