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Lesson 5 - Pitching Technique and Accuracy

Softball Basics

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Year 7

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Softball

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1h 5min

Big Question

How can mastering pitching accuracy change the outcome of a softball game?

Learning Objectives

To perform an accurate underarm pitch with correct technique
To understand and apply the rules governing pitching in softball
To demonstrate accurate pitching in competitive game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will execute consistent underarm pitches within the strike zone
Students will explain and follow pitching rules including height and width restrictions
Students will apply pitching skills tactically during game play

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

15 (1 per pair minimum)

Store in ball bag at side of playing area, distribute before each activity

Alternative: Tennis balls for students with grip difficulties, bean bags for initial practice

Softball Equipment

8 (1 per group of 4)

Check for damage, ensure correct size for Year 7 students

Alternative: Rounders bats, plastic baseball bats for lighter option

Bases

4 sets (16 bases total)

Set up diamond formations approximately 15-18 metres apart

Alternative: Flat markers, cones, chalk marks on tarmac

Mitts

15 pairs (30 mitts)

Check for correct fit, ensure left and right handed options available

Alternative: Bare hands with softer balls, wicket-keeping gloves

Hoops

8 (for target practice)

Place vertically held by students or flat on ground behind catcher

Alternative: Chalk circles on ground, cones arranged in circle, marked zones with spots

Cones

20 (for boundaries and markers)

Mark out safe zones, pitching areas, and game boundaries

Alternative: Spots, chalk lines, natural boundaries

Bibs

15 (for team identification)

Two different colours for game phase

Alternative: House colours, verbal team names

Key Vocabulary

Pitching

The underarm throwing action used to deliver the ball to the batter in softball

Strike zone

The area between the batter's knees and shoulders, over home plate, where a legal pitch must pass

Underarm technique

The pitching method where the arm swings below shoulder level in a pendulum motion

Pitch height

The vertical trajectory of the ball, which must be between 6 and 12 feet high in arc

Bunt

A batting technique where the batter holds the bat still to make gentle contact, directing the ball close to home plate

Base running

The act of moving from one base to another after hitting or bunting the ball

Follow through

The continuation of the pitching arm motion after releasing the ball, extending towards the target

Rhythm

The consistent timing and flow of the pitching motion from start to release

Tactical pitching

Making strategic decisions about pitch speed and placement based on the game situation

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of softball game structure
Knowledge of batting and fielding positions
Experience with base running

Current Skills

Underarm pitching technique with pendulum arm action
Accuracy to strike zone target
Understanding of pitch height restrictions (between knee and shoulder)
Consistent pitching rhythm and release point
Tactical awareness of when to vary pitch speed

Next Steps

Advanced pitching variations (speed changes)
Reading batter weaknesses
Pitching under competitive pressure
Working with catchers on signals and strategy

Milestone Indicators

6 out of 10 pitches land within strike zone

Consistent arm swing with smooth follow-through

Maintains legal pitch height on all attempts

Can explain pitching rules confidently to peers

Key Teaching Points

Underarm pitching uses a pendulum arm motion - swing back, swing through low, release at hip level, follow through high towards target
Step forward with the opposite foot to your throwing arm as you pitch - this provides power, balance, and accuracy
Legal pitch must travel in an arc between 6 and 12 feet high - too flat or too high is illegal
The strike zone is between the batter's knees and shoulders, over home plate - this is where accurate pitchers aim consistently
Follow-through is essential - arm should extend fully towards target and finish across your body after release
Pitchers should field their position after delivering the ball - stay balanced and ready to field balls hit back towards you
Tactical pitching involves varying speed slightly (within your control) to keep batters guessing and off balance

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Pitching faster is always better.' Correction: Accuracy and consistency are more important than speed in softball. A slower pitch that lands in the strike zone is more effective than a fast pitch outside the zone.
Misconception: 'I should throw the ball hard like in cricket bowling.' Correction: Softball uses an underarm pendulum motion with smooth control, not an overarm power throw. The technique is completely different from cricket.
Misconception: 'The pitcher just throws - fielders do the defensive work.' Correction: The pitcher is also a fielder and must be ready to field balls hit back towards them, throw to bases, and support the team defence after pitching.
Misconception: 'My arm should be bent during the pitch.' Correction: Keep your arm relatively straight during the pendulum swing - this creates better arc, accuracy, and reduces injury risk from awkward arm angles.
Misconception: 'I only use my arm when pitching.' Correction: Effective pitching uses your whole body - legs for power from the step, core for rotation and balance, arm for delivery, and follow-through for accuracy and control.

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts (3-5 minutes) with clear end points, regular rotation of roles to maintain engagement, immediate specific feedback ('Great stepping action that time!'), movement breaks built into lesson structure, clear visual boundaries for activity areas, fidget tools available during demonstration/discussion times if helpful, clearly defined active leadership roles (warm-up leader, equipment manager) to channel energy positively, use of timers to show activity duration remaining

dyspraxia

Additional practice time on pitching technique with one-to-one or small group support, simplified movement patterns initially (remove stepping, focus on arm swing only, add stepping later), larger softer balls for easier grip and control, shortened pitching distance (8-10 metres), verbal rhythm cues to support coordination ('Back-swing-release-follow'), visual cues on ground showing foot placement positions, breaking down skills into smaller component parts, reduced complexity in game situations (assign specific simple fielding position like first base)

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule showing lesson structure and timing, consistent routine for activity transitions, advance notice before changes ('In 2 minutes we will rotate positions'), quiet zone available if sensory overload occurs, clear boundaries marked visibly with cones or lines, predictable rotation patterns in activities, reduce unpredictability by limiting game variations initially, offer role choice where possible to increase control and comfort

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured high-visibility softballs (yellow or orange), audible balls with bells inside for sound location, tactile markers on bases, buddy system with sighted peer providing verbal guidance on ball location, reduce pitching distance to 8-10 metres, verbal cues from catcher indicating target location

hearing impairment

Visual demonstration of all techniques with exaggerated movements, written instruction cards showing key teaching points, hand signals for communication (thumbs up for good pitch, circular motion for rotate positions), ensure face-to-face communication for lip-reading opportunities, vibrating timer or visual signals instead of whistle, buddy system for ensuring instructions received

physical disability

Seated pitching from wheelchair or chair with adapted underarm technique, larger lighter balls (beach ball or foam ball) for easier grip and control, reduced throwing distance (6-8 metres), alternative to running bases - use 'designated runner' system where another student runs on their behalf, adapted bat with larger grip or shorter length, allow roll-pitch instead of throw-pitch for reduced strength, ensure level accessible surface for wheelchair users

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Specialised vocabulary development (strike zone, pitch, bunt, arc, follow-through), clear verbal communication during games, listening skills when receiving coaching feedback, explaining rules and tactics to peers, descriptive language when analysing performance

Maths

Calculating pitching accuracy percentages (e.g., 6 out of 10 = 60%), measuring distances for base running and pitching lanes, estimating arc height using mental calculation, recording and analysing game statistics (runs, outs, bonus runs), understanding angles of bat contact

Science

Forces acting on ball during pitch (gravity, air resistance affecting arc), trajectory and projectile motion, muscles used in pitching action (shoulder, triceps, core), energy transfer from body to ball, impact forces during batting, effects of exercise on heart rate and breathing during game play

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning on diamond formation, understanding distance relationships between bases, mapping movement patterns of fielders, directional language (first base, second base, outfield positions), understanding game strategy through spatial analysis

PSHE

Teamwork and communication between pitcher, catcher, and fielders, resilience when pitching accuracy doesn't meet expectations, managing competitive emotions during game situations, fair play and sporting behaviour, leadership through student-led warm-up, supporting peers through encouragement and feedback, setting personal improvement targets

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position at corner of activity area for maximum visibility of all groups during practice activities. During games, stand between two diamonds with sightlines to both home plates. Move deliberately to provide closer observation of specific skills (pitching technique, fielding) but maintain awareness of full group.

Observation Focus

Watch for: 1) Correct stepping action with opposite foot during pitching, 2) Legal pitch arc height (6-12 feet), 3) Consistent follow-through towards target, 4) Strike zone accuracy improving over time, 5) Safe spacing maintained between students, 6) Engagement and challenge level appropriate for all abilities.

Intervention Points

Intervene immediately if: unsafe practice observed (batting without checking clear area, wild throws near students, collisions likely), illegal pitching technique becoming habitual (switch to overarm, consistently flat trajectory), frustration levels rising in struggling students (provide support, modify activity), students disengaged or off-task (refocus on objectives, adjust challenge level), equipment malfunction or hazard identified.

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate side-on profile for pitching so students see full arm swing and stepping action. Exaggerate key points: large pendulum motion, deliberate opposite foot step, extended follow-through. Use a student volunteer to show strike zone boundaries. When demonstrating bunting, show contrast between incorrect (swinging) and correct (holding bat still). Demonstrate at slow speed first, then normal speed, then slow again for retention. Invite confident students to demonstrate successfully to showcase peer achievement.

Verbal Cues

•'Pendulum swing - smooth and controlled!'
•'Step with your opposite foot for power and accuracy!'
•'Follow through - reach towards your target!'
•'Eyes on the strike zone, not on the ground!'
•'Arc it high - between 6 and 12 feet!'
•'Soft hands when catching - let the ball come to you!'
•'Run through first base, don't stop on it!'
•'Catchers, give your pitcher a clear target!'
•'Fielders, communicate who's taking the throw!'
•'Accuracy over power - control wins games!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m for two simultaneous games. For single game or practice activities, 30m x 20m adequate. Indoor sports hall suitable if ceiling height minimum 5 metres to accommodate pitch arc. Outdoor field preferred for full game play.

Surface Check

Surface must be dry, even, and free from holes or debris. Grass, artificial turf, or sports hall floor appropriate. Avoid wet grass (slipping hazard) or uneven ground (tripping and poor ball bounce). Check for stones, glass, or other hazards before activity begins.

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all softballs for proper inflation and cover integrity - replace damaged balls
•Inspect softball bats for cracks, splinters, or loose grips - remove damaged equipment
•Ensure bases are secure and flat to ground to prevent tripping
•Check catching mitts for proper padding and no exposed hard surfaces
•Hoops must be held by students (not thrown) or placed flat on ground
•All equipment stored safely at area perimeter when not in use

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to body or head from pitched or batted balls
•Collisions between runners and fielders at bases
•Bat strikes if batter loses grip during swing
•Muscle strains in shoulder/arm from repetitive pitching motion
•Slips and falls during running, particularly on wet surfaces
•Finger injuries when catching without proper technique

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear pitching lanes - no students walking through active pitching areas
•Catchers positioned safely behind home plate with appropriate distance
•Batters must check area is clear and call 'ready' before pitching begins
•Enforce rotation of pitchers (maximum 10 pitches) to prevent overuse injuries
•Adequate spacing between practice pairs (minimum 5 metres) and between game diamonds (minimum 15 metres)
•Teach proper catching technique with mitts to prevent finger injuries
•Base runners must run through first base, not stop abruptly on it, to avoid collision injuries
•Proper warm-up including shoulder and arm mobilisation before pitching activities
•Supervised cool-down with stretching to prevent muscle tightness

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position between two game diamonds when both active, rotating focus every 2-3 minutes
•During pair work, circulate continuously observing technique and spacing
•Monitor batting area closely - highest risk zone for ball strikes
•Watch for signs of fatigue in pitchers - intervene if technique deteriorating significantly
•Ensure all students visible at all times - avoid positioning with sun in eyes
•Have whistle accessible for immediate activity cessation if danger arises

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately with loud whistle and 'STOP' command. Assess injured student without moving them unless in immediate danger. Send reliable student to alert senior staff/first aider if injury beyond minor level. Apply appropriate first aid if qualified. Complete accident report form. For head injuries, follow school concussion protocol. Have first aid kit and emergency contact information immediately accessible at lesson location.