Lesson 3 - Throwing & Base Stealing
Fundamentals to Competition
•Year 9
•Softball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Stored in central container, easily accessible for quick collection
Alternative: Tennis balls, rounders balls for reduced impact
Set up multiple diamonds and pentagon shape for warm-up
Alternative: Cones, mats, hoops as base markers
Various sizes available, students select appropriate fit
Alternative: None - gloves essential for safety and skill development
Positioned behind each batting area for safe bat storage
Alternative: Cones, marked circles for bat storage
Three different colours for 3v3v3 games
Alternative: Different coloured equipment for team identification
Key Vocabulary
Throwing technique where the arm moves over the shoulder in a circular motion for maximum distance and accuracy
Fielding technique where the whole body creates a barrier to stop ground balls, with one knee down
Running to the next base while the ball is in play, before being forced to run
Getting a runner out by touching them with the ball while they're not on a base
Getting a runner out by getting the ball to the base they must run to before they arrive
Throwing the ball between fielders to get it to where it needs to go quickly
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
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