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Lesson 2 - Advanced Pitching & Running

Fundamentals to Competition

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Year 9

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Softball

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Big Question

How can accurate pitching, secure catching and smart base running decisions lead to defensive dominance in softball?

Learning Objectives

Master the key technical points for effective pitching and catching techniques
Develop tactical awareness for safe and strategic base running decisions
Execute accurate throwing and relaying skills under pressure
Apply umpiring skills with confidence and consistency

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate consistent pitching technique with improved accuracy
Students will show secure catching fundamentals in game situations
Students will make intelligent base running decisions based on field positioning
Students will understand and apply relay strategies effectively
Students will umpire games with growing confidence and rule knowledge

Equipment & Resources Required

Softball Equipment

8-10 bats

Set up multiple diamonds with appropriate distances for Year 9 students

Alternative: Cones, markers, or hoops if bases unavailable

Softballs

15-20 balls

Distribute balls around different activity areas for easy access

Alternative: Tennis balls for beginners, foam balls for indoor use

Game Balls

12.5

Use for warm-up activities and skill development stations

Alternative: Bean bags, playground balls for throwing practice

Gloves

15-20 gloves

Check gloves are appropriate sizes and in good condition

Alternative: Students can practice bare-handed with softer balls

Hoops

7 hoops

Use for bat storage areas and target practice

Alternative: Marked circles on ground, cones for boundaries

Tees

4-6 tees

Adjust heights for different batting positions and student heights

Alternative: Cones with tennis balls balanced on top

Key Vocabulary

Pitch

The throwing of the ball by the pitcher towards home plate to start each play

Strike Zone

The area over home plate between the batter's knees and shoulders where strikes are called

Relay

A series of throws between fielders to get the ball quickly to its intended target

Catcher

The defensive player positioned behind home plate who receives pitches and guards the base

Threatened Area

The space between bases where a runner is vulnerable to being tagged out

Umpire

The official who makes decisions about plays, calls balls and strikes, and enforces rules

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching techniques from previous lessons
Understanding of softball field layout and basic rules
Experience with striking and fielding fundamentals
Knowledge of basic offensive and defensive concepts

Current Skills

Advanced pitching technique with accuracy and consistency
Specialist catching position and quick release skills
Tactical base running with risk assessment
Relay coordination and communication
Umpiring skills and game management

Next Steps

Complex game strategies and situational awareness
Advanced batting techniques against varied pitching
Team tactics for different game scenarios
Leadership roles in organising and managing games

Milestone Indicators

Consistent strike zone accuracy when pitching

Secure catching with immediate awareness of game situation

Reading defensive positions to make base running decisions

Clear, confident umpiring calls with appropriate signals

Key Teaching Points

Pitching technique: feet together, big step forward, point toward target for accuracy and power
Catching fundamentals: stable squat position, provide clear target, secure ball with two hands immediately
Base running decisions: read fielder positions before running, sprint through threatened areas between bases
Relay strategy: position closer to teammates to reduce throwing distance and increase accuracy
Umpiring confidence: clear, loud calls with appropriate hand signals, consistent strike zone judgement
Communication importance: call for balls during fielding, give clear targets when catching, support teammates during relays
Safety protocols: proper bat storage, awareness of other players during movement, controlled throwing in designated directions

Common Misconceptions

Pitching is just throwing - actually requires specific underarm technique with step and point motion
Catching is easy - requires proper positioning, balance, and immediate ball security
Always run to first base after hitting - smart players read field positions before deciding how far to advance
Relay throws are just helping - actually a strategic positioning system to improve defensive efficiency
Umpiring is about being right - actually about making clear, consistent decisions that keep games flowing
Individual skills matter most - softball success depends heavily on communication and teamwork

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with frequent position changes, clear physical boundaries marked, regular movement breaks, immediate positive feedback for focus

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time for complex skills, step-by-step breakdown of multi-part skills

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure with visual schedule, quiet zones available during intense activities, predictable role rotations, advanced warning of activity changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and bases, provide detailed verbal descriptions of field layout, buddy system for movement guidance, audio signals for game calls

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations of all techniques, written instruction cards for complex activities, hand signals for umpiring calls, visual timer for activity changes

physical disability

Seated catching and throwing variations, modified base distances, alternative bat grips, adapted running routes or wheelchair-accessible paths

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating distances for relay throws, measuring angles for optimal pitching, statistics tracking for batting and pitching accuracy, geometry of field positioning

Science

Forces and motion in pitching and throwing, reaction times in catching and base running, energy transfer from pitcher to ball, friction effects on different surfaces

Geography

Spatial awareness and field positioning, understanding directions and angles of movement, mapping optimal relay routes, coordinate systems for field layout

PSHE

Leadership development through umpiring, conflict resolution during games, building resilience when facing challenges, teamwork and communication skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear sight lines to all activity areas, move between groups during partner work to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Technical accuracy in specialist skills, tactical decision-making during base running, communication quality during relay activities

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe practices develop, provide technique correction during skill development, support struggling umpires with rule clarification

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for technique clarity, demonstrate from side-on view for pitching, show relay positioning from elevated position when possible

Verbal Cues

•'Big step and point!' for pitching technique
•'Secure that catch!' for catching emphasis
•'Read the field!' for base running decisions
•'Help your teammate!' for relay encouragement

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area minimum 40m x 60m with multiple activity zones, or large sports hall with clear sight lines

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or standing water, non-slip indoor surface if using hall

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all softballs are properly inflated and free from cracks
•Inspect bat handles for splinters or damage
•Ensure catching gloves are appropriate sizes and in good condition
•Verify bases are secure and won't slip during running

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body during throwing activities
•Collisions between runners and fielders at bases
•Bat-related injuries from improper handling or storage
•Overexertion during high-intensity running activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear throwing protocols with designated directions
•Adequate spacing between activity areas to prevent interference
•Mandatory bat storage system enforced throughout
•Progressive skill building to prevent overexertion
•Clear base running lanes with collision avoidance rules

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all activity areas simultaneously
•Monitor high-activity zones during game application section
•Special attention to umpiring positions for safety
•Watch for fatigue during sustained activities

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop signal for all activities, assessment of injury severity, appropriate first aid response, incident recording if required