Cricket Bowling: Straight-Arm Target Challenge
A technique progression for cricket bowling, where the arm swings over the head fully straight without bending the elbow. In groups of three, students try to bounce the ball in a marked zone and knock down the wicket. They practice technique, accuracy, and analyzing a sport skill.
How to play
- Form groups of three: bowler, keeper behind the wicket, and scorer. Each group builds a three-cone wicket with a hoop 10 ft in front as the bounce zone (2 min).
- Phase 1, kneeling at 20 ft: the bowler swings a straight arm like a windmill and releases at the top. Five balls each, then rotate roles (4 min).
- Phase 2, standing sideways at 25 ft: lead shoulder pointing at the wicket, straight arm over the head, and a step forward on release (5 min).
- Phase 3, three-step run-up from 33 ft: add the delivery stride and bowl without stopping the run (5 min).
- In each set, the scorer gives 1 point for a bounce in the hoop, 2 for hitting the wicket, and 3 for both, and calls out any bent elbow.
- Finish with a challenge: each group totals its points over 10 balls per person (4 min).
Rules
- Safety: groups line up side by side, 13 ft apart, all bowling the same direction.
- A ball bowled with a bent elbow doesn't score.
- Nobody collects balls until their line finishes the set.
Variations
Easier
Bowl kneeling or standing from 20 ft at a bigger hoop.
Standard
Progression out to 33 ft with a three-step run-up.
Harder
Add a batter with a soft bat who tries to defend the wicket.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student bowls seated, using phase 1 at an adjusted distance.
- Hearing impairment: the scorer shows the points with their fingers.
- Skill level: advanced students can try bouncing the ball closer to the wicket.
Learning goals
- Perform a cricket bowling action with a straight arm.
- Adjust the bounce point to hit the wicket.
- Tell the difference between cricket bowling and a baseball throw.
Equipment for a class of 25
- tennis balls: 18
- cones: 27
- hoops: 9
Teacher tip
The most common mistake is throwing like a baseball pitcher with a bent elbow, so have the scorer watch only the elbow. Warm up shoulders well before phase 3.
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