Softball Basics
•Year 7
•Softball
•Distributed in equipment bags at station areas, ensure proper inflation and condition
Alternative: Tennis balls for students with grip concerns, foam balls for SEND adaptations
Check for wear and tear, ensure proper sizing, demonstrate how to wear correctly
Alternative: Smaller mitts for students with smaller hands, or catching with two hands without mitt for beginners
Set up two softball diamonds approximately 18 metres base to base
Alternative: Cones or markers if bases unavailable
Placed at varying distances (5m, 10m, 15m) for differentiated throwing practice
Alternative: Cones, markers, or chalk circles on ground
Mark out endzones, practice areas, and safety zones
Alternative: Any visible markers
For team identification in game scenarios
Alternative: Bands or different coloured shirts
A throwing technique where the ball is released below shoulder height with an underhand motion, used for short, accurate passes
A throwing technique where the ball is released above shoulder height with an overhand motion, used for long-distance throws
The ability to coordinate visual information with hand movements to catch or throw accurately
Moving from one base to another in softball, typically after hitting the ball or as part of offensive strategy
The square-shaped playing field in softball, with bases at each corner forming a diamond shape
The defensive players positioned around the diamond to catch balls and get runners out
The padded glove worn by softball players to catch the ball safely and effectively
The ability to direct the ball accurately to a specific target or teammate
The precision with which a throw reaches its intended target
The continuation of throwing motion after releasing the ball, essential for accuracy and power
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Using specific vocabulary accurately (underarm, overarm, mitt, diamond, fielder), giving clear verbal instructions to teammates, listening and responding to coaching, explaining techniques to peers, articulating tactical decisions during reflection
Calculating distances between bases (18 metres), measuring throwing accuracy using percentages (successful throws out of 10), understanding angles of trajectory for different throw types, timing activities and comparing speeds, counting and recording statistics (catches, throws, runs)
Forces acting on the ball during throwing (push, gravity, air resistance), energy transfer from body to ball, trajectory and parabolic motion, muscles used in throwing and catching (skeletal and muscular systems), effects of exercise on heart rate and breathing rate, importance of warm-up and cool-down for muscle function
Spatial awareness and mapping of softball diamond layout, understanding directions (e.g., outfield vs infield positioning), using directional language (forward, backward, left, right), mapping movement patterns around the diamond, understanding scale when measuring field dimensions
Teamwork and cooperation in game situations, communication skills (verbal calls, encouraging teammates), resilience and perseverance when skills are challenging, sportsmanship and fair play, managing emotions during competitive games, peer assessment and giving constructive feedback, self-assessment and identifying personal areas for improvement, inclusion and supporting peers of all abilities
Position yourself at the corner of the playing area during games for full visibility of all students. During skill stations, circulate actively spending approximately 1 minute at each station. During demonstrations, ensure all students can see you clearly - use central position with students in semi-circle.
Watch for: correct throwing technique (step, follow-through), appropriate throw selection for distance, mitt positioning (thumbs vs pinkies), communication between students, safe practices, engagement levels, and students struggling or excelling who need differentiation.
Intervene immediately for: unsafe practices (wild throwing, bat mishandling, collisions), rule violations during games that affect safety, students showing frustration or disengagement, technique breakdown that could lead to injury, students being excluded or not participating, any signs of overexertion or distress.
Always demonstrate new skills in slow motion first, then at full speed. Break down complex skills (like overarm throw) into 3-4 clear stages. Use confident students to demonstrate examples during lesson, not just teacher. Exaggerate key teaching points visually - e.g., very obvious step forward, extended follow-through pointing at target. Demonstrate both correct technique and common mistakes (What not to do) for contrast.
Minimum outdoor space of 40m x 30m for two softball diamonds plus station work areas, or large sports hall. Clear of obstacles, with safe run-off areas beyond bases.
Dry, even surface free from hazards (stones, holes, wet patches). Check bases are secured and won't slide. Ensure cones are soft and flexible, not rigid plastic that could cause injury.
If injury occurs: STOP all activity immediately using whistle/voice command. Assess injured student - do not move if serious injury suspected. Send responsible student to alert office/call for first aider if needed. Other students sit quietly in designated safe area. Administer appropriate first aid. Complete accident report form. Contact parents if required. Do not resume activity until area is safe and all students are settled.
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