Softball Basics
•Year 7
•Softball
•Check for cracks or damage before use; store safely when not batting
Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis rackets for students with grip difficulties
Ensure balls are regulation size and in good condition
Alternative: Larger foam balls for students with visual impairment or catching difficulties
Positioned at regulation distances: 60 feet between bases for Year 7
Alternative: Flat markers, cones, hoops
Mark foul lines, fielding positions, and safety zones
Alternative: Painted lines if permanent markings available
Check straps are secure; match glove size to hand size
Alternative: Bare hands for advanced students; larger gloves for support needed
Clipboards and pencils for outdoor use; keep spares dry
Alternative: Digital tablets with assessment app, laminated reusable sheets
Different colours for each team for clear identification
Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers
Position near playing area; check ice packs available for impacts
Alternative: N/A - mandatory
A game situation where teams are actively trying to win by outperforming the opposition
The overall plan a team uses to win the game
Specific actions taken during the game to gain an advantage
Honestly evaluating your own performance, identifying strengths and areas to improve
A batted ball that lands within the field of play (not foul) and is struck correctly
Strikes are pitches in the strike zone or swings and misses; balls are pitches outside the strike zone
The imaginary line connecting the bases that forms the softball diamond
Rolling the wrists during the swing to direct the ball to different areas of the outfield
The current state of play including score, runners on base, and outs
Assessing how well you performed specific skills and contributed to team success
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Listening skills during instruction and team strategy; verbal communication during game play; written self-assessment and reflection; vocabulary development with technical terms; following written and verbal instructions accurately
Scoring runs and calculating team totals; tracking statistics (batting average, fielding percentage); understanding angles for throwing and batting; measuring distances for base running; percentages for success rates in different skills
Forces involved in batting and throwing (push, pull, impact); trajectory and arc of batted and thrown balls; friction between ball and ground affecting rolling/bouncing; body systems during exercise (cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular); reaction time and reflexes
Spatial awareness on field; positional understanding relative to other players; mapping movement patterns; directional language (forward, backward, left, right); understanding zones and areas of the playing field
Teamwork and cooperation skills; handling competitive pressure and managing emotions; resilience in facing challenges and setbacks; leadership and responsibility as captain; respect and sportsmanship; honest self-assessment and personal development; communication skills
Position yourself where you can see the entire field - typically near first base with view of pitcher, batter, and infield. Move strategically during play to observe different areas: watch pitcher/batter interaction, then shift to observe fielding and base running. Never turn your back on active play.
Primary focus: safety - scan for potential collisions, unsafe equipment handling, or dangerous play. Secondary focus: skill application - observe whether learned techniques are being used correctly in game situations. Tertiary focus: assessment - gather evidence for Head, Hands, Heart across multiple students.
Intervene immediately for: safety issues, serious rule violations affecting fairness, technique so poor it's dangerous or completely ineffective. Do NOT intervene for: minor mistakes that are part of learning, close calls that could go either way, every imperfect technique. Allow game to flow; students learn through experience as well as correction.
During game, use 'freeze' technique sparingly for high-impact teaching moments: 'Freeze! Everyone watch how Alex is backing up the throw to second base - that's smart softball!' Demonstrate correct technique when multiple students making same error. Model sportsmanship in your language and behaviour - students mirror the teacher's attitude.
Minimum 30m x 40m outdoor space or large sports hall; two softball diamonds with 60-foot base distances; clear run-off areas beyond bases; separation between multiple games if running simultaneously (minimum 20m)
Dry, level grass field or suitable sports hall surface; free from holes, rocks, or debris; bases secured to prevent slipping; foul lines clearly marked to prevent boundary disputes
First aid kit accessible at side-line; teacher carries whistle for immediate stop signal; any injury results in immediate play stoppage; injured student assessed following school first aid protocols; ice packs available for impacts; all injuries recorded in accident book; serious injuries result in emergency services contact and parent notification; remaining students supervised by additional adult if teacher attending to injury
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