HOW TO HIT A BASEBALL(Visual learners)

ED-3211Professor Anita Young

Group B:Jennifer AusielloKim Byk Irina ChubukovaEmma GintyRachel MaistoJeffrey Owejan

Meet the Facilitators

Kim BykRN, B.S.Played softball in grade school - still a beginner!

Irina ChubukovaAdministrative AssistantNever played baseball but enjoys badminton

Emma GintyRecent GraduatePlayed softball as a kidVolunteer for Tee Ball Program

Rachel MaistoCorporate TrainerNever even watched baseball before getting married but now an avid Yankees fan!

Jeff OwejanCommand Master Chief, USNPlayed baseball ‘til 19Plays softball regularly

Take a minute to go around the room and introduce yourselves. (Name, what you do, experience with baseball.)

Jenn AusielloAdministrative AssistantPlayed softball as a kid

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Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• Identify the steps to properly hit a baseball.

• Recognize the strike zone.

• Demonstrate the act of swinging a bat and hitting a ball.

• Evaluate self using criteria provided.

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(Click video to launch.)

4http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbI6ZeEBv_Q&feature=related

Step 1: Get a grip

• Select a bat that is not too heavy or too light.

• Right-handers: left hand on bottom with right hand on top of left hand. (Opposite for left-handers)

Tips for Grips

• No space between palms/fingers and the handle of the bat, or between hands.

• Avoid gripping the bat too tight, fingers should be very loose and relaxed .

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• Middle knuckles aligned for a straighter swing through the zone.

• Anchor bottom hand about 2 inches from the bottom.

• Choke up for speed.

Step 2: In the zone

• Spread feet a little wider than shoulder width for balance.

• Bend knees to get closer to strike zone.

• Stay on the balls of feet - keep off heels.

• Keep front shoulder and chin tucked in. Hands back.

• Hold bat 5-7” away from chest (elbows up) and at a 45° angle. Keep it comfortable.

• Turn head so both eyes are on the pitcher - don't look around your nose.

• Keep your head still.

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Strike Zone: width of plate, extends from knees to upper torso.

Step 3: Swinger

• Watch for the release point of the pitch to see what’s coming.

• Move hands back slightly as the pitcher is getting ready to release the ball.

• Arms and hands should be at the same level as you begin swing.

• Keep your eye on the ball!

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Step 3: Swinger, pt. 2

• Take a short step and stride to maintain balance.

• Pivot hips

• Roll wrists over as you’re coming around with your swing.

• Hit the ball in front of the plate.

• Force of swing should send bat behind body. (AKA, follow through)

• Weight at end of swing should be on the front foot.

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Quiz

Let’s see what you remember!

Click here to launch the quiz.

(Be sure to return to the presentation when done.)

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Play Ball!

Time to go out and practice! We will regroup in approximately 5 min.

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Instructions

• Pick a partner. One person will act as the “coach” the other as the “batter”.

- The batter will attempt to hit the ball using a tee.

- The coach should provide encouragement and help the batter to use the techniques learned in class.

• Do a few practice swings to warm up.

• Once the batter has hit off the tee 3 times, switch roles.

• After both have hit off the tee, move on to pitches.

‾ (10 pp – time permitted)

Self Evaluation

How well did you do?

Please take a moment to complete the self assessment form.

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Self Evaluation: Rubric

12(adapted from http://rubistar.4teachers.org)

CATEGORY 4 Excellent 3 Good 2 Satisfactory 1 Poor

Understanding the Process & Steps

Accurately understand baseball terms including the steps involved in hitting a baseball.

With some difficulty, understand baseball terms including the steps involved in hitting a baseball.

With little understanding, comprehend baseball terms including the steps involved in hitting a baseball.

Inability to understand baseball terms including the steps involved in hitting a baseball.

Performing the Swing Repeatedly perform a correct swing to hit a ball.

Perform most steps needed in a swing to hit a ball.

Perform some of the steps needed in a swing to hit a ball.

Do not perform the steps needed in the swing to hit a ball.

Analyzing the Swing Ability to accurately verbalize omission of steps or faulty incorporation of steps.

Ability to verbalize most omission of steps or faulty incorporation of steps.

Ability to verbalize some omission of steps or faulty incorporation of steps.

Inability to verbalize omission of steps or faulty incorporation of steps.

Hitting the Ball Ability to accurately hit 3 of 10 pitches thrown.

Ability to accurately hit 2 of 10 pitches thrown.

Ability to accurately hit 1 of 10 pitches thrown.

Ability to accurately hit 0 of 10 pitches thrown.

Summary

• Get a grip

• Stay in the zone

• Swing away

• HAVE FUN!!!

• BE SAFE

For tips see handout.

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Closing

We would like to leave you with some parting words:

“My motto was always to keep swinging. Whether I was in a slump or feeling badly or having trouble off the field, the only thing to do was keep swinging.” - Hank Aaron

14http://resources.kaboose.com/kidslinks/sports/baseball/baseball-quotes.html