Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can modify bowling techniques for pace and spin bowling.

Key learning points

  1. Move: spin bowling uses a grip across the seam with a quick rotation of the fingers on release of the ball.
  2. Move: pace bowling requires a faster run up and more aggressive bowling action to deliver the ball as fast as possible.
  3. Think: different length deliveries will mean the ball arrives at the batter at different heights.
  4. Feel: achieving a successful delivery with spin takes lots of repetitive practice and perseverance.
  5. Connect: being quiet during your opponent's bowling action demonstrates respect and social etiquette.

Keywords

  • Off spin - a type of bowling in cricket where the ball spins from off side to leg side for a right-handed batter

  • Pace bowling - a type of cricket bowling that uses speed and bounce to challenge the batter

  • Length - the distance from the batter at which the ball pitches (bounces) on the pitch

Common misconception

Some pupils will think that success in bowling only comes if the ball hits the stumps.

In some situations, hitting the stumps is desirable, i.e., bowl a batter out / trap them lbw / win a bowl-out. However, all lengths have their uses and a good bowler can pitch the ball at a wide range of different lengths.

Teacher tip

Success with spin depends greatly on the surface being played on. The rougher the surface, the more chance the ball has of gripping and turning. A smooth sports hall floor could be quite frustrating to learn on. The type of ball is also hugely influential and should at least have a seam.

Equipment

wickets, balls, cones

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.
What can regular communication between teammates ensure?

Correct answer: all are present
no awkward silences
everyone is entertained

Q2.
Which is the most consistent way to catch?

Correct answer: two handed
one handed
juggling

Q3.
Which of these is not part of the action position taken up by a slip fielder?

legs slightly bent
Correct answer: feet together
leaning forward slightly

Q4.
When should you celebrate with a teammate?

they get out
they have lunch
Correct answer: they take catch

4 Questions

Q1.
What length should we aim to pitch at with pace bowling?

always good length
always yorker length
Correct answer: variety of lengths

Q2.
What does learning a difficult skill such as spin bowling require?

Correct answer: practice and perseverance
immediate success
natural talent

Q3.
Which of these lengths is most likely to hit the stumps?

short length
Correct answer: full length
good length

Q4.
How do we need to grip the ball when bowling spin?

along the seam
in the palm
Correct answer: across the seam

To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Games to develop spin and pace bowling, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...