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Lesson 1 - Throwing & Catching Basics

Fundamentals to Competition

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Year 9

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Softball

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1h 13min

Big Question

How can accurate throwing, catching and hitting create scoring opportunities in Softball?

Learning Objectives

Demonstrate correct technique for underarm and overarm throwing with accuracy
Apply decision-making skills when running through threatened areas
Execute basic hitting technique with control and placement

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate three different ways to move the ball with appropriate technique
Students will make tactical decisions about when to run and when to stay safe
Students will apply basic Softball rules correctly in game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per 2 students (15 total)

Distributed around activity areas in equipment bags

Alternative: Tennis balls, rounders balls for modified practice

Softball Equipment

1 per 6 students (5 total)

Stored safely in bat rack, only distributed when needed

Alternative: Rounders bats, tennis rackets for modified hitting

Markers

12 total

Set up in diamond formations for each game area

Alternative: Cones, hoops, poly spots

Gloves

1 per student (30 total)

Sized appropriately - various sizes available

Alternative: Bare hands for beginners, tennis balls for easier catching

Hoops

6 hoops

Placed at strategic points for ball storage during games

Alternative: Cones, markers for ball collection points

Tees

3 tees

Adjustable height for different batting positions

Alternative: Cones with tennis balls balanced on top

Key Vocabulary

Underarm throw

A throwing technique where the ball is released below shoulder height with a stepping motion

Overarm throw

A throwing technique using a side-on body position with high release point for distance and power

Soft hands

Catching technique where hands give way slightly on contact to cushion the ball

Threatened area

Space on the field where a runner may be tagged out by defenders

Tag out

Method of getting a runner out by touching them with the ball or glove containing the ball

Long barrier

Fielding technique using leg and body to stop rolling balls

Chin-knee-toe

Body alignment technique for throwing and hitting - side-on position with alignment of these three points

Follow through

Continuation of movement after releasing ball or making contact in hitting

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching from Key Stage 3
Understanding of team games and tactics
Experience with striking and fielding games

Current Skills

Accurate throwing with correct technique
Decision-making in threatened areas
Basic hitting placement and control

Next Steps

Advanced batting techniques and strategies
Complex base running tactics
Pitching and advanced fielding positions

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accuracy in throwing to bases

Confident decision-making under pressure

Strategic placement of hits

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise the 'big step and point' technique for all throwing to develop accuracy and power
Teach 'soft hands' catching technique early to prevent ball bouncing out and build confidence
Stress the importance of 'chin-knee-toe' alignment for both throwing and hitting power
Develop decision-making skills by constantly asking students to assess risk vs reward in base running
Build game understanding progressively from 2-base to 3-base to avoid overwhelming students
Focus on hitting placement into open spaces rather than just hitting hard
Encourage continuous communication between teammates during fielding and base running

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Throwing hard is more important than throwing accurately' - Correct by emphasising technique and target practice
Misconception: 'You must run to every base after hitting the ball' - Explain strategic base running and risk assessment
Misconception: 'Catching is just grabbing the ball' - Teach proper soft hands technique and body positioning
Misconception: 'Hitting is all about power' - Focus on timing, placement and technique over raw power
Misconception: 'Fielders should all chase the ball' - Teach positioning, communication and backing up teammates

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear start/stop signals, frequent positive feedback, clearly defined boundaries, movement breaks built into activities

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns initially, larger equipment for easier handling, extra demonstration and practice time, breaking skills into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Clear, predictable routines for game activities, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet zone available if needed, consistent rules and structure

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of field layout, buddy system for navigation, audio signals for game events

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written rule cards available, ensure student can see teacher's face when speaking

physical disability

Adapted batting from seated position if needed, shorter throwing distances, larger balls for easier catching, modified base running or designated runner

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating scores and statistics, measuring distances for base layouts, angles of throwing and hitting, timing of running between bases

Science

Forces involved in throwing and hitting, friction between ball and surface, trajectory and gravity effects on ball flight

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, directions and compass points for field layout, understanding of angles and positioning

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, leadership skills, managing competitive emotions and disappointment

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the outside of activities to maintain visibility of all students, spend extra time observing batting areas for safety

Observation Focus

Watch for correct throwing technique, safe base running, appropriate hitting stance, and positive team communication

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for unsafe play, provide technique correction for struggling students, mediate any disputes about rules

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements when demonstrating techniques, involve confident students in demonstrations, always demonstrate safety aspects first

Verbal Cues

•'Big step and point!' for throwing technique
•'Soft hands!' for catching
•'Look before you run!' for base running decisions
•'Side-on stance!' for hitting position

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m outdoor area or large sports hall, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

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

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all balls are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure bats have no cracks or damage and appropriate weight for age group
•Verify gloves fit properly and have no torn straps or sharp edges
•Check bases/markers are secure and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body during throwing/hitting activities
•Collisions between students during base running
•Slips and falls during quick direction changes
•Bat contact with other students during hitting

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activity areas
•Adequate spacing between activities (minimum 10m)
•Batting areas clearly defined with safety zones
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Clear 'stop' signals established and practised

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activity areas
•Pay special attention to batting areas for safety
•Monitor base running areas for collision risks
•Check students are following safety guidelines consistently

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, seek additional medical support if needed