🥎

Lesson 4 - Infield Positioning Skills

Fundamentals to Competition

•

Year 9

•

Softball

•

Big Question

How does effective communication and strategic positioning transform defensive play in softball?

Learning Objectives

Understand the critical importance of communication during team defensive play
Identify and demonstrate the roles of all infield positions in softball
Apply pitching, throwing and catching skills effectively in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will communicate effectively during defensive plays using clear, strategic calls
Students will position themselves correctly in all infield roles and understand their responsibilities
Students will demonstrate improved accuracy and power in throwing and catching under game pressure

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

15-20

Distribute around field perimeter for easy access during activities

Alternative: Tennis balls for indoor practice, bean bags for initial positioning work

Softball Equipment

6-8

Store safely in designated batting area when not in use

Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis rackets for modified hitting

Bases

4 sets (16 bases total)

Set up multiple diamonds for small group practice

Alternative: Cones, hoops, or marked areas on ground

Gloves

30 (1 per student)

Check for correct sizing and encourage personal equipment where possible

Alternative: None - essential for safety and skill development

Hoops

8-10

Use for bat collection points and target practice

Alternative: Marked circles, small cones

Sun Markers

20-30 cones

Clearly mark field boundaries and safe zones

Alternative: Natural boundaries, existing court lines

Key Vocabulary

Infield positions

The six defensive positions closest to the batter: pitcher, catcher, 1st base, 2nd base, 3rd base, and short-stop

Force out

When a runner is automatically out because they must advance to the next base but the ball reaches that base before them

Forced run

When a runner must advance to the next base because the batter has become a runner

Relay throw

A throwing technique where the ball is caught and immediately thrown to another fielder to advance the play

Short-stop

The infield position between 2nd and 3rd base, often covering the largest area and requiring quick reactions

Base stealing

When a runner advances to the next base during a pitch without the ball being hit

Communication calls

Specific verbal signals used by fielders to coordinate defensive plays and avoid collisions

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching techniques with stationary targets
Understanding of basic softball rules and scoring
Experience with modified team games and simple defensive positions

Current Skills

Advanced infield positioning and role-specific responsibilities
Strategic communication during defensive plays
Throwing and catching under game pressure with accuracy and power
Understanding of forced runs, force outs, and advanced game concepts

Next Steps

Outfield positioning and communication strategies
Advanced offensive strategies including base stealing and bunting
Full game tactics with pitcher-catcher coordination
Umpiring and game leadership skills

Milestone Indicators

Students can quickly identify optimal positioning for each infield role

Clear, strategic communication becomes automatic during defensive plays

Throwing accuracy improves under game pressure

Understanding of forced run situations leads to strategic defensive decisions

Key Teaching Points

Communication must be early, loud, and specific - vague calls lead to confusion and dropped catches
Each infield position has unique responsibilities that contribute to overall team defence success
Moving to the ball rather than waiting for it dramatically improves catching success and reduces reaction time
Force outs require understanding of base running rules - focus on which runners must advance
Short-stop position typically requires the most athletic ability and largest coverage area
Relay throws need immediate catch-and-release technique - body position during catch sets up the throw
Team defence works through position support and backing up teammates consistently

Common Misconceptions

Students think louder communication is always better - clarity and timing matter more than volume
Believing that catching is only about hand position - footwork and body positioning are equally crucial
Assuming all infield positions are equally difficult - short-stop and catcher require more advanced skills
Thinking force outs apply to all base running situations - only when runners are forced to advance
Believing individual skill is more important than team communication in defence
Assuming position names indicate exact standing locations rather than coverage responsibilities

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and structure, offer movement roles that channel energy positively

dyspraxia

Use larger, softer balls initially, reduce throwing distances, provide extra demonstration time and allow longer processing for position changes

autism spectrum

Provide visual position maps for reference, establish clear routines for equipment collection, offer quiet space if overstimulation occurs

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of all position locations, implement buddy system for movement guidance

hearing impairment

Establish clear visual signals for position changes, use written position cards for reference, emphasise demonstration over verbal instruction

physical disability

Adapt positions for wheelchair users, provide seated catching and throwing opportunities, modify equipment weight and size as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating distances between bases, angles for optimal throwing, statistical analysis of successful catches vs attempts

Science

Physics of ball flight including trajectory and force, biomechanics of throwing motion, reaction time in catching

Geography

Spatial awareness and mapping of field positions, understanding direction and distance in game contexts

PSHE

Teamwork and leadership development, communication skills, resilience when making mistakes, fair play and respect for opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central field position for maximum visibility, rotate between groups during skill development

Observation Focus

Monitor position accuracy, communication quality, throwing technique, and game understanding

Intervention Points

Step in for safety concerns, technique breakdowns, or communication failures

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for position demonstrations, model clear communication calls, show proper throwing and catching technique regularly

Verbal Cues

•'Call early and loud!'
•'Move your feet to the ball!'
•'Back up your teammates!'
•'Think before you throw!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full softball field or equivalent outdoor space minimum 60m x 40m, clear boundaries marked

Surface Check

Dry, level grass or artificial surface free from holes, stones, or other hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all softballs for damage and correct firmness
•Ensure bats have no cracks or damage to handle/barrel
•Verify all fielding gloves fit properly and are in good condition
•Confirm bases are properly secured and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball impact injuries from throws or hits
•Collisions between players during game situations
•Trips and falls during rapid movement between positions
•Bat-related injuries during hitting activities

Risk Mitigation

•Enforce mandatory glove wearing for all participants
•Establish clear throwing lanes and safe zones
•Implement bat safety protocol with designated collection areas
•Progressive skill building from stationary to dynamic activities
•Clear communication requirements to avoid collisions

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position centrally for visibility of all field activity
•Monitor high-activity areas during game application
•Ensure adequate spacing between groups during drills
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately for any injury, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required