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Lesson 5 - Pitching Technique and Accuracy

Core Skills Development

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Year 8

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Softball

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1h 9min

Big Question

How can mastering the pitch give your team control of the game?

Learning Objectives

To know how to perform an accurate underarm pitch with correct technique
To know and understand the legal requirements for pitching (height, width, delivery)
To apply accurate and tactical pitching in competitive game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will execute consistent underarm pitches within legal strike zone parameters
Students will demonstrate understanding of pitching rules and restrictions
Students will apply strategic pitching to control game tempo and challenge batters

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

15 (1 per pair plus spares)

Distributed to pitching stations, check for proper inflation and condition

Alternative: Incrediball softballs for beginners, foam softballs for indoor

Softball Equipment

8 (2 per game group)

Checked for damage, appropriate length for Year 8 (28-30 inches)

Alternative: Lighter training bats for students needing support

Bases

16 (4 sets of 4 bases)

Set in diamond formation, 45-50 feet between bases for Year 8

Alternative: Cones or markers if bases unavailable

Mitts

30 (1 per student ideally)

Range of sizes available, check for broken straps or damaged padding

Alternative: Can pair-share if limited, bare hands with softer balls

Hoops

4 (1 per game)

Positioned to represent strike zone height behind catcher

Alternative: Cones, markers, or chalk zones on walls

Cones

Mark field boundaries and safety zones between games

Alternative: Markers, rope boundaries

pinnies

24 (3 colours x 8)

Three distinct colours for rotating teams (batting, fielding, base running)

Alternative: Team armbands or verbal team identification

Key Vocabulary

Underarm pitch

A legal softball pitch delivered with an underhand motion where the hand passes below the hip

Strike zone

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

Legal pitch requirements

Rules governing proper pitching: both feet on pitcher's plate, underarm delivery, ball released below hip, must arc between shoulder and knee height

Bunting

A batting technique where the batter holds the bat still and lets the ball hit it, used to place the ball strategically

Force out

When a fielder with the ball touches a base before the runner who is forced to run to that base

Tag out

When a fielder touches a runner with the ball (or glove holding ball) while the runner is off base

Pitching consistency

The ability to repeatedly deliver pitches with similar accuracy, speed, and placement

Pitching strategy

Tactical decisions about pitch placement, speed, and timing to challenge batters and control the game

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic underarm throwing technique from previous sports
Understanding of batting and fielding roles in softball
Knowledge of basic softball rules and base running
Experience catching and throwing in game situations

Current Skills

Legal underarm pitching technique with correct arm motion
Understanding strike zone dimensions and legal pitch requirements
Pitching accuracy and consistency to target areas
Strategic pitch placement to challenge batters
Pitching rhythm and timing for game flow

Next Steps

Advanced pitching variations (speed changes, placement)
Reading batters and adjusting pitching strategy
Pitcher-catcher communication and signals
Full game situations with advanced defensive strategies

Milestone Indicators

6 out of 10 pitches land within strike zone

Maintains legal pitching motion under game pressure

Can articulate why certain pitches are more effective

Demonstrates improved batter-pitcher competitive balance

Key Teaching Points

Legal pitching requires four elements: both feet on pitcher's plate at start, underarm delivery with release below hip, ball passes through strike zone (shoulders to knees), pitch has slight arc not flat trajectory
The strike zone is a three-dimensional space above home plate, extending from the batter's shoulders to knees, approximately 43cm wide
Pitching technique: smooth pendulum arm swing from shoulder, release point below hip with slight wrist flick for arc, step towards catcher with opposite foot, follow through with arm pointing to target
Accurate, consistent pitching is the key to controlling game tempo and challenging batters effectively - it's a tactical advantage not just a technical skill
Difference between force out (touching base before runner arrives when they're forced to run) and tag out (touching runner with ball when off base) is crucial for defensive strategy
Safety is paramount: bats must be placed never thrown, fielders must communicate to avoid collisions, controlled batting initially to protect pitcher
Pitching consistency develops through repeated practice with focus on technique quality over throwing hard - accuracy before power

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Pitching fast is more important than pitching accurately.' Correction: In softball, consistent accuracy to the strike zone is far more effective than speed. Fast but wild pitches give batters easy walks and lose game control.
Misconception: 'The release point can be anywhere as long as it's underarm.' Correction: The release must be below the hip level to be legal. Many students release at hip or above which would be called illegal in competitive games.
Misconception: 'The strike zone is anywhere near the batter.' Correction: It's a specific defined space from shoulders to knees, above home plate only. Pitches outside this zone are balls, not strikes.
Misconception: 'All outs are done by tagging the runner.' Correction: Force outs only require touching the base with the ball when a runner is forced to advance. Tagging is only necessary when runners are not forced.
Misconception: 'You need to throw really hard to be a good pitcher.' Correction: Control, consistency, and tactical placement are much more important than speed. A controlled pitcher controls the game.
Misconception: 'If the batter hits the ball, the pitcher's job is done.' Correction: The pitcher immediately becomes a fielder and must be ready to field balls hit back towards them or cover bases.
Misconception: 'Bunting is just for weak batters.' Correction: Bunting is a skilled tactical choice used to advance runners or exploit fielding positions, requiring good bat control and timing.

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short, focused activity bursts with regular changes, clear boundaries marked with visual markers, immediate feedback and praise for on-task behaviour, active roles throughout (avoid long waiting times), allow movement breaks if needed, simplified instructions in chunks, specific positional assignments rather than free choice, use of timers for activity segments, high engagement through game-based learning, designated responsibilities within team roles

dyspraxia

Extended practice time for pitching motion, break down technique into smaller sequential steps, larger softer balls for easier catching, closer pitching distances initially, verbal walk-through while performing actions, consistent pitching routine to aid motor planning, allow extra time for movements, reduced complexity in initial activities, visual demonstration with repeated modelling, partner support during practice, positive reinforcement for effort and small improvements, option to use two hands for catching

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule of lesson structure at start, clear defined roles with visual labels or bibs, predictable rotation system with timer warnings, quiet zone available if overwhelmed, allow time to process instructions before starting, reduce sensory overload (limit background noise, avoid sudden loud noises), social script cards for team communication phrases, structured routines within game format, option to observe a rotation before participating

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured high-visibility softballs, audible balls with bells if available, verbal descriptions of demonstrations with physical guidance through pitching motion, buddy system with sighted partner for orientation and positioning, tactile markers on pitcher's plate for foot positioning, clear verbal cues for all instructions ('ball coming to you now'), reduce pitching distance for better tracking

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all skills from multiple angles, written rule cards and instruction sheets with diagrams, visual signals for start/stop (raised hand, flag), ensure face student when giving instructions for lip-reading, buddy system for ensuring instructions received, visual strike zone markers (cones, hoops), minimise background noise during instruction time

physical disability

Adapted pitching from seated position if needed, shorter pitching distances for accuracy success, lighter balls or bean bags for easier manipulation, allow two-handed pitching if one-handed not possible, modify batting to use tee stand instead of live pitch, adapted base running (shorter distances, walking pace, or designate runner), flexible role assignment based on abilities, ensure wheelchair accessibility around diamond if applicable

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Specialist vocabulary development (strike zone, force out, bunting), verbal communication during games ('I got it!', 'back up first!'), giving and receiving constructive feedback to partners, articulating tactical understanding during plenary, following and giving instructions clearly

Maths

Calculate pitching accuracy percentages (6 out of 10 = 60%), measure distances between bases using estimation and measurement tools, angles of throws and hit balls, geometry of diamond field shape, data handling of pitch success rates, timing and duration calculations for rotations

Science

Forces acting on ball during pitch (gravity, air resistance), trajectory and arc of pitched ball, body systems during exercise (cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular), muscles used in pitching motion (deltoids, triceps, core), levers and mechanical advantage in throwing action, Newton's laws of motion applied to ball and bat

Design & Technology

Equipment design considerations (bat length, ball weight and size), optimal design of softball diamond layout, problem-solving for equipment limitations, analysis of how equipment design affects performance

Geography

Spatial awareness and field positioning, mapping fielding positions on diamond diagram, directions and orientation (first base, left field, etc.), spatial strategies for covering maximum area, angles and positioning relative to batter

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation in fielding units, communication skills with pitcher-catcher partnership, resilience when pitches are inaccurate or batters score, managing competitive emotions appropriately, leadership during student-led warm-up and team captaincy, fair play and respecting rules and opponents, goal-setting for improvement

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

During instruction: central position where all students can see and hear clearly. During pair practice: circulate continuously between pairs to provide individual coaching. During game application: position centrally between two diamonds with clear sightlines to both, prioritise monitoring batting/pitching zones where risk is highest.

Observation Focus

Watch for: consistent legal pitching technique (release below hip, feet on plate, arc trajectory), pitching accuracy improvement over lesson, safe bat handling and placement, effective fielding communication, appropriate competitive intensity with good sportsmanship, rules understanding in game application, engagement of all students in all roles.

Intervention Points

Intervene immediately if: bat is thrown instead of placed, illegal pitching technique reinforced under pressure, unsafe fielding collisions occurring, students not rotating roles as instructed, poor sportsmanship or negative comments to teammates/opponents, pitch accuracy declining significantly suggesting fatigue, confusion about rules causing game stoppage, any safety risk identified.

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate pitching technique multiple times from different angles so all students can see clearly. Exaggerate key points (release below hip, pendulum arm swing) for visibility. Show both correct technique and common errors for comparison. Use student volunteers to demonstrate where appropriate to increase engagement. During game setup, physically walk through positioning and rotation to avoid confusion.

Verbal Cues

•'Feet on the plate!' - reminder for starting position
•'Release below the hip!' - technique reminder during pitching
•'Smooth pendulum swing!' - encourage fluid arm motion
•'Eyes on the target!' - focus on strike zone
•'Adjust your aim!' - encourage self-correction after misses
•'Place that bat!' - safety reminder after hitting
•'Spread out fielders!' - tactical positioning reminder
•'Call for the ball!' - encourage communication
•'Good sportsmanship!' - reinforce positive behaviour
•'Quality over speed!' - reminder not to rush pitches

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum two softball diamonds each requiring 25m x 25m clear space, plus 5m safety buffer between diamonds. Total area approximately 35m x 55m for full lesson with two simultaneous games. Indoor sports hall acceptable if dimensions adequate.

Surface Check

Flat, even surface free from holes, debris, or water. Outdoor: dry grass or sports field surface preferred. Indoor: non-slip sports hall floor. Check bases are secure and won't slip. Clear any stones or hazards from playing area.

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Inspect all softballs for proper inflation and undamaged covers before use
•Check bats for cracks, splinters, or loose grips - remove damaged equipment
•Verify mitts have intact straps and adequate padding
•Ensure bases are firmly positioned and won't slip during running
•Hoops for bat placement clearly marked and positioned safely away from play zones
•All equipment age-appropriate for Year 8 (bats 28-30 inches, standard softballs)

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head, face, or body from pitches or hit balls
•Collision between fielders chasing balls
•Collision between runner and fielder at bases
•Bat throwing after hitting creating projectile danger
•Slips and falls during base running or fielding
•Strain injuries to shoulder/arm from poor pitching technique
•Interference between two simultaneous games if too close

Risk Mitigation

•Enforce mandatory bat placement in hoop - never thrown after hitting
•Minimum 10m spacing between two game diamonds with clear boundaries
•Clear communication protocols: 'I got it!' when fielding to prevent collisions
•Controlled batting only (no full power swings initially, progress gradually)
•Proper warm-up focusing on shoulder and arm preparation
•Progressive skill building from static practice to game application
•Clear stop signal established and practiced for immediate activity cessation
•Adequate spacing during pitching practice (5m between pairs minimum)
•Pitcher protection: batters directed to hit grounders not line drives
•Proper pitching technique taught to prevent arm strain
•Fielders alert and ready position when ball in play
•Base runners instructed to run through bases not slide (unless specifically taught)

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position centrally to view both game diamonds simultaneously if running two games
•Circulate during practice stations to provide coaching and monitor safety
•Monitor bat handling vigilantly during game application
•Watch for fatigue in pitchers indicating need for rotation
•Scan for appropriate fielding spread and communication
•Position near highest-risk area (batting/pitching zones) during games
•Use teaching assistant or additional adult if available to supervise second game

Emergency Procedures

Immediate STOP command if injury or dangerous situation. Assess injury severity. Minor: pause activity, administer basic first aid, player sits out or continues based on assessment. Significant: stop all activity, send responsible student for additional help, administer appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if needed. Complete accident report form. All students aware of emergency stop signal and procedures.