FOOTBALL

SOFTBALL

Essential QuestionsWhat is the difference between pitching and throwing in softball?

What is the difference between offense and defense in softball?

How does follow through affect accuracy in a throw?

HISTORYThe first known game of softball was in the late 1800sInitially a broom was used instead of a bat The ball, being soft, was fielded barehandedGeorge Hancock developed the game using a ball and undersized batFarragut Club soon set rules for the game, which spread quickly to outsiders and the game started being played indoors during the winter and became known as indoor-baseball

HISTORYThe name, Softball, was coined by Walter Hakanson of the YMCA and by 1930, the name was widely known. The rules were standardized in 1934Softball is a popular sport and is now played in schools, colleges and in the Olympics around the worldSoftball is also a popular recreational sport played by people of all ages and abilities

HOW TO PLAYTeams consist of 10 players: 1st, 2nd and 3rd baseman, Shortstop, Left fielder, Right fielder, Right center fielder, Right fielder, Pitcher and Catcher Pitcher for visitor team pitches the ball to the first batter for the home teamWhen the batter hits a fair ball, they attempt to run around the basesA run is scored when a base runner runs around all the bases and he/she touches home plateFielding Team(Defense)switches to batting team when the batting team has 3 outs.Outs are determined by catching a fly ball, getting three strikes, throwing the ball to the base before the forced runner gets there or tagging the runner with the ballThe winner is the team that scored the most runs in regulation. If the score is tied after seven innings, teams play extra innings if time allowsA game consists of 7 inningsSOFTBALL SAFETYPlayers should wear proper shoes, fielding gloves when catching thrown or batted balls, and helmets when batting.Players should be aware of all players on the field and their positions. Players not in the game should stay away from the playing area.Make sure the playing field is debris free. For example, loose equipment, like bats and gloves, should be put away.Practice proper communication. For example, when a ball is hit to a certain area, defense players should communicate by saying, Got it, or Mine.Players should never throw the bat after they hit and should never run with the bat.

EQUIPMENT

BatGloveBatting TeeSoftballBasesT-BALL/SOFTBALL FIELD

BATTINGWhen a player hits the ball that has been pitched or hits a ball off a tee

Face home plate with feet parallel and shoulder width apartBend knees slightly with weight on back footHands together knuckles alignedLift rear elbow away from body and hold bat off shoulderFocus on the ball and step forward with the front footSwing quickly with both hands on the batFollow through

BATTING SKILL CUES 6th Grade

Batting position for hitting a ball pitched underhanded

Batting position for hitting a ball off a tee

BATTING POSITION

BATTING TEAM OBJECTIVE (OFFENSE)Hit the ball off the Tee

Run/Wheel around the bases

STRIKE ZONEThe area over the plate from knees of the batter to the shoulders

STRIKEWhen a player swings at the ball and misses. If a player gets 3 strikes, they are out.

BALL & WALKBALLWALKA pitch that is out of the strike zone4 balls, pitches that are out of the strike zone

TOO HIGHTOO LOWHIT/RUNHITA ball hit such that the batter can advance safely to a baseRUNA point scored by touching home plate after touching all other bases

FAIR & FOULFAIR BALLFOUL BALLA ball that is put into play within the field of play

Ball hit out of the playing area before it reaches 1st or 3rd base.

FIELDINGWhen a player retrieves a ball in their glove that is hit by a batter

FIELDING SKILL CUES 7th GradeAlign the body with the ball.

Use a forward stride stance.

Tuck the chin and eyes on ball.

Keep the arms and hands relaxed.

Hold the hands out in front of the body.

Give with the ball on contact.

Bring ball up to dominant hip to throw.

FIELDING TEAM OBJECTIVE(DEFENSE)

Catch ball in airTag base runner with ballThrow ball to player defending the base before runner touches base

Strike out the batterFLYBALLA ball that is hit high up into the air; If caught it equals an out

OUTHaving a play ended by catching a fly ball, getting three strikes, throwing the ball to the base before the forced runner gets there or tagging the runner with the ball

Catch ball in airTag base runner with ballThrow ball to player defending the base before runner touches base

Strike out the batter

INFIELDERS1st baseman, 2nd baseman, short stop, 3rd baseman, catcher, and pitcherRIGHT CENTER

OUTFIELDERSRight center fielder, left center fielder, left fielder, and right fielderRIGHT CENTERBASEOne of four stations that must be reached in order to score a run

1st BASE2nd BASE3rd BASEHOME PLATE25BASERUNNING SKILL CUES8th GradeRunning stride and run over or past first base.

Run in a straight path between bases

Focus on the base not the ball.

Touch all bases.

PITCHINGThe act of throwing the ball underhanded to the batter

PITCHING CUES (High School)Forward Stride Position (Opposite foot forward from throwing hand)Face the target (Shoulders square to target)Hold the ball in the glove or have hand at waist level. Bend the trunk slightly forward at waist level.Hand way backKeep Feet on groundRelease forward toward target

Cognition Information

IDENTIFY THE SOFTBALLTennis BallSoccer BallHockey PuckSoftballBasketball

IDENTIFY THE PERSON PLAYING TEE BALL

TennisTee-BallGolfHockeyGolf

IDENTIFY THE PLAYERS USING A TEE FOR BATTINGTee BallHitting a Pitched BallWHAT SKILL AM I DOING?

PitchingBattingFieldingBase runningWHY SHOULD I PLAY T-BALL/SOFTBALL?

Playing softball is good for my cardiovascular healthPlaying softball stimulates my brainPlaying softball keeps my muscles strongPlaying softball allows me to play with friendsHOW WILL T-BALL/SOFTBALL HELP ME IN MY LIFE?

Playing softball keeps me at a healthy weightPhysical activity such as softball keeps me active and alert and keeps me from being tiredPlaying softball is a great way to have fun and make friends

WHAT DOES TEAMWORK AND BEING A GOOD SPORT LOOK LIKE?Cognition Assessments Tools

IDENTIFY THE SOFTBALL

IDENTIFY THE PERSON PLAYING T- BALL

IDENTIFY THE PLAYERS USING A TEE FOR BATTING

WHAT SKILL AM I DOING?

WHY SHOULD I PLAY T-BALL/SOFTBALL?

HOW WILL T-BALL/SOFTBALL BENEFIT ME IN MY LIFE?

THIS IS WHAT SPORTSMANSHIP LOOKS LIKE