Develop the overarm bowl with a run up to challenge the batting pair
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can bowl a ball with a run up and a variation of length bowled.
Key learning points
- Move: performing a gather at the end of the run up allows the bowler to take the side on position they need to bowl
- Move: sending the ball down the pitch at different lengths forces the batter into playing different shots.
- Think: varying the bowling length will keep the batter guessing and unable to get into a good rhythm.
- Feel: performing a successful run up, gather and delivery provides a sense of achievement.
- Connect: helping others to understand where their ball pitched will help them to adjust and improve their technique.
Keywords
Length - the distance from the batter’s stumps where the ball bounces
Popping crease - a line which the bowler must not pass before releasing the ball
Run up - the approach a bowler takes before releasing the ball
Common misconception
Pupils may believe that bowling should always be at the same length to be consistent. The phrase 'good length' might be part of the confusion.
Pupils should understand that as long as it is a legal ball, the length can vary. This is a good way to outwit the batter as different lengths create different challenges and keeps them guessing.
Teacher tip
This lesson is akin to a cricket nets session, lots of repeated actions focussed on bowling, with some batting, but not run scoring. Move experienced players on to the second section of the lesson very quickly, while beginners may need to remain in the first section - group pupils accordingly.
Equipment
wind balls, wickets, bats, stack of cones
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.When is a straight arm essential in cricket?
Q2.What is it called if the batter can’t hit the bowled ball because it’s too far away?
Q3.How can learning complex skills help stress?
Q4.When should you point to the target with the bowling arm?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is good about a good length?
Q2.What length should the bowler use?
Q3.What position does the gather allow the bowler to get into?
Q4.How can mastering a complex sequence of movements make us feel?
To help you plan your 8 physical education lesson on: Develop the overarm bowl with a run up to challenge the batting pair, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 physical education lesson on: Develop the overarm bowl with a run up to challenge the batting pair, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 3 physical education lessons from the Striking and fielding games: competition and performance analysis in cricket unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.