New
New
Year 5

Bowling

I can bowl overarm accurately and with control from a standing position.

New
New
Year 5

Bowling

I can bowl overarm accurately and with control from a standing position.

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: bowling from above our head requires a side-on stance with a straight arm.
  2. Move: after releasing the ball, we follow through towards the target with our bowling arm.
  3. Think: identifying strengths and weaknesses in our bowling technique can help improve the accuracy of our bowls.
  4. Feel: continuing to work hard to improve our bowling technique shows great self-motivation.
  5. Connect: asking team members for help if we are struggling with our overarm bowling shows that we have trust.

Keywords

  • Accuracy - the ability to control where we send an object

  • Overarm bowl - the action of bowling with the arm swinging from behind the body, over the head, releasing the ball on the down swing without bending the elbow

  • Follow through - a bowler's body actions after the release of the ball to stabilise their body

Common misconception

Pupils bend their bowling arm and use an overarm throwing motion when releasing the ball, rather than using the correct cricket bowling action.

Ensure pupils are using a straight arm and proper follow through when bowling. Pupils should focus on becoming confident with this technique before attempting to apply more speed and power.


To help you plan your year 5 physical education lesson on: Bowling, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Show pupils to hold the ball with 2 fingers apart on top of the ball and their thumb underneath it. This will help with their release and allow pupils to vary their bowling type as they become more confident.
Teacher tip

Equipment

1 tennis ball between 2, 16x cricket stumps/ targets, 1 cricket bat between 4 pupils.

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
What type of game is cricket?
invasion game
net game
Correct answer: striking and fielding
Q2.
Where should you aim when batting?
at the fielders
Correct answer: into open space
towards the sky
Q3.
How can you cooperate with your team?
Correct answer: encourage them
ignore them
by winning
Q4.
What is not a benefit of using tactics?
Correct answer: missing the ball
increased teamwork
outwit opponents

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
How should you stand to the target when overarm bowling in cricket?
face on
facing away
Correct answer: sideways on
Q2.
When bowling in cricket, how should your bowling arm be when you release the ball and follow through?
bent
Correct answer: straight
to the side
Q3.
If you are bowling with your right arm, which foot should you step forwards with as you release the ball and follow through?
Correct answer: your right foot
your left foot
both feet
Q4.
What are you demonstrating when you continue to try hard to improve your bowling technique?
Correct answer: self-motivation
communication
honesty