1. SOFTBALL

2. Essential Questions
What 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?

3. HISTORY The first known game of softball was in the late 1800’s
Initially a broom was used instead of a bat
The ball, being soft, was fielded barehanded
George Hancock developed the game using a ball and undersized bat
Farragut 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

4. HISTORY
The name, “Softball,” was coined by Walter Hakanson of the YMCA and by 1930, the name was widely known. The rules were standardized in 1934
Softball is a popular sport and is now played in school’s, colleges and in the Olympics around the world
Softball is also a popular recreational sport played by people of all ages and abilities

5. HOW TO PLAY
Teams 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 team
When the batter hits a fair ball, they attempt to run around the bases
A run is scored when a base runner runs around all the bases and he/she touches home plate
Fielding 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 ball
The 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 allows
A game consists of 7 innings

6. SOFTBALL SAFETY
Players 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.

7. EQUIPMENT
Batting Tee
Bat
Glove
Softball
Bases

8. T-BALL/SOFTBALL FIELD

9. BATTING
When a player hits the ball that has been pitched or hits a ball off a tee

10. BATTING SKILL CUES 6th Grade
Face home plate with feet parallel and shoulder width apart
Bend knees slightly with weight on back foot
Hands together knuckles aligned
Lift rear elbow away from body and hold bat off shoulder
Focus on the ball and step forward with the front foot
Swing quickly with both hands on the bat
Follow through

11. BATTING POSITION Batting position for hitting a ball off a tee
Batting position for hitting a ball pitched underhanded

12. BATTING TEAM OBJECTIVE (OFFENSE)
Hit the ball off the Tee
Run/Wheel around the bases

13. The area over the plate from knees of the batter to the shoulders
STRIKE ZONE
The area over the plate from knees of the batter to the shoulders

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

15. BALL & WALK BALL WALK A pitch that is out of the strike zone
4 balls, pitches that are out of the strike zone
TOO HIGH
TOO LOW

16. HIT/RUN
RUN
HIT
A ball hit such that the batter can advance safely to a base
A point scored by touching home plate after touching all other bases

17. FAIR & FOUL FOUL BALL FAIR BALL
A 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.

18. When a player retrieves a ball in their glove that is hit by a batter
FIELDING
When a player retrieves a ball in their glove that is hit by a batter

19. FIELDING SKILL CUES 7th Grade
Align 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.

20. FIELDING TEAM OBJECTIVE (DEFENSE)
Strike out the batter
Tag base runner with ball
Catch ball in air
Throw ball to player defending the base before runner touches base

21. A ball that is hit high up into the air; If caught it equals an out
FLYBALL
A ball that is hit high up into the air; If caught it equals an out

22. OUT
Having 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
Tag base runner with ball
Strike out the batter
Catch ball in air
Throw ball to player defending the base before runner touches base

23. INFIELDERS
1st baseman, 2nd baseman, short stop, 3rd baseman, catcher, and pitcher
RIGHT CENTER

24. OUTFIELDERS
Right center fielder, left center fielder, left fielder, and right fielder
RIGHT CENTER

25. One of four stations that must be reached in order to score a run
BASE
One of four stations that must be reached in order to score a run
2nd BASE
1st BASE
3rd BASE
HOME PLATE

26. BASERUNNING SKILL CUES 8th Grade
Running 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.

27. The act of throwing the ball underhanded to the batter
PITCHING
The act of throwing the ball underhanded to the batter

28. 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 back
Keep Feet on ground
Release forward toward target

29. Cognition Information

30. IDENTIFY THE SOFTBALL Hockey Puck Tennis Ball Soccer Ball Basketball

31. IDENTIFY THE PERSON PLAYING TEE BALL
Golf
Golf
Tennis
Tee-Ball
Hockey

32. IDENTIFY THE PLAYERS USING A TEE FOR BATTING
Tee Ball
Hitting a Pitched Ball

33. WHAT SKILL AM I DOING?
Pitching
Fielding
Batting
Base running

34. WHY SHOULD I PLAY T-BALL/SOFTBALL?
Playing softball is good for my cardiovascular health
Playing softball keeps my muscles strong
Playing softball allows me to play with friends
Playing softball stimulates my brain

35. HOW WILL T-BALL/SOFTBALL HELP ME IN MY LIFE?
Playing softball keeps me at a healthy weight
Physical activity such as softball keeps me active and alert and keeps me from being tired
Playing softball is a great way to have fun and make friends

36. WHAT DOES TEAMWORK AND BEING A GOOD SPORT LOOK LIKE?

37. Cognition Assessments Tools

38. IDENTIFY THE SOFTBALL

39. IDENTIFY THE PERSON PLAYING T- BALL

40. IDENTIFY THE PLAYERS USING
A TEE FOR BATTING

41. WHAT SKILL AM I DOING?

42. WHY SHOULD I PLAY T-BALL/SOFTBALL?

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

44. THIS IS WHAT SPORTSMANSHIP LOOKS LIKE