History of Softball

Softball Handbook By Renee Gainer History of Softball

Softball was first discovered by George Hancock in 1887 for regular professional baseball players to practice and play indoors during their off season. George Hancock was a reporter for the Chicago Board of Trade and held the first softball plays inside the Farragut Boat Club. The name softball didn't come until 1926 by Walter Hakanson, who was a Denver YMCA official and a former ASA president and commissioner. The early games were played with a boxing glove and a broom. Softball has had many names such as mush ball, kitten ball, big ball, diamond ball, and recreational ball. It was not until 1900 when the first League play was held in Minnesota and the actual game was not played regularly until 1926. Softball soon became popular in 1930 while being played in 85 different countries, although fast pitch was first preferred over slow pitch. Slow pitch was first formed so batters had a chance to practice their hitting skills on an easier scale, slowly moving towards hitting the ball at a regular fast pace.

The ASA played an important role in making softball as popular as it is today. The formation of the ASA gave softball the foundation it needed to grow and develop throughout the United States. The recognition of the sport increased immensely when softball was finally accepted as an Olympic sport in 1991 because of Don E. Porter. Softball has become more than an Olympic sport; it is played in many international tournaments by the International Softball Federation located in Florida. The International Softball Federation, ISF, was first founded in 1952 and later after 1981; sponsors began supporting women’s softball with more than 600 NCAA member institutions. NCAA stands for the National Collegiate Athletic Association. As a small note for the future, in 2005, the International Olympic Committee voted to drop softball and baseball from the 2012 Olympic Games.

!974 Softball . Equipment  Softballs-you can not play a game of softball without balls! Instead of using regular hard softballs, we will be using foam or plastic balls for safety precautions. In most cases, games are played with bright yellow red laced softballs. Slow pitch softballs give batters more control by making it easier for them to hit the ball. The type of ball used in slow pitch is often smaller and denser than those used in fast pitch. Fast pitch softballs are often white with red laces instead of yellow.  Bats- we will need at least two or three different size bats for students to bat with according to their preference. Real softball bats are very expensive and can range up to 350 dollars. So when you are using a softball bat, take care of it. Bats also range in sizes and weights according to age and preference:

Baseball Bat Size Chart Age 5-7 8-9 10 11-12 13-14 15-16 17-18 Bat Length 24-26" 26-28" 28-29" 30-31" 31-32" 32-33" 32-34"

 Fielding Gloves- every student will need a hand mitt to catch flying balls in the infield and outfield. Fielding gloves also range in size according to the size of your hand and the type of ball game you are playing. Players tend to use smaller gloves in baseball and larger gloves in softball. This is mostly due to the size difference in the balls used for each game. Baseballs are much smaller than softballs and fast-pitch softballs are larger than slow-pitch softballs.  Bases or circular disks- these will be used to mark the four bases on the grass: home plate, first base, second base and third base.  Cones- small cones will be used to establish boundaries for the foul lines and dead ball territories where students will be standing to bat. When a ball is hit over the foul line, the ball counts as a strike in fast pitch and as a ball in slow pitch.  Cleats/Cross Trainers- these are good to wear because they have hard soul’s and spikes to help your feet dig into the ground and prevent sliding while running the bases or playing the field. Some players choose not to wear cleats, but different fields require different shoes and some players have different needs.  Batting Gloves- batting gloves are not required but can be used for a firmer grip on the bat or for a tighter fit in your field glove.  Catchers Gear- catchers gear includes leg guards, chest protector and a full mask helmet for protection.  Uniforms- most uniforms played in slow pitch softball are team logo t-shirts and sport athletic short or long pants. In fast-pitch softball, players wear high socks with strips, three quarter length pants, top three button hole team logo short sleeved shirts and a team hat. Softball Rules and Safety Guidelines Rules: 1. The baselines must be 65 feet and 50 from the pitchers mound to home plate. 2. A team must have 9 players to start or to continue a game with the maximum of 10 3. No insults or abusive behaviors are permitted on and off the field. 4. No Jewelry. 5. No double wall softball bats are allowed. 6. A coin flip will determine who will be the home team. 7. When the batter has three strikes, they are out. 8. Four balls at bat means a player may walk to first base 9. A ball is when the pitcher pitches a ball outside of the strike zone. The strike zone is to the left and ride edges of the home plate and from the shoulders to above the knee cap on the batter. 10. The batter may not step outside the batter's box when the ball is thrown. 11. No bunting, stealing, or leading. 12. Runners may advance only one base on an overthrow. 13. Students may not interfere with others during the game. 14. Catchers must wear the face mask for safety. 15. No throwing the bat or any other equipment. 16. Full count is when the batter has three balls and two strikes at home plate, also read as 3 and 2. 17. Foul balls, a ball hit outside the foul line, counts as a strike. 18. If a player catches a foul ball, the ball is live and runners may tag. 19. When a ball is overthrown into foul territory, the advancement of the base runners is unlimited. The ball is considered in play and runners can be tagged out while advancing. 20. A batter who steps on the plate or in front of the plate while contacting the ball will be called out. 21. There are 7 innings in a game. An inning is considered complete once the third out is made against the home team. 22. If the game is tied at the end of seven innings, one extra inning will be used 23. The batter will be called out if they bunt or intentionally chop at the ball. 24. Overthrown balls going beyond the out-of-play line will award base runners two bases from the last base they had touched when the ball was thrown. 25. If a ball is carried out of play, the base runners are awarded one base at the time of the carry over. 26. A batter is called out on an easily caught pop fly to any defensive player near or in the infield when there are runners on first and second or the bases are loaded and there are less than two outs. When such a hit is made the umpire should immediately call "infield fly the batter is out". 27. The batter is called out and all base runners advance at their own risk once the fly ball has been touched. 28. A pitcher must keep one foot in contact with the pitching rubber during the entire pitching motion. Otherwise it will be ruled an illegal pitch and considered a ball. On an illegal pitch, if a batter swings and misses then it will be considered a strike. 29. A high fly ball that gets juggled in the outfield, the runner may advance on a tag up once the ball is first touched. 30. Players may tag up and advance on any fly ball that is caught as long as they do not leave the base until the ball is touched. 31. Base runners are often confused when an infielder drops the ball after the umpire calls the infield fly rule into play. In short, base runners are under no obligation to advance and they cannot be forced out. 32. Force out is when the batter hits the ball and a runner is on base and they are forced to run because there is another base runner behind them. 33. Non force out is when a base runner runs when they are not followed by another base runner who must advance to the next base. Safety: 1. Students will be instructed not to throw the bat after hitting 2. Students will be provided with regulation softball gloves 3. A softer, modified softball will be used at all times 4. The catcher will be provided with a catcher’s mask to wear 5. Students will be instructed to not run into the road for a ball (http://www.icsd.k12.ny.us/highschool/pe/sb.htm) Terminology  On Deck - the next person at bat  Overrun - To run past the base after touching it. You can do this on first base only, and only if you turn to the right after doing so to signify you are not advancing to second. If you turn to the left you are demonstrating to the defensive team your intentions to run to second base and can be tagged out at any time if caught off base.  Stealing a base- A base runner trying to advance to the next base as the pitcher throws the ball to the batter, before it is swung at. This is not legal in slow pitch.  Tag up - On a long fly ball, the runner goes back or waits on base until the ball in touched by a fielder and then tries to advance to the next base.  Reason - If the ball is caught on the fly, the batter is out and the runner must remain at their original starting base unless they leave the base after it has been caught. If they leave before the ball is touched the defensive team can get the runner out by throwing the ball to the base which they started from, before they are able to run back.  Force out - Only one player may be on a base. When a runner is on first and the ball is hit, they must run to second base. On a ground ball, they must reach second before the ball is thrown there or they are called out. On a fly ball they must take a few steps off base and wait to see if it is caught. They may run to the next base as soon as they wish, but remember the Tag up rule on fly balls.  Tag out - When a player is not forced to run they must be touched with the ball or the glove that the ball is in.  Base path - An imaginary line running three feet on either side of a direct line to the base. The runner must stay within this path when the defensive team is trying to tag them out. If they go outside it they are called out. This does not pertain to a runner at full speed advancing who must round the base comer to keep going to the next base,  Fair ball - A ball hit inside the field of play, either a grounder or a fly ball, which may advance a runner.  An Inning - One at bat for each team.  Ball: A pitch outside the strike zone that the batter does not try to hit.  Base: One of the three safe stations for the batter or base runner.  Bases loaded: Bases are said to be loaded when there is a base runner on each base.  Batter's box: A rectangular area beside home plate where the batter must stand to hit the pitch.  Bunt: An attempt by the batter to tap the ball instead of swinging at it.  Catcher: The fielder positioned behind home plate who catches the pitches.  Curveball: A pitch thrown with a rotation that makes the ball curve.  Defense: The fielding team.  Double play: A play in which two outs are made as the result of continuous action.  Fly ball: A ball hit in the air.  Force-out: An out made when a base runner, forced to run because another teammate must run to the base being occupied, cannot reach the next base safely  Foul ball: A ball hit outside the foul lines.  Foul lines: The two straight lines, extending from home plate past the outside edges of first and third bases to the outfield fence.  Grand slam: A home run with a base runner on each base, scoring four runs.  Groundball: A ball hit along the ground.  Hit: A ball struck by a batter that enables the batter to reach base safely.  Home run: A hit by a batter, which usually goes over the outfield fence, that enables the batter to run around all the bases safely.  Infield: The diamond-shaped area formed by the three bases and home plate.  Line drive: A ball hit sharply in a straight line roughly parallel to the ground.  Live ball: A ball in play.  Outfield: The playing area inside the foul lines and beyond the infield.  Pinch hitter: A player who bats in place of a teammate one time in a game.  Pinch runner: A player who runs the bases in place of a team-mate one time in a game.  Pitcher: The player who delivers the ball to the batter.  Pop fly: A ball hit in the air to the infield.  Run: The point scored when a batter or base runner advances to home plate.  Slide: A base running maneuver in which the player slides into a base to avoid overrunning it, or to make it difficult for the fielder to tag the runner with the ball.  Strikeout: An out where the batter has three strikes.  Triple: A hit that allows a batter to reach third base.  Triple play: A play in which three outs are made with one pitch Lead-Up Activities 1. Have students begin by practicing their throw and catch skills with “One Step Throw and Catch”. Students will read the poster presented on the wall with instructions: Students must select a partner and choose a ball they want to throw back and forth. Students will begin throwing close at about 10 feet and after they have successfully thrown the ball three or four times, they must take big steps back and throw again. If at any time the ball is dropped, they must bring it back to the starting position. 2. This activity is called throw and catch tag where two or three students will be chosen to be “it” and two other students will have some sort of ball, whether a tennis ball or a yarn ball. When a player is tagged they are frozen and may only be unfrozen by catching a ball from someone who has one of the two. The player receiving the pass must pass the ball to someone else who is frozen to unfreeze them. 3. This activity applies to teamwork. Divide the class into groups of four and have them split so that the first two members are in a line facing each other. The first two people in line will be given a bean bag, tennis ball, or yarn ball where they will have to toss it up behind them and run to the other end of the line. The person behind them must catch the bean bag or ball and throw it again for the next person behind them. This continues until they drop the ball. If it is dropped they start over again. One point is given to the team every time the whole group runs through without dropping the ball. If the group runs through the whole line again, they are awarded two points, and so on. 4. In this activity, students will be split into two groups and each person in both groups will need to get with a partner. Each partner will stand face to face spread apart about ten feet and side shuffle throwing ground balls to their partner. The next two partners go after the first groups gets to the finish line. Once all the groups have gone once throwing grounders to each other, they go again throwing fly balls. The first team to finish wins. 5. This form of tag game will practice tagging runners on base (or running to base) in the game, making an “out”. Each student will have a glove and four people will have a ball. The people with the ball can tag others if the ball is in their glove. Then once that person is tagged, they must put the ball in their glove and tag others. The trick to this game is that it will be hard for everyone to see who is it since the balls will be inside the gloves, so everyone is going to have to avoid everyone else. This game is similar to “everybody’s it”. Emphasize that tapping or tagging must be done lightly.

Lesson #1 out of 10

Objectives: -Students will know the skills to throwing and catching a softball. - Students will be able to demonstrate how to properly throw and catch a softball back and forth while remaining on the bases. - Students will understand teamwork and the importance of communication in the game.

Equipment- Softballs, gloves, bases, tennis balls, yarn balls.

Lesson Content-

1. Begin with an instant activity practicing teamwork. - Students get into groups of four facing each other on opposite ends. - The first student on each side will run out and throw the ball high in the air while the second person in line must catch the ball. - The ball can either be a yarn, tennis, or softball ball of their choice. - Remember, each run through of the group counts as one point. - If the ball is dropped, the group must start back at zero points.

2. Students practice throwing and catching skills. - Students find a partner and begin throwing the ball back and forth with their partner. - Split students into groups of three - Have two of the students pass the ball while the third partner acts as they are running back and forth to the bases. - This will be done in the grass to start so students can get insight on how they must throw the ball with a runner in play and what they need to look for before making a play: - Position and attention of the throwing target. - Need quick reaction time. - Focus on the distance at which the ball needs to be thrown - Accuracy of the path that the ball will be thrown is crucial. - Safety of the runner is the most important. - Throwing the ball and hitting the runner is a foul play.

3. Passing a softball keeping one foot on the base. - Organize the class evenly behind first, second, third, and home plate. - Demonstrate with students keeping dominant foot back on the edge of the base while pointing with your non dominant foot towards the base you are intending to throw to try and get another runner out. - Have each student run through throwing the ball either from first to second, second to first, second to third, etc. - Students may choose the order but each student goes once and then returns to the back of the line. - This should go very quickly as students want to be reminded of how quickly the base runners will be running in the game - Make sure students know how fast they have to think on their feet before the runner makes it to the next base and is safe. - Have students call out what base they are throwing too before they throw so the other baseman is alert and ready. - This will have students understand the importance of teamwork because in the game, you need to be aware of everyone, not just yourself. Softball takes more than one out in the field.

Safety Guidelines: - Must call out base before throwing. - Make sure everyone and anyone is looking before you throw the ball. - When the teacher is demonstrating or talking, balls should be in the gloves and in the hands. - No throwing the balls when you are told not too. - No horseplay or throwing the ball unnecessarily out of control.

Lesson #2 out of 10

Objectives: - Students will be able to accurately catch a ground ball on defense. - Students will be able to demonstrate a double play infield. - Students will be aware of the safety processions necessary to perform defensive plays.

Equipment- Softball gloves, balls, bases.

Lesson Content

1. Begin with an instant activity of throwing and catching the ball with partners. - Students will start closely throwing the ball back and forth. - When the students get warmed up, have them take giant steps back and continue throwing. - Make sure students are using the correct skills so they are prepared to move on to the next step higher.

2. Give a brief demonstration of how to catch ground balls using pinpointing after observing. - Have one pair of students demonstrate how to field s ground ball while pointing out these key points: - Feet are shoulder with apart with hands together out in front on the body. - Glove should be level with the ground in hand with the other hand holding lightly on the other, ready to guard. - When the ball is low, shuffle right and left towards the direction of the ball. - Drop the hand with the glove, touching the ground so ball does not roll underneath. - The other hand should be on top with wrist bent - When ball is in glove, the hand on top should go on the ball ready to throw.

3. Practice rounds for throwing and catching ground balls. - Have students get into groups of three and practice throwing each other ground balls. - There should be one student throwing the ground balls to either partner back and forth - Students catching the ground balls are to properly throw the ball back. - After four balls have been thrown to each of the two partners, make the groups rotate clockwise, so each player has the chance to be the leader.

4. Double Plays - Students will use their pervious lesson skills on throwing the ball back and forth with a runner on base to learn how to tag and throw, making double plays in the infield. - Begin with students taking places at first second to second and third, and third to home plate. - This will equal to four groups, one line behind first and second plates, then two behind third and home plate. - This gives students enough space to throw, reach, and catch. Also for the base runners to run through the plate, allowing the next person in line to run. - Six students will volunteer to be the base runners, alternating turns. - Three base runners will take turns running from first to second and three from third to home plate. - This will work because the same concept for defensive applies at all bases. - As long as the baseman has one foot on the base and catches the ball before the runner makes it to the plate, he/she is “out.” - After each base runner runs the bases three times, switch players. - The object of this activity is for the baseman to throw and catch the ball without hitting the base runner and making the pass before the base runner reaches. Safety Guidelines: - Be aware of the base runners! - Look before throwing to your target. - No horse play - Only keep on foot on the base, this avoids injuries related to the ankles usually from base runners tripping over baseman’s feet when running through. - Keep eyes on the ball. - Must call out before you throw the ball. Lesson #3 out of 10

Objectives: - Students will demonstrate a proper catch and throw for a fly ball. - Students will demonstrate knowledge for ground and fly balls through activities. - Students will demonstrate cooperation in the game through these activities.

Equipment- Bases, softballs, gloves

Lesson Content-

1. Begin students will a warm up of catching and throwing ground balls. - This will be used as a review from previous lesson. - Make sure students are getting low to the ground and their gloves are touching. - Students should be shuffling their feet from right to left following the ball.

2. Skills to catching a fly ball. - Have a second pair of students demonstrate a fly ball pointing out these key points: - Start in ready position with feet apart, if the ball is coming in short, run forward facing directly towards the ball with glove high enough that you can still keep your other hand beside it. - Direct your glove with the ball, locking your eyes on the ball. - When catching the ball, put your hand behind the glove and help close and lock the ball inside the glove before bring it back down to ready throwing level. - Have students remain in the same groups and switch from throwing ground balls to fly balls.

3. Developing the skills for catching fly balls. - Break students into groups of three, rotating as they throw fly balls to each other on the field. - Identify key tips to successfully catching a fly ball as students practice.

4. Drilling 1,2, 3 - This activity is great for working on fielding line drives and fly balls for both infielders and outfielders. - Students must line up in a single line and start just behind first base at the edge of the grass. - Teacher stands in right field with a bucket of balls - Each player must have a glove in their hands. - As students run out in a straight line, throw line drives (grounders), and fly balls that forces the players to run fast and bolt side to side to catch the ball. - The students will return back to the end of the line returning the ball to the bucket.

Safety Guidelines: - Yell ball, ball ,ball when a ball is thrown out of play - Make sure your target is alert before throwing ball. - When catching fly balls, be aware of others around you - If more than one person is going after a fly ball, call out “I got it!”

Lesson #4 out of 10

Objectives: - Students will be able to demonstrate the technique for pitching a slow pitch ball to the batter’s box. - Students will have knowledge on the measures of the striking zone. - Students will be show correct knowledge of basic softball skills and techniques.

Equipment- Home plate, pitchers plate, bases, gloves, balls, catcher’s gear.

Lesson Content:

1. Explain how to pitch a slow pitch softball. - Start on the mound with non dominant foot on the pitchers plate, preferably the top middle part of the foot. - Dominant foot should be placed back behind the plate. - Ball should in hand with glove up at eye level, just far enough to see the base. - Line your eyes up with the far right side of the home plate with the middle part of your glove. - Swing the ball arm back, swing forward, and release when the arm is at about a 45 degree angle from your body. - Let the ball roll of the fingers. 2. Demonstrate how to aim for the pitch or striking zone. - When pitching a softball, you want to aim for the right and left sides of home plate, towards the catcher’s glove, and between the shoulders and just above the knee caps on the batter. - A pitcher is allowed four balls until the batter is forced to walk to first base. The pitcher must pitch three strikes until the batter is out. - The pitcher is allowed pauses and extra time before every pitch since the pitcher is one of the most important players on the defensive team. - When demonstrating, have students follow and critique. 3. Pitching activity - Line students up along a wall indoors or outdoors and begin standing five feet from the wall, pitching towards the wall. - The ball should bounce right back to the pitcher. - When the pitcher successfully pitches the ball and the ball returns to their glove, move three steps back. - If you do not catch the ball after pitching it to the wall, you must return back to where you started. - A normal pitcher in the game of softball must be able to pitch a ball 50 feet.

4. Pitching the balls. - Group students into pairs of two, each with gloves and a ball. - Spread out players at a safe distance apart and alternate pitching and catching. . One partner will pitch while the other knees down as a catcher would. . The pitcher is to use their partner’s glove as a target for pitching the ball. - After the catcher has caught the ball, he/she stands and the pitches the ball back.

Safety Guidelines: - Be aware of others around you before throwing or pitching balls - Make sure the catcher is alert before pitching - Space student’s outs five feet apart when pitching against walls. - Yell ball, ball, ball when a ball is thrown out of play.

Lesson #5 out of 10

Objectives: - Students will be able to demonstrate defense skills and techniques through activities. - Students will show proper skills on fielding balls and completing passes to bases. - Students will be able to demonstrate back up positions for their teammates.

Equipment- Bases, balls, gloves, bats, soft softballs, cones. Lesson Content:

1. Activity 1- Fielding: Knock out game - This game involves two players at both ends and two lines of players. - Players run diagonal from one end to the other either in the gym or out in the field. - Two players stand in the corners and throw or hits fly balls and ground balls to their fellow teammates as they run across the field or gym. - There will also two people beside the player who tosses who collect the balls as they are thrown if missed and bring them back to the person tossing. - When the player catches the ball, it counts as one point. Once the ball is dropped the player looses one point.

2. Activity 2- Indoor Three Player Weave Drill - This activity involves a lot of coordination and eye contact - Begin at the end line of the gym floor with three lines going across. - No glove is needed in this drill and use soft balls. - Each player is to run the floor weaving in and out soft tossing the ball to one another during the weave. - Players should be at both ends and if the ball is dropped, you must go and back and start again. - Make each group go three times. - Note this can be done outside as well but great for a rainy day.

3. Activity 3- This activity is called Texas Leaguer. - This game involves two rows of players - Space lines apart about 10 yards in between one another. - One player has the ball and tosses short where the other player must hustle to catch it. - The player who catches the ball runs back to the spot and does the same for their partner.

Safety Guidelines: -Shout ball, ball, ball when a ball is thrown out of play. - Be in constant aware of other students around you. - Be at a safe distance between players at all times. - If in the gym, watch for bouncing balls from walls and other inside or outside barriers.

Lesson #6 out of 10

Objectives: - Students will understand the concept of hitting a slow pitch ball. - Students will be able to identify key steps to hitting a softball within the batters box. - Students will be able to considerably judge a pitched ball from a strike. Equipment- Softballs, bats, gloves, bases, catching gear, hitting Tee’s, cones.

Lesson Content:

1. Hitting a slow pitch softball. - Short instruction/ demonstration of proper hitting and throwing techniques . The key to hitting a softball is focusing on the proper stance and how you hold the bat. . Start with a comfortable stance and balance your weight on the balls of your feet. Keep knees slightly bent. . Hold the bat with your front elbow down and your back elbow at a 45 degree angle, pointed towards the ground. . Grasp the bat at a 45-90 degree angle with the middle knuckles of one hand aligned with the middle knuckles of the other. . Right hand and knuckles are on top of the left hand on the bat and on the soft grip section of the bat. . Shift your weight onto your back foot as the pitcher goes to throw the ball . Before you swing, pivot your back foot, stepping slightly forward with your front. . Hit the ball and run!

2. Begin by hitting a softball off a Tee: - Have students practice both stances by splitting the class into groups of four. - One student stands and hits off of a tee, two other students stand right left of each other practicing proper field stances and backing up each other. - As the ball is caught, students will need to properly throw the ball to the catcher who will be bending down in ready position behind the hitter and tee. - After the hitter hits three balls off of the tee, students will rotate and the hitter becomes the catcher, catcher becomes left outfielder, and right outfielder becomes hitter. (rotation continues in this pattern) - After everyone has gone once, the tee will be taken away and one of the outfielders will become the pitcher so students can practice hitting off of a pitcher before playing the real game. 3. Activity- Hitting off a pitcher - In this activity, we will combine the smaller groups into larger groups and mark with chalk powder where the lines of the batters box fall. - Recall where to properly stand within the batters box according to the home plate. . Facing home, right side of plate, back corner, about one foot away from plate. - Students will hit off of someone who chooses to pitch and hit the ball to the rest of his/her teammates in the field. - Players in the field will roll in the balls that come out, allowing them to also get additional fielding practice in. - Players will rotate within the group until everyone has hit. Safety Guidelines: - Be far away from anyone when practicing bat swings. - Be aware of others around you. - When ball is in air, call out if you have the ball to avoid collision. - Yell ball, ball, ball is the ball gets hit into another group’s playing ground.

Lesson #7 out of 10

Objectives: - Students will be able to successfully hit a pitched softball. - Students will understand the basic concepts of running the bases. - Students will understand the rules of the game of softball. - Students will demonstrate teamwork and cooperation.

Equipment- Balls, bats, gloves, bases, cones, catching gear, base runner helmets if available.

Lesson Content-

1. Instant activity related to base running. - This form of tag game will practice tagging runners on base (or running to base) in the game, making an “out”. - Each student will have a glove and four people will have a ball. The people with the ball can tag others if the ball is in their glove. - Then once that person is tagged, they must put the ball in their glove and tag others. - The trick to this game is that it will be hard for everyone to see who is it since the balls will be inside the gloves, so everyone is going to have to avoid everyone else. This game is similar to “everybody’s it”. - Emphasize that tapping or tagging must be done lightly. - This can be done indoors or outdoors. 2. Hitting practice - Students will practice hitting skills by warming up on a Tee - Allow students who feel comfortable enough to hit off a pitcher and separate them to their own group. So there should be one or two groups hitting off a Tee or a pitcher depending on the number and size of class. - Remember to highlight these key points to hitting a softball: . Squish the bug, or pivot back as you swing . Right elbow up . Hold bat level, just above the shoulder . Follow through on swing . Twist body but keep back foot planted, stepping forward slightly on front foot. 3. Base running - Demonstrate the following with players: - After ball has been hit, lay down bat and run to first, curving to the right off the base if ball is a base hit. - If ball is hit to the outfield but coming into the infield quick, over run first base about three feet, then return to first. - If ball is overthrown and there is enough time to make it second, run for second. - Remain on second and do not leave the base or you could get tug out. 4. Base running activity - Place students into regular infield and outfield positions. - Have the rest of the class as base runners. - Demonstrate with one student the concept of this activity: 1. Teacher throws the ball to one of the players on infield defense. 2. Base runner starts running as soon as ball is thrown to first plate. 3. He/she is to run, curving the first base to the right and then coming straight back onto the plate into ready position to run to the next. 4. Ready position means to have non dominant foot back on the edge of the base with dominant foot forward, pointing towards second. 5. You want to use the edge of the base as a base runner to give you a good push off start when the next ball is hit in the game - Once the demonstration has been done, continue this pattern but changing the locations of where ball is thrown or hit if preferred. - Switch the base runners to fielders after every base runner has gone once. Safety Guidelines: - Be far away from anyone when practicing bat swings. - Be aware of others around you. - When ball is in air, call out if you have the ball to avoid collision. - Yell ball, ball, ball is the ball gets hit into another group’s playing ground. - Do not throw ball at base runner when on defense. - Runner must be wearing helmets if available if not, soft softballs must be used.

Lesson #8 out of 10

Objectives - Students will be able to successfully hit a pitched softball and run the bases. - Students will be able to recall the rules for the game of softball. - Students will show teamwork in activities.

Equipment- Balls, bats, gloves, bases, cones.

Lesson Content-

1. Begin with an instant activity to warm up catching and throwing skills. . Have students begin by practicing their throw and catch skills with “One Step Throw and Catch”. . Students will read the poster presented on the wall with instructions: Students must select a partner and choose a ball they want to throw back and forth. . Students will begin throwing close at about 10 feet and after they have successfully thrown the ball three or four times, they must take big steps back and throw again. . If at any time the ball is dropped, they must bring it back to the starting position. 2. Practice pitching and hitting skills in group activity. . Divide students into groups of four with one pitcher, pitcher, catcher, and an outfielder to fetch balls. . Each player should hit four balls before rotating. . Rotation should go from pitcher to hitter, hitter to catcher, catcher to outfielder. . This activity will warm up all fielding skills, pitching and hitting.

3. Fielding skills activity drill. - In this activity, students will be split into two groups and each person in both groups will need to get with a partner. - Each partner will stand face to face spread apart about ten feet and side shuffle throwing ground balls to their partner. - The next two partners go after the first groups gets to the finish line. Once all the groups have gone once throwing grounders to each other, they go again throwing fly balls. - The first team to finish wins.

Safety Guidelines: - Be far away from anyone when practicing bat swings. - Be aware of others around you. - When ball is in air, call out if you have the ball to avoid collision. - Yell ball, ball, ball is the ball gets hit into another group’s playing ground.

Lesson #9 out of 10

Objectives - Students will be able to apply hitting skills through different activities. - Students will demonstrate team work and cooperation through the activities. - Students will show respect to their other teammates.

Equipment- Bats, ball, gloves, bases.

Lesson Content-

1. Hitting Batting Game - Players arrange on the field and one player bats - If the batter hits a fly ball and if someone catches it then that person who caught it gets to bat - If the batter hits a grounder and a player fields it then the batter lays the bat on the ground, the fielder has to stay in the same spot where they fielded the ball and rolls the ball on the ground and tries to hit the ball. - If they hit the bat then they get to bat. 2. Hitting: Soft-Toss Drill - Have students get into groups of about three. - In this drill, you want to have the students pitching, place themselves to the batting side ahead of the batter - Toss the ball at the hip of the batter - The toss should be not be too fast and out in front of the batter - Remember to make sure they pivot correctly and at the right time. - Rotate hips towards ball - Watch the ball the whole way until after you have hit the ball. 3. One last defense practice before the game: - Split class into groups of three, one team goes to the outfield, to the infield, and up to bat. - Student in the infield pitches the ball. - Each batter hits and runs to all the bases - The team who touches the ball first has to field the ball and pass the ball under their legs until the ball has been passed to everyone on their team and the last one has to throw it to the catcher before the batter gets home. - If the ball is thrown home before the batter makes it then the team has one of three outs. - The batter also only gets three pitches and if the ball is not fair then the batter is out. Safety Guidelines: - Be far away from anyone when practicing bat swings. - Be aware of others around you. - When ball is in air, call out if you have the ball to avoid collision. - Yell ball, ball, ball is the ball gets hit into another group’s playing ground.

Lesson Content

Objectives: - Students learn the game of softball - Students demonstrate teamwork and cooperation in playing the game. - Students will be able to cooperation all the skills needed for playing defense and offense.

Equipment- Softballs, bats, gloves, bases, catchers gear, helmets

Lesson Content:

1. Warm-up instant activity #1. - Have students begin by practicing their throw and catch skills with “One Step Throw and Catch”. - Students must select a partner and choose a ball they want to throw back and forth. - Students will begin throwing close at about 10 feet and after they have successfully thrown the ball three or four times, they must take big steps back and throw again. - If at any time the ball is dropped, they must bring it back to the starting position.

2. Practice skills activity #2: - Split students into two groups and each person in both groups will need to get with a partner. - Each partner will stand face to face spread apart about ten feet and side shuffle throwing ground balls to their partner. - The next two partners go after the first groups gets to the finish line. - Once all the groups have gone once throwing grounders to each other, they go again throwing fly balls. The first team to finish wins.

3. Playing the game:

- Divide students into two teams - We will do the traditional coin toss to determine which teams hit or field defense. - 2 players from each team will come up to the plate and the coin will be tossed by an umpire (another teammate or teacher). - Both players yell out “heads” or “tails”. - The player who guesses right chooses whether to start on offense or defense.

- The game involves 10 players on defense and 6 in the infield. Involve all students, letting their be more than the standard four in the outfield. - After three batters have hit, outfielders rotate fielding positions clockwise starting with the catcher, to left field positions, to right field positions, to third base, short stop, second, first and back to catcher. - Batters will stand at the plate until they have hit the ball. There will be no walking or strike outs in the game. - So balls and foul balls do not count, the only way a runner can advance is by hitting the ball. If hitter has a lot of trouble, they may hit off of cone or Tee. - Teammates may choose one designated pitcher or switch with someone else at any time during the game. - Pitcher must raise their hand letting us know he/she is switching with another player - No students can strike out, 3 outs determine the end of the inning and teams switch in which the defense can make outs by either tapping the runner lightly with glove and ball in hand when runner is off base or if the defense player catches the ball at the base before the runner gets there. - There is also catching the ball in the air that counts as an “out.” - Let students play as many innings as they can get in for the class. T - In a standard game, a team plays 7 innings unless there is a tie, and then they play an additional inning until the tie has broken. Safety Guidelines: - Be far away from anyone when practicing bat swings. - Be aware of others around you. - When ball is in air, call out if you have the ball to avoid collision. - Yell ball, ball, ball is the ball gets hit into another group’s playing ground. - Do not throw ball at base runner when on defense. - Runner must be wearing helmets if available if not, soft softballs must be used.

PA National Standards

10.3.9 D Analyze the role of individual responsibility for safety during organized group activities.

10.4.9 A Analyze and engage in physical activities that are developmentally/ individually appropriate and support achievement of personal fitness and activity goals.

10.4.9 E Analyze factors that impact on the relationship between regular participation in physical activity and motor skill improvement. - Personal choice - Developmental differences - Amount of physical activity - Authentic practice

10.5.9 A Describe and apply the components of skill-related fitness to movement performance. - agility - balance - coordination - power - reaction time - speed

Resources: http://www.batsbatsbats.com/UnderArmour_UnderArmourTwinBillLowIC. html http://www.icsd.k12.ny.us/highschool/pe/sb.htm http://www.atech.org/faculty/kjohnson/Handouts/SlowPitch.htm http://inventors.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm? site=http://www.angelfire.com/sd/slopitch/history.html http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761568314/softball.html http://www.personal.psu.edu/users/b/l/blt150/Softball%20Clinic.pdf

PERSONAL Resource:

Dan Barthold and Tim Grazan - Both are current slow pitch softball coaches in Manheim, Pa who have been coaching for about two decades.

Contact Information:

Dan Barthold (Head Coach) - 1-717- 665-9407 112 S Penn Manheim, Pa 17545