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Lesson 3 - Throwing & Base Stealing

Fundamentals to Competition

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Year 9

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Softball

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Big Question

How can we use advanced throwing techniques and tactical decision-making to outwit opponents in Softball?

Learning Objectives

Master overarm throwing and fielding techniques with increased distance and accuracy
Apply base stealing strategies in game situations with calculated risk assessment
Demonstrate advanced positioning and relay skills to maximise defensive coverage

Key Outcomes

Students will execute consistent overarm throws over 20 metres with accuracy
Students will successfully implement base stealing opportunities during game play
Students will work effectively as a defensive unit using positioning and communication

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

15-20

Stored in central container, easily accessible for quick collection

Alternative: Tennis balls, rounders balls for reduced impact

Softball Equipment

6-8

Set up multiple diamonds and pentagon shape for warm-up

Alternative: Cones, mats, hoops as base markers

Gloves

30 (1 per student)

Various sizes available, students select appropriate fit

Alternative: None - gloves essential for safety and skill development

Hoops

6-8

Positioned behind each batting area for safe bat storage

Alternative: Cones, marked circles for bat storage

Coloured Bibs

20-30

Three different colours for 3v3v3 games

Alternative: Different coloured equipment for team identification

Key Vocabulary

Overarm

Throwing technique where the arm moves over the shoulder in a circular motion for maximum distance and accuracy

Long barrier

Fielding technique where the whole body creates a barrier to stop ground balls, with one knee down

Base stealing

Running to the next base while the ball is in play, before being forced to run

Tag out

Getting a runner out by touching them with the ball while they're not on a base

Force out

Getting a runner out by getting the ball to the base they must run to before they arrive

Relay

Throwing the ball between fielders to get it to where it needs to go quickly

Chin-knee-toe

Throwing technique reminder - point your chin, knee and toe towards your target

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic underarm throwing and catching skills
Understanding of softball basic rules and scoring
Experience with simple 2-base softball games
Basic running between bases

Current Skills

Overarm throwing technique with distance progression
Advanced fielding using long barrier method
Base stealing timing and decision-making
Defensive positioning and relay skills

Next Steps

Advanced defensive strategies and double plays
Pitching techniques and strike zone control
Complex game tactics and team coordination
Competitive tournament play with umpiring

Milestone Indicators

Consistent overarm throws reaching 20+ metres

Successful base stealing attempts in game situations

Effective communication during defensive plays

Quick reaction times to fielding opportunities

Key Teaching Points

Chin-knee-toe alignment is essential for accurate overarm throwing and must be consistently reinforced
Base stealing timing is critical - only after ball leaves pitcher's hand, never before
Long barrier fielding technique protects the body while ensuring ball control
Defensive positioning must maximise field coverage with limited players
Communication between teammates is essential for successful defensive play
Risk assessment skills for base stealing develop through experience and reflection
Safety protocols, especially bat storage, must be non-negotiable throughout lesson

Common Misconceptions

Students often think throwing harder equals throwing more accurately - emphasise technique over power
Many students steal bases at wrong time - repeatedly reinforce 'after the pitch' rule
Fielders often bunch together instead of spreading out - consistently redirect positioning
Students may think tag outs are always better than force outs - explain tactical choices
Some students avoid base stealing due to fear - build confidence through safe practice
Players often forget long barrier technique under pressure - provide regular reminders
Students may prioritise individual success over team tactics - emphasise collective goals

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short, focused activity bursts with clear transitions, regular movement opportunities, clear boundaries and expectations, immediate positive feedback and recognition

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls for easier catching, reduced complexity in multi-step skills, extra practice time with supportive partner, simplified tactical instructions

autism spectrum

Clear, consistent routines and expectations, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet zones available when needed, predictable structure with advance warning of changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of all activities, buddy system with sighted partner, audio cues for base positions

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all skills, hand signals for game communication, written instructions available, visual cues for timing and rules

physical disability

Seated throwing and catching variations, modified distances and equipment size, adapted base running with wheelchair accessibility, role modifications within teams

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, communication skills for tactical discussions, following and giving complex instructions

Maths

Calculating distances for throwing, measuring angles for optimal positioning, statistics from game performance, timing intervals for base stealing

Science

Forces and motion in throwing techniques, trajectory and gravity effects on ball flight, human body mechanics during athletic movement

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding angles and directions, mapping field coverage and tactical positioning

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration skills, resilience when facing challenges, leadership and communication, managing competitive emotions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with view of all playing areas, rotate between groups to provide feedback

Observation Focus

Monitor technique development, tactical decision-making, safety compliance, and inclusive participation

Intervention Points

Step in for safety concerns, provide technique correction, facilitate tactical discussions, support struggling students

Demonstration Notes

Use students as positive examples when possible, demonstrate key techniques clearly with exaggerated movements, break down complex skills into manageable parts

Verbal Cues

•'Chin-knee-toe to your target!'
•'Get your body behind that ball!'
•'Is this a good time to steal?'
•'Work together as a defensive unit!'
•'Think before you throw!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor space minimum 50m x 40m, or large sports hall with high ceiling

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas that could cause falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all softballs are in good condition with no splits or damage
•Ensure bases are securely positioned and won't slide when stepped on
•Verify bats have no cracks and grips are secure
•Check gloves fit properly and have no tears

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body during throwing/catching
•Collisions between runners and fielders
•Slips and falls during running or fielding
•Bat strikes during batting or from unsafe bat storage

Risk Mitigation

•Clear throwing lanes established with no students in line of fire
•Adequate spacing between playing areas to prevent cross-activity collisions
•Mandatory use of safe bat storage (hoops) when not batting
•Progressive skill building before full game intensity
•Clear base paths with no obstacles
•Controlled running speeds appropriate to skill level

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activity areas
•Monitor throwing and catching areas for safety compliance
•Watch base running for potential collisions
•Ensure bat safety protocols are followed consistently

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop signal, assess injury severity, appropriate first aid response, seek additional support if needed