Lesson 2 - Advanced Pitching & Running
Fundamentals to Competition
•Year 9
•Softball
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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
Set up multiple diamonds with appropriate distances for Year 9 students
Alternative: Cones, markers, or hoops if bases unavailable
Distribute balls around different activity areas for easy access
Alternative: Tennis balls for beginners, foam balls for indoor use
Use for warm-up activities and skill development stations
Alternative: Bean bags, playground balls for throwing practice
Check gloves are appropriate sizes and in good condition
Alternative: Students can practice bare-handed with softer balls
Use for bat storage areas and target practice
Alternative: Marked circles on ground, cones for boundaries
Adjust heights for different batting positions and student heights
Alternative: Cones with tennis balls balanced on top
Key Vocabulary
The throwing of the ball by the pitcher towards home plate to start each play
The area over home plate between the batter's knees and shoulders where strikes are called
A series of throws between fielders to get the ball quickly to its intended target
The defensive player positioned behind home plate who receives pitches and guards the base
The space between bases where a runner is vulnerable to being tagged out
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
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