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Lesson 2 - Bowling Technique and Rules

Foundations to Champions

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Year 6

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Rounders

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Big Question

How can I become a precise and strategic bowler in rounders?

Learning Objectives

To develop consistent underarm bowling technique
To understand and apply the rules of bowling in rounders
To identify and explain 'No Ball' situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate consistent underarm bowling accuracy
Students will understand the bowler's tactical role in rounders
Students will identify and explain 'No Ball' rules confidently

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

30 (1 per student minimum)

Distributed in equipment stations around playing area

Alternative: Soft rounders balls, foam balls for beginners

Rounders Equipment

5-8 depending on group size

Stored safely when not in use to prevent trips

Alternative: Cricket bats, tennis rackets for adaptation

Cones

35 for marking boundaries and bases

Used to create batting squares, bowling marks, and bases

Alternative: Marker discs, bean bags

Hoops

5.5 for target practice and bowling circles

Positioned for bowling target practice and game starts

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Key Vocabulary

Underarm bowling

A delivery where the ball is thrown below shoulder height with an upward arc

No Ball

An illegal delivery that doesn't meet the bowling rules

Batting square

The 2m x 2m area where the batter must stand to receive the ball

Backstop

The fielder positioned behind the batter to collect missed balls

Umpire

The official who makes decisions on whether deliveries are legal

Bowling action

The complete movement sequence from preparation to ball release

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of fair play and turn-taking
Experience with simple underarm actions

Current Skills

Developing consistent underarm bowling action
Understanding bowling rules and regulations
Applying technique under pressure in game situations

Next Steps

Advanced bowling tactics and placement
Reading batter's weaknesses
Full rounders game application

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accuracy over 7.5m distance

Quick identification of 'No Ball' situations

Tactical decision-making in game context

Key Teaching Points

Opposite foot forward creates better balance and accuracy in bowling
Point your fingers at the target as you release for better direction
Smooth pendulum action is more accurate than fast, jerky movements
All four bowling rules work together to ensure fair and safe play
The bowler controls the game pace and can prevent scoring through quick returns
Consistent technique under pressure separates good bowlers from great ones
Umpiring builds confidence and deep understanding of rules application

Common Misconceptions

Thinking faster bowling is always more effective - emphasise accuracy over speed
Believing same-side foot forward is correct - demonstrate proper stepping technique
Assuming overarm bowling is allowed - clarify underarm only rule
Thinking 'No Ball' only applies to height - explain all four rule categories
Believing the bowler's job ends at delivery - show importance of quick return to position

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent position changes, clear boundaries and expectations, additional movement breaks, simplified instructions

dyspraxia

Break down bowling action into smaller steps, use larger balls initially, extra practice time with support, visual guides for technique

autism spectrum

Clear, predictable routines for activities, visual schedules showing lesson structure, quiet zones for breaks if needed

visual impairment

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

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for umpiring calls, written rule cards for reference

physical disability

Seated bowling versions, modified distances and equipment, alternative roles like scorer or equipment manager

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances for bowling, calculating scoring in rounders, angles of delivery and field placement

Science

Forces and motion in bowling action, trajectory and gravity effects on ball flight, biomechanics of throwing

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of directions and field layout, mapping game strategies

PSHE

Fair play and rule adherence, teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, respect for officials

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Rotate between groups during practice, central position for demonstrations, clear sightlines to all activities

Observation Focus

Watch for correct stepping technique, monitor bowling accuracy progression, check understanding of rules application

Intervention Points

Step in when technique needs correction, support struggling umpires with decision-making, manage group rotations smoothly

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clear visibility, show both correct and incorrect techniques for contrast, involve students in demonstrations where safe

Verbal Cues

•'Step and point!'
•'Smooth like a pendulum!'
•'Between knee and head height!'
•'Ball back to bowler quickly!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area minimum 30m x 40m or large sports hall, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Even surface suitable for running, no wet or slippery areas, adequate grip for safe movement

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis balls are in good condition with no splits
•Ensure bats have secure handles and no damage
•Verify cones are not cracked or sharp
•Check hoops are intact with no rough edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions during running between bases
•Trips over equipment or base markers
•Overexertion during continuous activity

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established with adequate spacing between games
•Controlled bowling speed emphasised throughout
•Safe positioning taught for all playing roles
•Regular equipment checks and safe storage

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all bowling practice
•Monitor mini games for safe play and rule following
•Check appropriate intensity levels during warm-up
•Ensure immediate response to any 'No Ball' safety issues

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately on safety concern, assess injured student, provide appropriate first aid, clear area if necessary