Bowling (Cricket)

soccer kicking

Cricket bowling can be introduced during the early years, and further developed in Year's 2 and 3. 

Teaching cues
  1. Little Star - bring your fist together at your chest. 
  2. Big star - open arms out wide. 
  3. Rock - rock on your back foot. 
  4. 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

Teaching Cues for Developing Bowling Technique: 

  1. Hold – hold the ball with two fingers apart on top and your thumb underneath. 
  2. Run Up – start running towards the target with your arms close to your body. 
  3. Back Step & Transfer – take a big step or jump, plant your front foot, drop your elbow and shift your weight to your front leg. 
  4. 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

Skill criteria
  1. Grip the ball with fingers across the seam for control.
  2. Start side-on to the target, with the back foot parallel to the crease.
  3. Eyes on the target (stumps or batter’s intended area).
  4. Step forward with the front foot, driving momentum toward the target.
  5. Rotate the shoulders and hips as the bowling arm comes over the top.
  6. Release the ball with a straight arm at the highest point for accuracy and speed.
  7. 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.

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