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      An effective bowler, backstop and first base partnership

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can send and receive a ball using the underarm bowling technique to a target area.

      Key learning points

      1. Move : bowling requires a pendulum arm action with the arm straight, stepping in the direction you want the ball to go.
      2. Move: when throwing to a fielder you use a continuous motion from catching to cushion, secure and then release the ball.
      3. Think: carefully choosing an appropriate throwing technique will increase the chance of run out opportunities.
      4. Feel: working together with fielding teammates to secure a run out provides a sense of achievement.
      5. Connect: compassion is shown to your teammate fielder by altering your throwing speed and power to meet their needs.

      Keywords

      • Out - a batter is out if the fielder touches the post with the ball before the batter touches the post

      • Bowling - the action of accurately delivering the ball underarm by the bowler to the batter

      • Backstop - the fielder directly behind the batter, whose role is to catch missed balls and return them quickly to the bases

      Common misconception

      Pupils struggle with their release point when bowling underarm which results in an illegal bowling action. Pupils are too slow to throw from backstop to first base when trying to run the batter out.

      Pupils should focus on a smooth pendulum action when bowling to ensure that the ball is bowled between knee and head height and to the side of the batter. When backstop has the ball, focus on a flat, hard throw to first base to run the batter out.

      Teacher tip

      There are a lot of rules involved in striking and fielding games, therefore different conditioned games should be used before playing a full version of the game. Conditioned games can allow you to focus on different skills each week and slowly build up pupils' knowledge.

      Equipment

      1 ball per pair (choice of different balls), a stack of cones and hoops, bowling targets (stumps, hoops)

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - physical activity

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Which foot do you transfer your weight on to when hitting the ball?

      Correct answer: front
      back
      either

      Q2.
      What should you always be watching when running between bases?

      the bowler
      Correct answer: the ball
      the backstop

      Q3.
      What action should your backswing have when hitting the ball?

      fast
      Correct answer: smooth
      low

      Q4.
      What do you change with your batting action if you want to hit the ball in different directions?

      The speed
      The height
      Correct answer: The angle

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of the following words is associated with a bowling arm action?

      Rolling
      Correct answer: Pendulum
      Overarm

      Q2.
      What do the batting team gain if a bowler bowls two inaccurate or ‘no balls’ in a row?

      Correct answer: 1/2 rounder
      rounder
      nothing

      Q3.
      What should a backstop look to do after catching the ball?

      hold it
      release it slowly
      Correct answer: release it quickly

      Q4.
      When you have bowled the ball, where should your arm face in the follow through?

      Correct Answer: The target, target

      To help you plan your 7 physical education lesson on: An effective bowler, backstop and first base partnership, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...