New
New
Year 4

Fielding: bowling and backstop

I can perform the role of bowler and backstop to help develop my fielding skills in racing rounders.

New
New
Year 4

Fielding: bowling and backstop

I can perform the role of bowler and backstop to help develop my fielding skills in racing rounders.

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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: step forwards with the opposite foot to throwing arm, eyes on the target and follow through to ensure a good bowl.
  2. Move: a backstop must position themselves behind the batter with hands up to receive the ball.
  3. Think: a good ball involves the ball travelling through the batting square above the knee and below the shoulder.
  4. Feel: we demonstrate resilience when working hard to improve our bowling or backstop technique.
  5. Connect: asking teammates to help when we are struggling with our technique shows that we have excellent trust.

Keywords

  • Underarm throw - throwing the ball from below the shoulder level

  • Bowling - throwing the ball underarm to the batter

  • Backstop - the player positioned directly behind the batter to receive the ball after it is bowled

Common misconception

When bowling, pupils prioritise throwing the ball with as much force as possible.

Ensure pupils understand that applying force to their bowls is beneficial, but good accuracy is essential to ensure 'no balls' aren't thrown. Pupils should focus on developing excellent accuracy before attempting to apply more force.


To help you plan your year 4 physical education lesson on: Fielding: bowling and backstop, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Allowing pupils to aim at different sized objects and over different distances with larger balls, softer balls and beanbags can help pupils develop their accuracy and execution of the throw. Ensure the backstop is stood a safe distance away from the batter.
Teacher tip

Equipment

1 hoop between 4 pupils, 1 tennis ball between 2, 30+ cones, beanbags.

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.
Which word describes using your hand to send an object through the air?

kick
Correct answer: throw
catch

Q2.
What can reduce the accuracy of a throw?

the sun
friends
Correct answer: too much speed

Q3.
What is the role of the fielders?

Correct answer: prevent opponents scoring
score points
hit the ball

Q4.
How can you develop trust with teammates?

Correct answer: support each other
always win
ignore them

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Which throwing technique do you use when bowling in rounders?

it doesn't matter
Correct answer: underarm
overarm

Q2.
Where should the backstop be positioned?

beside the batter
behind the bowler
Correct answer: behind the batter

Q3.
How can you use your teammates to help you to improve?

Correct answer: ask for support
ignore them
take their turn

Q4.
When bowling in rounders, what should you focus on first?

bowling power
spinning the ball
Correct answer: bowling accuracy