Softball in Schools

8/8/2019 Softball in Schools

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The International Softball Federationpresents

A program to help teachers and administrators introduce the sport of softball into

their classrooms and school s stems


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TABLE OF CONTENTSPurpose of this ManualWhat Is Softball?EquipmentThe Playing Field or PitchThe Game of Softball The Skills of Softball

- Hitting- Catching- Throwing- Baserunning- Pitching

Ways to Make Softball More FUN for Children:- Shorten the distances for smaller children

- Shorten the game length

- Introduce different types of softball games just for children

Sample Skill Lessons Softball Terms & Words


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PURPOSE OF THIS MANUALThe purpose of this manual is to help our International Softball Federation (ISF)

member federations/associations introduce softball into their school systems.

Within this manual you will learn about the type of equipment used in softball, the

type of field or pitch that softballs played on, the basic concept of softball, how the

game is played, how you win and some simple rules. Toward the end of this manual,

and after youve learned about the game itself, youll be introduced to some

different methods for making softball fun for younger children to learn, and some

lesson plans for introducing softball into your school system. As with every sport,

theres much more to it at the elite level than what will be covered in this manual,

but the goal is to introduce you to an exciting sport for children of all ages to play in

a recreational format. If youre interested in learning more of the advanced skills

involved with the game of softball, contact your national softball

federation/association, or the International Softball Federation. Now, lets get

started!

WHAT IS SOFTBALL?First, lets talk about the game of SOFTBALL. What is Softball? Softball is a VERY

exciting game thats played by more than 20 million women and men, girls and

boys all over the world.

There are two main versions of softball: FAST PITCH and SLOW PITCH. In both

versions the ball is pitched underhand by the player called the pitcher. In fast

pitch, the ball is pitched in a straight or flat line to the catcher as fast as

possible. Sometimes thats not very fast if the players are young or just learning

the position, while at the top levels of softball, like in the Olympic Games,

pitched balls will travel over 112 km (70 mph) per hour! In Slow Pitch the ball is

pitched toward the batter in an arc that travels slowly thus the name slow

pitch.

Fast Pitch SlowPitch


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OBJECT OF THE GAME: The object of a softball game is to score the mostruns at the end of seven innings. A run can only be scored by the offensive

team, and occurs when a runner gets on base by hitting a pitched ball and

advancing safely around all three bases and then finally touching home plate.

An Inning is what you call it after both teams have been on offense and

each gotten 3 outs.. A softball game has 7 innings and the team with the

most runs after 7 innings wins!

Softball is similar in some ways to many different types of bat & ball sports

played around the world. Sports played throughout different regions of the

world such as Cricket, Rounders and Pesapallo are

similar in many ways to softball. If you or your students

know of one of these games, then teaching softball to

them will be easier if you can focus on the similarities of

the two games. Once the players understand they are

learning a similar game to one they already know it will

be easier for them to learn softball since it wont seem

so completely different.

EQUIPMENTSoftball can be played with only two pieces of equipment; a ball and a bat,

although in most cases, the players will need to have gloves, bases, batting

helmets and catching gear. Lets take a look at the different pieces of softball

equipment.

Slow Pitch

The Ball

The ball is probably the most important piece of equipment used

in a softball game, but unlike the name suggests, a regulationsoftball is not soft. The ball is round with a circumference of

30.2cm (12 inches) and a weight of 166.5g (6 oz.). Its also optic

yellow in color with red stitches to make it easier for the batterto see.


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The Bat

The bat is by far the most exciting piece of softball

equipment because everyone loves hitting the ball

with it. Bats are usually made of very high grade

graphite, carbon, magnesium, ceramic, or some

combination. They can no be no longer than 34

inches (86.4cm) and weigh no more than 38 oz

(1077g). Its OK for bats to be made of wood if theyare not used in ISF championship play.

The Glove

A glove is used by every player on the defensive team. These

players are called fielders since they play a position

someplace on the playing field. Gloves are made of leather

and have an area between the thumb and first finger thats

called the pocket. This area allows for the ball to be caughtwithout hurting the fielders hand.

Catchers Gear

This equipment is only worn by the catcher and its to protect

that player from pitched or batted balls since pitched balls in

Fastpitch can travel at or near 100km an hour (70mph at the

really good skill level. The mask is made of a strong, lightweight

metal with soft padding to cushion the players face. The chest

protector is made of padded cloth, and the leg (or shin) guards

are made of very strong plastic that bend at the knees andankles so the catcher can move around easily.

Batting Helmets

A batting helmet is used by the batter and all

base runners to protect themselves from any

stray balls that might either be thrown out of

bounds or pitched poorly.


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The ISF understands that finding softball equipment may be a

challenge for you so we have an Equipment Program available

to our member federations/associations. Please contact yournational softball federation/association to request ISF Softball

Starter Kits (that include all of the equipment listed on pages

4-5) to help introduce and develop softball in your school and area.

PLAYING FIELD or PITCHSoftball is played outside on a grass and dirt surface that is called a softball

field or softball pitch. A regulation softball field/pitch looks like this:

On a regulation softball field/pitch, the outfield is usually grass and the infield

is usually a very smooth, firm dirt. But, the great thing about softball is that you

can usually play it on whatever surface you have available to you, like afootball/soccer field, a hockey pitch/field, an empty field, a park or any place

where you can find some room. The flatter the ground the better it will be for

the players so that the ball bounces evenly. If the ball hits a rock it can bounce

up and strike a player and thats not fun for anyone.

Outfield

Infield

NOTE:


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Positions -

The numbers that you see listed on the field diagram below show the positions

where the players on defense play:

Bases -

A softball field/pitch has four bases on it located in the shape of a diamond

(which is why a softball field is often called a softball diamond). The bases are

equal distance apart. In addition to these four bases, there is also a pitchers

rubber or pitchers plate on the playing field. Its located in the middle of the

bases as shown on the diagram on page 8.

The bases each have names and they are as follows:

Home Plate this is the base where the batter stands, where the pitcher throws theball over, where the catcher/ and umpire stand behind and where the offensive team

tries to reach in order to score a run. It is also the only one of the four bases that is not

a square. Home Plate is a five sided base that is shaped as follows:

1st Base this is located to the right of home plate and is always the firstbase that therunner runs to thus the name.

2nd Base this is the next base the runner runs to and is located on the top of thediamond directly across from home plate and in back of the pitchers plate/pitchersrubber.

3rd Base is the next base after 2ndbase that a runner will run to and is the last base arunner touches before running to home plate.

1 = Pitcher2 = Catcher3 = 1st Baseplayer4 = 2nd Baseplayer5 = 3 rd Baseplayer6 = Shortstop7 = LeftFielder8 = CenterFielder9 = RightFielder


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Distances -

For a regulation softball field/pitch the distances are as follows:

BASES 60 feet apart (18.29m)PITCHING DISTANCE 43 Feet (13.11m) from home plate for women

46 Feet (14.0m) from home plate for Men

OUTFIELD FENCES - 220 Feet (67.1m) from home plate for women250 Feet (76.2m) from home plate for men

2nd Base

1st

Base

Home PlateBatters Box

3rd Base

Pitchers

Plate/Rubber


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THE GAME OF SOFTBALLHow Do You Play?

There are two teams in softball; one team is on offense and the other team is on

defense. This is common with most team sports where the attacking team is on

offense and the team defending the goal is on defense.

OFFENSE: In softball the offensive team sends one player at a time up to batwith a piece of equipment called a bat. (see the Equipment Section for more

information on a bat). This player stands next to home plate (shown in the Field

Layout on page 7) and tries to hit the ball as its pitched by the defensive teams

pitcher.

DEFENSE: The Defensive team has nine players on the field at a time, each oneplaying one of the nine defensive positions that are spread around the field as

shown on page 7.

Offensive Team Objectives:

The offensive team sends one player at a time up to bat. This player stands next

to home plate and tries to hit the ball that the defensive player called the pitcher

is tossing underhanded to the catcher over home plate.

The batters objective is to hit the ball as far as possible.

Once the ball is hit the batter runs to 1stbase (see page 7) or advances to as many

bases as possible without being put out. (see defensive section below regarding

outs).

A runner advances safely (another way of saying the runner is not put out) by not

being touched by a defensive player holding the ball or by getting to the next base

before the defense can get the ball to that same base.

Once an offensive player touches all three bases and home plate without the

defensive team putting them out, that team scores one run.Only the offensive team, which is the one referred to as up to bat, is able to score

runs.

The team with the most runs in seven innings wins the game.

Each teams part of the inning (which refers to the part of the inning when that team is on offense) ends

when three of its batters have been ruled out.


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Defensive Team Objectives:

The defending teams objective is to get three outs and not allow the offensive team

to score.

The defense gets an offensive player OUT by the following:

a. A ball that is hit by the batter (offensive player) is caught in the air by anydefensive player before it bounces.

b. The ball bounces before it gets to a defensive player, and that player thenthrows the ball to the base where a baserunner is going, before the

runner gets there.

c. A defensive player with the ball touches a baserunner with the ball whilethe runner is not standing on any of the bases.

d. The batter gets three strikes without hitting a fair ball (a fair ball isany ball hit in the portion of the field where the defense plays the

infield or the outfield)

e. An offensive player is also out if a batted they are hit by a batted ballwhile not standing on a base.

Whats a Strike?

The Strike Zone is the area shown in the box in the above picture it is thearea between the batters knees and armpits directly over homeplate. The strike

zone is not anything that actually sits above homeplate, but rather an imagined

or envisioned rectangle, directly over homeplate between the knees and armpits

of the batter. Its the umpires job (who is positioned directly behind the

catcher) to determine if the pitch passed through this imaginary area.

A Strike is any of the following:A pitch that goes through the strike zone without being

hit,

a pitch the batter swings at and completely misses, or,

A pitch that the batter swings at and hits into foulterritory.


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Fair Balls and Foul Balls -

A Fair Ball is any ball hit into the playing field between the two white linesalong the sides of the field that are also known as foul lines.

A Foul Ball is any ball hit that:Goes backwards

Stops moving outside the fair ball territory.

After being hit in the air (called a fly ball) does not land in fair ball territory or is

touched by the defense while outside of the fair ball area.

On a ground ball (a ball thats hit on the ground) is either touched by the defensewhile its in the foul ball area or stops rolling in the foul ball area.

THE SKILLS OF SOFTBALLIn order to play softball your students will need to learn the basic skills involved

with running and hitting as well as stopping a ball and throwing a ball.

The basic skills of softball include the following:Hitting (also called Batting)CatchingThrowingBaserunningPitching

Foul lines


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HITTINGThis skill is also called batting and its considered the most fun of all the skills

in softball. Once a player is able to hit a pitched ball, its a very exciting thing to

do. The skill does takes good hand-eye coordination and good timing but can

be made easier for younger children who have yet to fully develop such skills.

The batter hits with a bat (see Equipment page 7) that they hold with both

hands, placing their weakest hand closest to the small end (or knob) of the bat.

The batter stands in the batters box facing sideways to the pitcher with their

bellybutton facing and even with home plate. They turn their head to look at the

pitcher, since the pitcher is tossing the ball that the batter can try to hit it.

To hit the ball, the batter will:

Take a small step toward the pitcher with the foot closest to thepitcher.

With both hands, swing the bat at the ball trying to make contact

with the ball just before it crosses homeplate.

The batters weight should shift forward as they hit the ball.

After they make contact the batter should drop the bat and run to 1st

Base..

CATCHINGAlthough there is a position in softball called the catcher, in this section weretalking about any player who catches a ball that has either been hit or thrown

to them by another player.

To get ready to catch a thrown ball a player should have her/his

feet shoulder-width apart, and knees slightly bent and relaxed.

The arms should be relaxed with the hands in front of their body

and their glove ready.

The player catches the ball with their glove, placing their body

behind the ball whenever possible. They also want to try and

catch with two hands whenever possible. Have the player bend

their elbows slightly when catching the ball to absorb some of

the speed of the ball.

If the ball is thrown to either side of the player they should move

their feet and try to get their body in front of the ball.

If the ball is above the players waist then their fingers should be

pointing upward when they catch the ball.

If the ball is below their waist when they catch it then their

fingers should be pointing down. On low throws, both hands

should go down for the catch and you should bend at your

knees.


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THROWINGThrowing is how defensive players get the ball from one player to another. They

throw the ball through the air to a teammate in order to try and get one of the

offensive players out (by getting the ball to the base before the runner gets to

that same base, or by getting the ball to a teammate in order to tag a

baserunner with the ball while she/he is off of one of the bases). Note

defensive players DO NOT throw balls at the baserunners.

To throw a ball a player must:

Hold the ball firmly in their fingers without squeezing it too hard (or else it

wont be easy to let go of).

The throwing motion involves two separate actions or movements:

1) The movement of the hand (and arm) with the ball in a circlular motion.2) A step by the foot opposite of the hand the player uses to throw with. (for

instance, if the player is throwing the ball with her/his right hand, then

she/he will step using her left foot.)

The player starts the ball in front of her/his body at her/his waist,

then takes the ball back in a circular motion (shown by the dotted

line in the picture to the left).

At the same time they are taking the ball back, the player steps

forward toward their target with their opposite side foot as seen inthis picture.

To release the ball the player will complete the circular motion

of their hand and the ball (as seen in the picture to the right),

and let go of the ball when their hand is facing their target.

Catching and throwing should be practiced

everyday as they are the most important skills

in softball.


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BASERUNNINGBaserunning is what a player does after theyve hit the ball and started to

run around the bases. Players always run in a counterclockwise direction

around the bases as shown here:

Baserunners should only run as far toward

the next base as they think they can go

before being tagged with the ball by the

defense. And, baserunners should always

wear their helmets to protect their head in

case they are hit by a thrown or batted ball.

PITCHINGAs we mentioned near the beginning of this manual, there are two

different types of ways to play the game of softball: fastpitch andslowpitch.

Pitching is the skill that starts a softball game by the person playing the

pitching position pitching the ball underhanded to the catcher. The

object is to throw, or pitch, the ball over homeplate so

that it goes in an area between the batters knees and

armpits.

The steps involved in (FASTPITCH) pitching a ball

underhand are very similar to whats required to throw

one overhand; the player makes a circle with their arm

Keep in mind when throwing the ball will go in the direction

their hand was pointing when they let go of the ball.


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(and the ball) and takes a step toward the target with the opposite side

foot. The big difference between throwing and pitching being that players

will throw overhand and they will pitch underhand.

.

In the second picture you can see what it looks like

when the pitcher lets go of the ball. While this is a

picture of a very elite softball pitcher who is using a

lot of force to release the ball very fast, a young

player wont put this much power into their pitch.

Its very common to see young pitchers, or pitchers that are new to the

skill of pitching, pitch very carefully trying not to make a mistake. In the

process they will usually throw it pretty slow and wont have a lot of

control over where the ball goes. Thats common and is part of learning

the position. One thing that can help new pitchers learn this skill easier is

to tell them:

Try and let go of the ball at the same time that their stepping foot

hits the ground.

The ball will go where their hand points when they let go of it.

If (see photo at left) we look at a pitcher in

her/his motion we will see her/him in a position

that looks a lot like the one we saw earlier of theplayer throwing the ball overhand.


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If they get frustrated while learning then try to place them closer to a wall

or backstop or something that will limit how far they have to go to chase

a bad pitch.

SLOWPITCH pitching is easier to learn for young children and involves the

pitcher still pitching the ball underhand but

angling, or looping, the ball up into the air to

deliver it to the catcher. The ball will usually go

higher than the batters head on its way down to

the catcher, but it must still pass through the

strike zone (the area over homeplate and

between the batters knees and armpits) in order

to be called a strike.

You can find more details on the softball

skills by watching the ISF instructional videos

available either from your National Softball

Federation/Association, or from the ISF:

([email protected]). These videos

are available in both NTSC and PAL formats inboth English and Spanish.

NOTE:


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USE SMALLER DISTANCES Instead of the regulation distances forthe bases and pitching rubber/plate, shorten the distances to make

it easier for children with smaller legs to run the bases and enjoy

the game. Dont be afraid to scale the distances down to what you

feel is appropriate for the size of players youre dealing with. To

help get you started here are some suggestions:

Please keep in mind that these are just suggestions and not anything that

must be followed. You might find that a shorter pitching distance but the

listed bases distance works best for the age group youre working with

thats OK. Dont be afraid to try something different in regards to

distances.

USE SMALLER TIME FRAMES A regulation softball game lasts seveninnings, but thats far too long if youre an eight or ten year old. So,

use shorter or smaller time frames for younger children. Instead ofseven innings try letting everyone bat once on each team and then

the games over. Or, only play three innings. Just know that young

children have a shorter attention span than adults, so shortening

the game length can help children with shorter attention spans.

USE EASIER VERSIONS OF THE REGULATION GAME As youngchildren learn the game of softball their skills arent yet developedenough to play the regulation version played in the Olympic Games.

So, instead of everyone getting frustrated trying to pitch a ball to

the catcher, hit a ball off a pitcher, field a ball thats been hit by a

batter and throw out a runner going to 1st base, this manual offers

different types of Lead Up Game versions of softball. These lead

Ages: Pitching Distance: Bases Distance: Regulation Ball Size:

8 and Under 30 feet (9.144 m) 50 feet (15.24 m) 9 inches (22.86 cm)10 and Under 35 feet (10.66 m) 55 feet (16.764 m) 11 inches (27.94 cm)12 and Under 35feet (10.66 m) 60 feet (18.28 m) 11 inches (27.94 cm)14 and Under 40 feet (12.19 m) 60 feet (18.28 m) 12 inches (30.48 cm)16 and Under 40 feet (12.19 m) 60 feet (18.28 m) 12 inches (30.48 cm)


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up games will help your players lead up to the regulation game,

and do so in a fun and helpful way. Different examples of Lead Up

Games follow in this manual, and will make it FUN for your young

children to learn this great game of SOFTBALL!

SAMPLE SKILL LESSONSWhat follows are lessons to help you teach the different skills of softball

to your students. You will also find many varieties of Lead Up Games

those versions of softball that involve throwing, hitting, catching and

running, but that do so in a manner thats altered to make the game

easier and more fun for young children to learn.

The best way to use these different lessons would be to pick one or two

different skills and a lead up game to try and teach each time you meet

with your students. Doing so would take about an hour, so if you have

more time you could use more lessons, and if you have less time you can

eliminate a few to allow for the shorter teaching time.

The key to your students learning softball is for them to have FUN in the

process. Its not important that they perform all the skills correctly or

play the elite-level version of the game right away. It IS important that

they enjoy learning the skills and look forward to coming back and

learning more.

Below are the different skill lessons that will help you work on some of

the different softball skills. Youll notice that all of the softball skills are

not listed, because hitting is best practiced during the Lead Up Games

and it usually takes a lot of extra equipment and space to individually

practice this skill. Those are two things that teachers usually dont have

much of.

Many of these Skill Lessons and Lead Up Games were taking from Softball Canadas program -

Learn to Play. This is an excellent program that you can learn more about by visiting Softball

Canadas website: htt ://www.so tball.ca/so tballincanada/news.as x


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SKILLS & LESSONS:Baserunning

- Gimme 5

- 4,3,2,1

Hi t t i ng

- Dry Swings

Pi tch ing

- Walk & Pitch (without a ball)

- Walk & Pitch (with a ball)

- Big Ball Pitch

- High, Low

Throw ing & Ca tch ing

- Power Ball

- Sky Ball

- Reach The Coach

- Spell Your Name

- Bigfoot

- Homerun

- 15 Up

- Hot Potato

- Goal Ball

Lead Up Games

- Diamond Orientation

- Scrub

- Dizzy Izzy

- Skip Ball

- Far Base

- Bucket Ball

- Freeze the Runner- 10 Minute Softball

- Minnie Ball

- Field 3

- Semi Circle Softball

- RoadRunner

NOTE:Within some of these Skill Lessons you

will notice that a piece of equipment ismentioned that is not listed in theEQUIPMENT section of this manual.

That item is a BATTING T. Its not

mentioned in EQUIPMENT because it is atraining device and NOT something that is

used during a regulation softball game. A

Batting T is a hard rubber or plastic stickthat sets just in front of home plate. A ball

is placed on the T to make it easier to hitsince its just sitting there and not moving

toward them as it would be if it were beingpitched. This aids the learning process foryounger players. Below is a picture of a

child hitting off of a batting T.


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BASERUNNING

ACTIVITY 1

SKILLS: running through 1B, speed development

EQUIPMENT: 4 bases

ORGANIZATION: put bases down 30'- 40' from players. Form 4 groups of 3

ACTIVITY:

players (X), in turn, take a swing at an imaginary ball,

after the swing players drop the bat and run as fast as possible past their base, givecoach (C) a high 5

players then return to the base as if running to 2B, touch base

after retouching the base players shout GREEN LIGHT to next player in linesignaling them to leave

make sure players are running full speed across the bag, slowing down only aftertouching it

GIMME 5 (5 minutes)

X X X

X X X

X X X

X X X

C

C

C

C

BASERUNNING

ACTIVITY 1

SKILLS: running through 1B, speed development

EQUIPMENT: 4 bases

ORGANIZATION: put bases down 30'- 40' from players. Form 4 groups of 3

ACTIVITY:

players (X), in turn, take a swing at an imaginary ball,

after the swing players drop the bat and run as fast as possible past their base, givecoach (C) a high 5


after retouching the base players shout GREEN LIGHT to next player in linesignaling them to leave

make sure players are running full speed across the bag, slowing down only aftertouching it

GIMME 5 (5 minutes)

X X X

X X X

X X X

X X X

C

C

C

C

X X X

X X X

X X X

X X X

C

C

C

C


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THROWING & CATCHING

ACTIV ITY 1 POWERBALL (5 minutes)

THROWING & CATCHING

ACTIV ITY 1

SKILLS throwing, catching, cooperation

EQUIPMENT 1 ball for every 2 players

ORGANIZATION players line up with one adult assigned to every 2 players a safe distanceapart

ACTIVITY

teach the steps for proper throwing skills.

players will start with no ball and practice the throwing motionn.

they will then progress to throwing a ball to an adult.

POWERBALL (5 minutes)

THROWING & CATCHING

ACTIV ITY 1 POWERBALL (5 minutes)

THROWING & CATCHING

ACTIV ITY 1

SKILLS throwing, catching, cooperation


ORGANIZATION players line up with one adult assigned to every 2 players a safe distanceapart

ACTIVITY

teach the steps for proper throwing skills.

players will start with no ball and practice the throwing motionn.

they will then progress to throwing a ball to an adult.

POWERBALL (5 minutes)

ACTIVITY 2

SKILLS proper use of a glove and positioning when catching fly balls

EQUIPMENT 1 ball and glove for every player

ORGANIZATION 1 adult for every 2 players

ACTIVITY

players will practice catching high tosses from an adult.

once the players have tried this activity for awhile, then try tossing the

ball a little farther away from each player to help them practice moving to

get underneath the ball.

SKYBALL (10 minutes)ACTIVITY 2




ACTIVITY


see if players can catch a higher toss each time

see how many consecutive catches they can make








ACTIVITY









ACTIVITY


see if players can catch a higher toss each time

see how many consecutive catches they can make




SKYBALL (10 minutes)


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ACTIVITY 3

SKILLS proper use of a glove and positioning for fielding ground balls

EQUIPMENT 1 ball for every player

ORGANIZATION 1 adult for every 2 players. Each group draws a series of parallel lines 5to 10 feet apart (1.52 m 3.04m)

ACTIVITY

each pair of players will start at the line farthest from the coach. The

objective is to get to the coach in the least number of throws.

a ground ball is thrown to each player in turn, if the player catches the

ball they advance to the next line.

the first player to the coach wins

you can also do this drill with fly balls

REACH THE COACH (10 minutes)ACTIVITY 3

SKILLS proper use of a glove and positioning for fielding ground balls

EQUIPMENT 1 ball for every player

ORGANIZATION 1 adult for every 2 players. Each group draws a series of parallel lines 5to 10 feet apart (1.52 m 3.04m)

ACTIVITY

each pair of players will start at the line farthest from the coach. The

objective is to get to the coach in the least number of throws.

a ground ball is thrown to each player in turn, if the player catches the

ball they advance to the next line.

the first player to the coach wins

you can also do this drill with fly balls

REACH THE COACH (10 minutes)

ACTIVITY 4

SKILLS throwing and catching


ORGANIZATION partners start on lines, facing each other, approximately 10 feet (3.04m)apart. One adult per 2 players.

ACTIVITY

players throw to each other or to adult throwers if the skill level is too

low for accurate throws.

every time a player makes a catch they move back one giant step.

the pair that gets the farthest apart, stil l able to catch the ball, gets the

BIG FOOT award.

BIGFOOT (10 minutes)ACTIVITY 4



ORGANIZATION partners start on lines, facing each other, approximately 10 feet (3.04m)apart. One adult per 2 players.

ACTIVITY

players throw to each other or to adult throwers if the skill level is too

low for accurate throws.

every time a player makes a catch they move back one giant step.

the pair that gets the farthest apart, stil l able to catch the ball, gets the

BIG FOOT award.

BIGFOOT (10 minutes)


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ACTIVIT Y 5



ORGANIZATION partners should be selected by ability and spaced accordingly thebetter the players the farther apart they should go.

ACTIVITY

partners throw the ball back and forth overhand.

they get a letter in their name every time they make a catch.

when they complete their name, they move back 2 giant steps.

continue the process to the time limit or stop if the success rate is

low.

NOTE: Adult may have to be the thrower if skill level is too low.

SPELL YOUR NAME (10 minutes)ACTIVIT Y 5



ORGANIZATION partners should be selected by ability and spaced accordingly thebetter the players the farther apart they should go.

ACTIVITY

partners throw the ball back and forth overhand.

they get a letter in their name every time they make a catch.

when they complete their name, they move back 2 giant steps.

continue the process to the time limit or stop if the success rate is

low.

NOTE: Adult may have to be the thrower if skill level is too low.

SPELL YOUR NAME (10 minutes)

SKILLS throwing accuracy

EQUIPMENT 2 targets and 4 balls

ORGANIZATION 4 groups of 3 players, with 2 groups of 3 at each target. The targets are

distances from the target. Distances can be according to the ability levelof the group. A high success rate is what you are after.

ACTIVITY

players choose which distance they throw from in order to hit the

target points are awarded as follows: single = 1 point; double = 2 points;

triple = 3 points; homerun = 4 points.

objective can be to see if each player can get more points on each

consecutive throw or it can be made competitive with other groups by

ACTIVITY 6 HOMERUN (10 minutes)

Target

Single Double Triple Homerun



ORGANIZATION 4 groups of 3 players, with 2 groups of 3 at each target. The targets arehung on any fencing or wall. Mark out 4 lines at various

distances from the target. Distances can be according to the abiof the group. A high success rate is what you are after.

ACTIVITY






totaling each groups points.


Target



Target


Target




ORGANIZATION 4 groups of 3 players, with 2 groups of 3 at each target. The targets are

distances from the target. Distances can be according to the ability levelof the group. A high success rate is what you are after.

ACTIVITY







Target



Target


Target




ORGANIZATION 4 groups of 3 players, with 2 groups of 3 at each target. The targets arehung on any fencing or wall. Mark out 4 lines at various

distances from the target. Distances can be according to the abiof the group. A high success rate is what you are after.

ACTIVITY






totaling each groups points.


Target


Target



Target


Target



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ACTIVITY 7


EQUIPMENT 2 balls

ORGANIZATION 2 teams of 6 players in each group. Each group plays separately.Players stand in large circle. Make sure that teams are spaced soplayers dont get hit by missed balls from the other team.

ACTIVITY

players try to complete 15 consecutive catches by throwing to a

teammate across from them.

see which team can complete 15 catches first.

throw to same player each time to establish a pattern.

NOTE: The number of throws may have to be adjusted. It can be

made more challenging by having to start over if a ball is dropped or mis-

thrown.

15 UP (5 minutes)ACTIVITY 7


EQUIPMENT 2 balls

ORGANIZATION 2 teams of 6 players in each group. Each group plays separately.Players stand in large circle. Make sure that teams are spaced soplayers dont get hit by missed balls from the other team.

ACTIVITY

players try to complete 15 consecutive catches by throwing to a

teammate across from them.

see which team can complete 15 catches first.

throw to same player each time to establish a pattern.

NOTE: The number of throws may have to be adjusted. It can be

made more challenging by having to start over if a ball is dropped or mis-

thrown.

15 UP (5 minutes)


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ACTIVITY 8

SKILLS relaying ball from one player to another, catching and throwing

EQUIPMENT 1 ball for every 3 playersORGANIZATION 4 teams of 3 players lined up as shown

ACTIVITY

in groups of 3, the ball is relayed from 1 to 2 to 3 and back.

go slowly at first to concentrate on a proper turn by player 2 in the

center.

rotate players in all 3 positions, so each one gets the experience as a

relay player in the center.

HOT POTATO (5 minutes)

Start

Finish 2 31

ACTIVITY 8

SKILLS relaying ball from one player to another, catching and throwing

EQUIPMENT 1 ball for every 3 playersORGANIZATION 4 teams of 3 players lined up as shown

ACTIVITY

in groups of 3, the ball is relayed from 1 to 2 to 3 and back.

go slowly at first to concentrate on a proper turn by player 2 in the

center.

rotate players in all 3 positions, so each one gets the experience as a

relay player in the center.

HOT POTATO (5 minutes)

Start

Finish 2 31Start

Finish 2 31

ACTIVITY 9

SKILLS fielding ground balls


ORGANIZATION mark off a goal area for each player opposite a partner. Thedistance depends on skill level (up to 10 feet 3.04m apart)

ACTIVITY

each player tries to score a goal by throwing a ground ball by their

partner through the marked goal posts.

score a point for each goal

switch partners occasionally

GOALBALL (10 minutes)ACTIVITY 9

SKILLS fielding ground balls


ORGANIZATION mark off a goal area for each player opposite a partner. Thedistance depends on skill level (up to 10 feet 3.04m apart)

ACTIVITY

each player tries to score a goal by throwing a ground ball by their

partner through the marked goal posts.

score a point for each goal

switch partners occasionally

GOALBALL (10 minutes)


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PITCHING

ACT IV IT Y 1

SKILLS learning the pitching motion

EQUIPMENT no equipment needed

ORGANIZATION all players will try this activity at the same time. Have your players in onelong line facing you, or if too many players, then break the group up into2 lines facing you and each line at least 10 feet (3.04 m) apart.

ACTIVITYAll players pretend they have a ball in the hand they would use to

throw with.

when you say Go, each player takes a step with the foot opposite

their throwing hand side, while making a circle with the ball.Help your players by having them think about take a step and make

a circle with your hand.

it will help some players if they try to pretend they are letting go of the

ball at the same time their foot hits the ground.

NOTE: the circle starts with the hands going forward (in front of them)

and finishing behind them all staying on the same side of their body).

WALK & PITCH WITHOUT THE BALL(10 minutes)

PITCHING

ACT IV IT Y 1


EQUIPMENT no equipment needed

ORGANIZATION all players will try this activity at the same time. Have your players in onelong line facing you, or if too many players, then break the group up into2 lines facing you and each line at least 10 feet (3.04 m) apart.

ACTIVITYAll players pretend they have a ball in the hand they would use to

throw with.


their throwing hand side, while making a circle with the ball.Help your players by having them think about take a step and make




NOTE: the circle starts with the hands going forward (in front of them)

and finishing behind them all staying on the same side of their body).

WALK & PITCH WITHOUT THE BALL(10 minutes)

ACTIVITY 2


EQUIPMENT all players have a ball (if possible)

ORGANIZATION all players will try this activity at the same time. Have your players in onelong line facing a fence or a wall. If there are too many players, thenbreak the group up into 2 lines facing you and each line at least 10 feet(3.04 m) apart.

ACTIVITY

All players have a ball in the hand they would use to throw with.


their throwing hand side, while making a circle with the ball and pitch theball into the wall or fence.

Help your players by having them think about take a step and make




NOTE: make sure players dont pitch the ball unless nobody is in front

of them.

WALK & PITCH WITH THE BALL(10 minutes)

ACTIVITY 2


EQUIPMENT all players have a ball (if possible)

ORGANIZATION all players will try this activity at the same time. Have your players in onelong line facing a fence or a wall. If there are too many players, thenbreak the group up into 2 lines facing you and each line at least 10 feet(3.04 m) apart.

ACTIVITY

All players have a ball in the hand they would use to throw with.


their throwing hand side, while making a circle with the ball and pitch theball into the wall or fence.

Help your players by having them think about take a step and make




NOTE: make sure players dont pitch the ball unless nobody is in front

of them.

WALK & PITCH WITH THE BALL(10 minutes)


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ACTIVITY 3

SKILLS the pitching motion

EQUIPMENT 1 soccer/football or volleyball for every 2 players

ORGANIZATION players get into pairs with a larger ball per pair. Each partner faces eachother about 10 (3.04m) to 15 (4.57m) apart. All pairs line up evenly in 2lines

ACTIVITY

one partner in each pair starts with the larger ball and works on

pitching it to their partner.

NOTE: the players WILL NOT go over their heads when pitching.

Instead, they will just bounce the ball once beside them and then place

their hand behind the ball and push it forward to their partner.

BIG BALL (10 minutes)ACTIVITY 3


EQUIPMENT 1 soccer/football or volleyball for every 2 players

ORGANIZATION players get into pairs with a larger ball per pair. Each partner faces eachother about 10 (3.04m) to 15 (4.57m) apart. All pairs line up evenly in 2lines

ACTIVITY

one partner in each pair starts with the larger ball and works on

pitching it to their partner.

NOTE: the players WILL NOT go over their heads when pitching.

Instead, they will just bounce the ball once beside them and then place

their hand behind the ball and push it forward to their partner.

BIG BALL (10 minutes)

ACTIVITY 4


EQUIPMENT 1 softball for every 2 players, each player with a glove.

ORGANIZATION players get into pairs with a ball per pair. Each partner faces eachother about 10 (3.04m) to 15 (4.57m) apart. All pairs line up evenly in 2lines

ACTIVITY

partner take turns pitching for 6 pitches, then switch and let the other

partner practice.

the object of this activity is to help your players work on controlling

their pitches by alternating pitching 3 pitches to a High target, and 3

pitches to a Low target.

the partners that are catching the ball and placing the targets shouldwork on making their targets extra High and extra Low for their

partners.

Have each player do about 4 -5 sets of 6 pitches.

HIGH LOW (10 minutes)ACTIVITY 4


EQUIPMENT 1 softball for every 2 players, each player with a glove.

ORGANIZATION players get into pairs with a ball per pair. Each partner faces eachother about 10 (3.04m) to 15 (4.57m) apart. All pairs line up evenly in 2lines

ACTIVITY

partner take turns pitching for 6 pitches, then switch and let the other

partner practice.

the object of this activity is to help your players work on controlling

their pitches by alternating pitching 3 pitches to a High target, and 3

pitches to a Low target.

the partners that are catching the ball and placing the targets shouldwork on making their targets extra High and extra Low for their

partners.

Have each player do about 4 -5 sets of 6 pitches.

HIGH LOW (10 minutes)


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LEAD UP GAMES

ACTIVITY 1

SKILLS becoming familiar with the layout of a softball playing field or

diamondand some of the softball words or terms.

EQUIPMENT The 4 bases set up like a regulation game.

ORGANIZATION put 1 adult in charge of 2 players. Make sure players know the name oftheir partner and the adult in charge of their group as well as the coachesname.

ACTIVITY

familiarize players with the diamond layout and some of the simple

terms.

start the players at Homeplate making them familiar with the name(Home) and that this is where the Batter stands to Hit the ball.

let players pretend to hit and run to 1st base, then run to 2nd base, then

run on to 3rd base, and finally run all the way around the bases to Home.


DIAMOND ORIENTATION (5 minutes)

LEAD UP GAMES

ACTIVITY 1

SKILLS becoming familiar with the layout of a softball playing field or

diamondand some of the softball words or terms.

EQUIPMENT The 4 bases set up like a regulation game.

ORGANIZATION put 1 adult in charge of 2 players. Make sure players know the name oftheir partner and the adult in charge of their group as well as the coachesname.

ACTIVITY

familiarize players with the diamond layout and some of the simple

terms.

start the players at Homeplate making them familiar with the name(Home) and that this is where the Batter stands to Hit the ball.

let players pretend to hit and run to 1st base, then run to 2nd base, then

run on to 3rd base, and finally run all the way around the bases to Home.


DIAMOND ORIENTATION (5 minutes)


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ACTIVITY 2

SKILLS all softball skills

EQUIPMENT bats, balls, catching equipment and all 4 bases.

ORGANIZATION 12 players 9 on the playing field on defense. Each position isnumbered as shown below:

ACTIVITY

one batter at a time bats off an adult pitcher, with a catcher in position

wearing catching equipment.

Use regular softball rules with the following modifications:

- when a batter is put out all players rotate one position

with the Batter (#1) going to Rightfield (#12), Rightfield

going to Centerfield (#11), Centerfield going to Leftfield

(#10), Leftfield going to Shortstop (#9), Shortstop goingto 3rd Base (#8), 3rd Base going to 2nd Base (#7), 2nd

Base going to 1st Base (#6), and 1st Base going to

Pitcher (#5), Pitcher going to Catcher (#4), Catcher

going to on-deck batter (#2), and on-deck batter going to

Batter (#1).

If after the 3rd batter up hits the ball and the other 2 players are

still on base, then the lead runner comes home but no run scores.

NO WALKS are given (allow 3-6 strikes depending on skill level).

if the hitting skill level is very low then allow a maximum of 6

pitched balls, then have the player to go 1st base even if they didnt

hit it (as long as 3 balls were swung at).

if a fielder catches a fly ball that player exchanges with the batter.

maximum 2 times batting per player, if player is not out after 2

times at-bat, then rotate anyway.

SCRUB (20 minutes)ACTIVITY 2


EQUIPMENT bats, balls, catching equipment and all 4 bases.

ORGANIZATION 12 players 9 on the playing field on defense. Each position isnumbered as shown below:

ACTIVITY

one batter at a time bats off an adult pitcher, with a catcher in position

wearing catching equipment.

Use regular softball rules with the following modifications:

- when a batter is put out all players rotate one position

with the Batter (#1) going to Rightfield (#12), Rightfield

going to Centerfield (#11), Centerfield going to Leftfield

(#10), Leftfield going to Shortstop (#9), Shortstop goingto 3rd Base (#8), 3rd Base going to 2nd Base (#7), 2nd

Base going to 1st Base (#6), and 1st Base going to

Pitcher (#5), Pitcher going to Catcher (#4), Catcher

going to on-deck batter (#2), and on-deck batter going to

Batter (#1).

If after the 3rd batter up hits the ball and the other 2 players are

still on base, then the lead runner comes home but no run scores.

NO WALKS are given (allow 3-6 strikes depending on skill level).

if the hitting skill level is very low then allow a maximum of 6

pitched balls, then have the player to go 1st base even if they didnt

hit it (as long as 3 balls were swung at).

if a fielder catches a fly ball that player exchanges with the batter.

maximum 2 times batting per player, if player is not out after 2

times at-bat, then rotate anyway.

SCRUB (20 minutes)


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ACT IV IT Y 3

SKILLS hitting, fielding, catching and throwing

EQUIPMENT 1 bat and 1 ball

ORGANIZATION 2 teams of 6; one team on defense and one on offense

ACTIVITY

one batter at a time bats off a Batting T or an adult pitcher.

after hitting the ball, the player runs around and around THEIR OWN

TEAM, which is lined up a short, but safe, distance away from

homeplate.

every lap they do around their own team, before the ball gets back to

Homeplate, scores the offensive team 1 run. The count should be loud

as the batter circles their teammates.

the Defensive team MUST throw the ball to all 6 players on their team

before throwing the ball to homeplate. They can either throw or run the

ball to each of the 6 defensive players.

when the ball gets to homeplate the defense yells STOP, and the

number of laps around the offensive team at that point is the total runs

for the offense.

switch offense and defense when all 6 players have had a chance to

bat.

DIZZY IZZY (10 minutes)ACT IV IT Y 3

SKILLS hitting, fielding, catching and throwing

EQUIPMENT 1 bat and 1 ball


ACTIVITY


after hitting the ball, the player runs around and around THEIR OWN

TEAM, which is lined up a short, but safe, distance away from

homeplate.

every lap they do around their own team, before the ball gets back to

Homeplate, scores the offensive team 1 run. The count should be loud

as the batter circles their teammates.

the Defensive team MUST throw the ball to all 6 players on their team

before throwing the ball to homeplate. They can either throw or run the

ball to each of the 6 defensive players.

when the ball gets to homeplate the defense yells STOP, and the

number of laps around the offensive team at that point is the total runs

for the offense.

switch offense and defense when all 6 players have had a chance to

bat.

DIZZY IZZY (10 minutes)


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ACTIVITY 4

SKILLS hitting, fielding, catching, throwing, skipping for quick feet development

EQUIPMENT 1 bat, 1 ball, homeplate, 1 base, batting helmet and catching equipment.

ORGANIZATION 2 teams of 6; one team on defense and one on offense. 1st base isplaced a distance from homeplate according to the ability level of yourplayers usually between 30-55 feet (9.14m -16.76m)

ACTIVITY


after hitting the ball, the batter runs to 1st base and SKIPS around it 5

times, then runs home.

the fielding team retrieves the ball and makes 8 throws before either

running or throwing the ball home.

the fielding team MUST throw the ball to all 6 players and cant make

consecutive throws to the same player.a RUN scores if the batter touches homeplate before the ball gets

there

all 6 players bat before switching to defense.

NOTE: the number of throws and skips can be adjusted to make the

competition closer if needed.

SKIP BALL (25 minutes)ACTIVITY 4

SKILLS hitting, fielding, catching, throwing, skipping for quick feet development

EQUIPMENT 1 bat, 1 ball, homeplate, 1 base, batting helmet and catching equipment.

ORGANIZATION 2 teams of 6; one team on defense and one on offense. 1st base isplaced a distance from homeplate according to the ability level of yourplayers usually between 30-55 feet (9.14m -16.76m)

ACTIVITY


after hitting the ball, the batter runs to 1st base and SKIPS around it 5

times, then runs home.

the fielding team retrieves the ball and makes 8 throws before either

running or throwing the ball home.

the fielding team MUST throw the ball to all 6 players and cant make

consecutive throws to the same player.a RUN scores if the batter touches homeplate before the ball gets

there

all 6 players bat before switching to defense.

NOTE: the number of throws and skips can be adjusted to make the

competition closer if needed.

SKIP BALL (25 minutes)

ACTIVITY 5

SKILLS hitting off a Batting T, throwing, catching, baserunning, cooperation andteamwork.

EQUIPMENT 1 bat, 1 ball, 4 bases, 1 batting helmet, and 1 Batting T.

ORGANIZATION 2 teams of 6; one on offense (the Roadrunners) and one on defense (thCoyotes). The Coyotes have a catcher at homeplate and the other 5defensive players are scattered around the field wherever they feel theyneed to be to make the play. The Roadrunners have one player athomeplate with a bat to hit the ball off of the Batting T and the other 5players are off at a safe distance.

ACTIVITYthe Roadrunner hits the ball off the batting T and runs around all of th

bases before the Coyotes can get the ball back to the catcher at

homeplate.

if the ball is caught in the air the batter is OUT

fielders may not run with the ball, it must be thrown home.

count how many bases the batter/Roadrunner touches before the ball

gets to the catcher at home. Each base touched is a point.

All 6 batters hit or 3 outs, which ever is 1st, and then the teams switch.

ROADRUNNER (20 minutes)ACTIVITY 5



ORGANIZATION 2 teams of 6; one on offense (the Roadrunners) and one on defense (thCoyotes). The Coyotes have a catcher at homeplate and the other 5defensive players are scattered around the field wherever they feel theyneed to be to make the play. The Roadrunners have one player athomeplate with a bat to hit the ball off of the Batting T and the other 5players are off at a safe distance (at least 5m or 16 feet).



homeplate.












homeplate.










homeplate.












homeplate.










homeplate.






ROADRUNNER (20 minutes)


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ACTIVITY 6

SKILLS throwing, catching, cooperation and teamwork

EQUIPMENT 1 ball, 4 bases and markers/cones


ACTIVITY

place a semi-circle of markers or cones approximately at the edge of

the infield (about 21.3meters or 70 feet from home plate)

the defensive team has 1 player at home and the rest of the 5 players

position themselves around the infield at approximately the same

distance.

Both markers and players can be adjusted according to skill level and

size.

the offensive team tries to throw the ball over or through the markers

and then runs through 1st base.

The offensive player gets 1 point if the ball goes through the markers

or 2 points if the ball goes over the markers.

no point is awarded if the ball is caught or stopped at the markers.

the defense throws the ball home as quickly as possible.

change sides after each offensive player throws the ball.

team with the most points after the time limit wins.

SEMI CIRCLE SOFTBALL (20 minutes)ACTIVITY 6

SKILLS throwing, catching, cooperation and teamwork

EQUIPMENT 1 ball, 4 bases and markers/cones


ACTIVITY

place a semi-circle of markers or cones approximately at the edge of

the infield (about 21.3meters or 70 feet from home plate)

the defensive team has 1 player at home and the rest of the 5 players

position themselves around the infield at approximately the same

distance.

Both markers and players can be adjusted according to skill level and

size.

the offensive team tries to throw the ball over or through the markers

and then runs through 1st base.

The offensive player gets 1 point if the ball goes through the markers

or 2 points if the ball goes over the markers.

no point is awarded if the ball is caught or stopped at the markers.

the defense throws the ball home as quickly as possible.

change sides after each offensive player throws the ball.

team with the most points after the time limit wins.

SEMI CIRCLE SOFTBALL (20 minutes)

ACTIVITY 7

SKILLS throwing, fielding, baserunning, cooperation and teamwork

EQUIPMENT 2 balls, 4 bases, 1 batting helmet, 1 bucket/pail or bag.

ORGANIZATION 2 teams of 6; one team on defense and one on offense. The defensiveteam has a catcher at homeplate with the other 5 players scattered in thefield. The bucket or pai or bag l is placed on homeplate.The offensiveteam has 1 player to THROW the ball from homeplate and the otheroffensive players waiting their turn a safe distance away.

ACTIVITY

the offensive batter throws out 2 balls in quick order and then

runs around the bases trying to make it home before the fieldingteam gets both balls in the pail.

if the ball is caught in the air by the defense then the batter is

OUT.

Fielders may NOT run with the ball. It must be thrown home.

Relay the balls if necessary and remind players to make sure the

catcher is always looking to catch both balls and put them into the

bucket.

BUCKETBALL (25 minutes)ACTIVITY 7

SKILLS throwing, fielding, baserunning, cooperation and teamwork

EQUIPMENT 2 balls, 4 bases, 1 batting helmet, 1 bucket/pail or bag.

ORGANIZATION 2 teams of 6; one team on defense and one on offense. The defensiveteam has a catcher at homeplate with the other 5 players scattered in thefield. The bucket or pai or bag l is placed on homeplate.The offensiveteam has 1 player to THROW the ball from homeplate and the otheroffensive players waiting their turn a safe distance away.

ACTIVITY

the offensive batter throws out 2 balls in quick order and then

runs around the bases trying to make it home before the fieldingteam gets both balls in the pail.

if the ball is caught in the air by the defense then the batter is

OUT.

Fielders may NOT run with the ball. It must be thrown home.

Relay the balls if necessary and remind players to make sure the

catcher is always looking to catch both balls and put them into the

bucket.

BUCKETBALL (25 minutes)


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ACTIVITY 8

SKILLS throwing, fielding, catching, throwing, hitting, running and hustling

EQUIPMENT 1 bat, 1 ball, 4 bases, batting helmets and catching gearORGANIZATION 2 teams of 6; one team on defense and one on offense. The defensive

team has a catcher, a 1st baseman, and the 4 other players in positionswhere the offense is likely to hit the ball. Set up the bases on thediamond for a regular game..

ACTIVITY

one batter at a time bats off a Batting T or an adult pitcher. Each

team will get 10 minutes each to score as many runs as possible.

players must hustle when they switch from offense to defense in

order to get the maximum number of bats in their time.

score 1 point for each base touched.

the fielding team gets an out for any ball caught in the air or if

they put out a runner on a base.

after 3 outs bases are cleared of any runner but the offensive

team remains at bat until their 10 minutes is up.

NOTE: you might have to play in the field to help direct the play.

Players should be moved around on defense to give them a chance

to play all of the positions.

The team with the most points after their 10 minutes wins.

10 MINUTE SOFTBALLACTIVITY 8




ACTIVITY














10 MINUTE SOFTBALL (20 total minutes, 10per team at-bat)

ACTIVITY 8




ACTIVITY











ACTIVITY














10 MINUTE SOFTBALLACTIVITY 8




ACTIVITY











ACTIVITY














10 MINUTE SOFTBALL (20 total minutes, 10per team at-bat)


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ACTIV ITY 9

SKILLS throwing, catching, baserunning, cooperation and teamwork

EQUIPMENT 2 bats, 1 ball, 4 bases, 4 batting helmets

ORGANIZATION 2 teams of 6; one team on defense and one on offense.

ACTIVITY

the offensive batter THROWS the ball into the playing area and

runs around the bases until FREEZE is shouted FREEZE may

have to be shouted more than once at a young age.

the defensive team fields the THROWN ball and then throws it so

EVERY fielder catches the ball the last fielder to catch the ball

shouts FREEZE.

score points by counting the number of bases touched.

if the runner is between bases when FREEZE is shouted then the

last base touched counts.

after everyone has had a turn THROWING the ball on offense

then switch and let the offense play defense and let the defense be

on offense.

keep total bases touched for each team to see who wins.

NOTE: players on defense will likely need help from adults to

keep them from all running after the all at once and in knowing

where to throw it next. Lack of catching ability will mean there is

little actual catching going on but at least each player will get totouch and throw the ball.

FREEZE THE RUNNER (20 minutes)ACTIV ITY 9

SKILLS throwing, catching, baserunning, cooperation and teamwork

EQUIPMENT 2 bats, 1 ball, 4 bases, 4 batting helmets

ORGANIZATION 2 teams of 6; one team on defense and one on offense.

ACTIVITY

the offensive batter THROWS the ball into the playing area and

runs around the bases until FREEZE is shouted FREEZE may

have to be shouted more than once at a young age.

the defensive team fields the THROWN ball and then throws it so

EVERY fielder catches the ball the last fielder to catch the ball

shouts FREEZE.

score points by counting the number of bases touched.

if the runner is between bases when FREEZE is shouted then the

last base touched counts.

after everyone has had a turn THROWING the ball on offense

then switch and let the offense play defense and let the defense be

on offense.

keep total bases touched for each team to see who wins.

NOTE: players on defense will likely need help from adults to

keep them from all running after the all at once and in knowing

where to throw it next. Lack of catching ability will mean there is

little actual catching going on but at least each player will get totouch and throw the ball.

FREEZE THE RUNNER (20 minutes)


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ACTIVITY 11

SKILLS hitting, fielding, catching, throwing

EQUIPMENT 2 bats, 2 balls, 2 sets of catching equipment (if you have it), 2 sets ofbases.

ORGANIZATION 2 teams of 6; 1 batter, 1 catcher, the rest are fielders. 2 separate activityareas are set up a safe distance apart. 1 adult pitcher in each area foreach group of 6. Set up bases on each area.

ACTIVITY

one batter at a time bats off an adult pitcher, with a catcher in

catching equipment.

when the fielder has successfully fielded 3 groundballs or caught

1 fly ball that fielder becomes the batter.

players rotate positions on defense.

make sure that all players get an opportunity to bat and catch.

FIELD 3 (20 minutes)ACTIVITY 11

SKILLS hitting, fielding, catching, throwing

EQUIPMENT 2 bats, 2 balls, 2 sets of catching equipment (if you have it), 2 sets ofbases.

ORGANIZATION 2 teams of 6; 1 batter, 1 catcher, the rest are fielders. 2 separate activityareas are set up a safe distance apart. 1 adult pitcher in each area foreach group of 6. Set up bases on each area.

ACTIVITY

one batter at a time bats off an adult pitcher, with a catcher in

catching equipment.

when the fielder has successfully fielded 3 groundballs or caught

1 fly ball that fielder becomes the batter.

players rotate positions on defense.

make sure that all players get an opportunity to bat and catch.

FIELD 3 (20 minutes)

ACTIVITY 10


EQUIPMENTbats, balls, catching equipment and all 4 bases.

ORGANIZATION divide players into 3 teams of 4.

ACTIVITY

1 team at a time will be on offense while the other 2 teams are

defense. Each team will bat for 7 minutes regardless of whether

they have 3 or more outs.

Can use an adult pitcher or let the players hit the ball off of a

Batting T.

Team 1 starts on Offense Teams 2 and 3 on Defense.

Team 2 on Offense Teams 1 and 3 on Defense

Team 3 on Offense Teams 1 and 2 on Defense.

keep score and outs as in a regular softball game .

team scoring the most runs while on offense wins.

MINNIE BALL (25 minutes) NOTE: this is similar to10 MINUTE SOFTBALL

ACTIVITY 10





ACTIVITY 10




ACTIVITY





Batting T.






ACTIVITY





Batting T.







ACTIVITY 10






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ACT IV IT Y 1 2

SKILLS all softball skills except baserunning

EQUIPMENT 1 bat, 1 ball, 1 base, catching equipment, batting helmets, homeplate, 1batting T.

ORGANIZATION place a base directly out from home plate where 2nd base would usuallybe. 2 teams; one team on defense with a catcher and the other team onoffense.

ACTIVITY

the members of the team at bat take turns hitting. A fair ball is

any ball hit in front of homeplate.

on a fair hit, the batter runs to the far base. He/she can either stay

e

first runner is not required to leave the far base.

As many players as desired may occupy the far base at any one

time and may return home in any order, or even all at once.

a runner may be put out only by being tagged with the ball.

the runners do not have to go in a straight line, its OK to dodge

or run anywhere in the field to avoid being tagged out.

A batter is out on 2 strikes or if a ball is caught in the air.

3 balls (if pitched) or 3 missed using the batting T permit the

batter to advance to the far base.

each team bats until all players have had a turn at bat, then the

other team bats. Play may go on for as many innings as the coach

or teacher wishes.

FAR BASE (25 minutes)ACT IV IT Y 1 2




ACTIVITY




there or return home immediately. When the next batter hits, th e










each team bats until all players have had a turn at bat, then the

other team bats. Play may go on for as many innings as the coach

or teacher wishes.

FAR BASE (25 minutes)ACT IV IT Y 1 2




ACTIVITY




e










each team bats until all players have had a t

Softball in Schools

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