🏏

Lesson 4 - Bowling Technique and Forward Drive

Cricket Skills Foundation

•

Year 7

•

Cricket

•

1h 2min

Big Question

How can mastering the coiled bowling technique and forward drive transform your cricket performance from amateur to competitive level?

Learning Objectives

Describe and demonstrate the coiled bowling technique with accurate line and length
Perform and evaluate the forward drive stroke with proper body mechanics
Provide constructive feedback to improve batting and bowling performance

Key Outcomes

Students will bowl with improved accuracy using the coiled technique
Students will demonstrate the forward drive with correct foot placement and follow-through
Students will assess peers' techniques and offer specific improvement strategies

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

15 (1 per 2 students)

Check bat handle grip and blade condition before use

Alternative: Tennis rackets for modified games

Tennis Balls

Ensure adequate bounce and condition for accurate bowling practice

Alternative: Wind balls, soft cricket balls

Stump Sets

6 sets (metal, wood, or plastic)

Space sets 20 metres apart for safety during bowling practice

Alternative: Cones with targets attached

iPads

6 (1 per group)

Ensure charged and loaded with video analysis apps

Alternative: Video cameras, smartphones

Cones

Use to mark boundaries, target areas, and safety zones

Alternative: Marker discs, hoops

Hoops

Create target zones for bowling accuracy practice

Alternative: Rope circles, chalk markings

Key Vocabulary

Coiled bowling technique

A bowling action where the bowler creates a coiled spring effect with their body to generate power and accuracy

Line and length

The direction (line) and distance (length) the ball travels to challenge the batsman effectively

Off-side

The side of the cricket field to the right of a right-handed batsman when facing the bowler

Forward drive

A batting stroke played with a straight bat, driving the ball along the ground towards the bowler

No ball

An illegal delivery in cricket that results in a penalty run and a free hit

Wicket keeper

The fielder positioned behind the stumps who collects the ball and can dismiss batsmen

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of cricket rules and scoring
Basic batting stance and grip

Current Skills

Coiled bowling technique development
Forward drive stroke technique
Performance analysis and feedback skills

Next Steps

Advanced bowling variations (yorkers, bouncers)
Full range of batting strokes
Match tactics and field placement

Milestone Indicators

Consistent legal deliveries

Controlled forward drive timing

Constructive peer coaching

Key Teaching Points

Coiled bowling technique requires side-on position and explosive energy release through the ball
Forward drive timing is crucial - step forward early and meet the ball as it rises
Line and length bowling to the off-side creates strategic pressure on batsmen
Peer assessment skills improve when students use specific technical vocabulary
Game application reveals whether techniques are truly mastered under pressure
Self-reflection and goal setting enhance learning progression and motivation
Safety in cricket comes from controlled practice speeds and adequate spacing

Common Misconceptions

Students think bowling faster always means bowling better - emphasise accuracy over pace
Many believe the forward drive should be played with a horizontal bat - stress vertical bat technique
Students often assume all bowling should be aimed at the stumps - teach strategic off-side bowling
Peer assessment is seen as criticism rather than helpful coaching - model constructive feedback
Students think cricket is only about individual skills - emphasise team strategy and cooperation
Students may believe technique doesn't matter in games - reinforce skill transfer importance
Assessment is often seen as testing rather than learning - show how it improves performance

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with regular changes, clear boundaries and expectations, immediate feedback and praise, movement breaks built in

dyspraxia

Larger equipment where possible, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step technique breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear routine and structure, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet zone available if overwhelmed, consistent partner pairings

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for guidance during activities

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations with exaggerated movements, written instruction cards, hand signals for communication during games

physical disability

Adapted bowling from seated position, modified bat grips, shorter distances for practice, alternative scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, clear communication when giving feedback, following and giving instructions

Maths

Calculating scoring rates, measuring bowling distances, angles of ball trajectory, statistical analysis of performance

Science

Physics of ball flight and bounce, biomechanics of bowling and batting actions, forces and motion in cricket

Geography

Understanding field positions and spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns during play

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, managing emotions in competitive situations, respect for opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during practice, central position during demonstrations, safety oversight during games

Observation Focus

Technical development, safe practice, positive peer interactions, skill transfer to game situations

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe practice occurs, provide technical correction when technique breaks down, mediate any disputes during games

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion technique breakdown, emphasise key body positions, invite skilled students to demonstrate, correct common errors immediately

Verbal Cues

•'Coil and release like a spring!'
•'Step to the ball for the forward drive!'
•'Line and length - pick your target!'
•'Soft hands for catching!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 60m for multiple cricket activities, indoor hall or outdoor field suitable

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from holes or debris, appropriate for cricket ball bounce

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check cricket bats for splinters or damage before use
•Ensure stumps are stable and positioned safely
•Verify tennis balls are in good condition for consistent bounce
•iPads protected in cases and handled carefully

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body during bowling practice
•Collisions between students during game play
•Injury from cricket bats during batting practice

Risk Mitigation

•20-metre minimum spacing between bowling practice areas
•Controlled bowling speeds using tennis balls
•Clear boundaries and safe zones marked with cones
•Wicket keepers positioned safely behind stumps

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple activities simultaneously
•Monitor bowling speeds and ensure controlled delivery
•Watch for proper technique to prevent injury
•Ensure fair play and safe game management

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required