Bowling (Cricket)

Cricket bowling can be introduced during the early years, and further developed in Year's 2 and 3.
Teaching cues
- Little Star - bring your fist together at your chest.
- Big star - open arms out wide.
- Rock - rock on your back foot.
- Bowl - bring your arm with the ball up straight and let the ball go.
Teaching strategies
- Focus on the basics: a straight arm action, proper grip and a side-on stance.
- Stepping through the action in stages with instruction can help build coordination and confidence.
- Focus on short distances - have children bowl over shorter distances to build confidence and control.
- Use visual aids - mark run-up spots and foot placement with cones, chalk, rope or foot/flat markers.
Fun Games
- Play games like Ready Aim Fire (modified with cricket bowling) or Rapid Fire Bowling to introduce the skill of bowling.
Teaching Cues for Developing Bowling Technique:
- Hold – hold the ball with two fingers apart on top and your thumb underneath.
- Run Up – start running towards the target with your arms close to your body.
- Back Step & Transfer – take a big step or jump, plant your front foot, drop your elbow and shift your weight to your front leg.
- Windmill & Release – swing your arm like a windmill, keeping it straight and release the ball when your arm is at the highest point. Finish by letting your arm swing across your body.
Fun Games
- Progress to activities like Take Wickets or Cricket Pair-Up, or modify the games above to make them more challenging.
- Introduce more advanced games like Continuous Cricket or Diamond Cricket to challenge bowling skills.
Skill criteria
- Grip the ball with fingers across the seam for control.
- Start side-on to the target, with the back foot parallel to the crease.
- Eyes on the target (stumps or batter’s intended area).
- Step forward with the front foot, driving momentum toward the target.
- Rotate the shoulders and hips as the bowling arm comes over the top.
- Release the ball with a straight arm at the highest point for accuracy and speed.
- Follow through with your body moving toward the target, finishing balanced.
Common errors
- Bent Arm: Forgetting to keep the arm straight when bowling.
- Grip: Holding the ball too tight or not across the seam.
- Stance: Not standing side-on to the target.
- Timing: Letting go of the ball too early or too late.
- Follow-Through: Stopping after bowling instead of finishing strong toward the target.
- Run-Up: Running too fast, too slow, or in a crooked line.
- Focus: Not looking at the stumps or where you want the ball to go.
- Stepping Over the Line: Stepping past the crease and giving away a no-ball.