Lesson 2 - Bowling Technique and Rules
Foundations to Champions
•Year 6
•Rounders
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Distributed in equipment stations around playing area
Alternative: Soft rounders balls, foam balls for beginners
Stored safely when not in use to prevent trips
Alternative: Cricket bats, tennis rackets for adaptation
Used to create batting squares, bowling marks, and bases
Alternative: Marker discs, bean bags
Positioned for bowling target practice and game starts
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
Key Vocabulary
A delivery where the ball is thrown below shoulder height with an upward arc
An illegal delivery that doesn't meet the bowling rules
The 2m x 2m area where the batter must stand to receive the ball
The fielder positioned behind the batter to collect missed balls
The official who makes decisions on whether deliveries are legal
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
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