The International Softball Federation presents

Transcription

1 The International Softball Federation presents A program to help teachers and administrators introduce the sport of softball into their classrooms and school systems 1

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Purpose of this Manual What Is Softball? Equipment The Playing Field or Pitch The Game of Softball The Skills of Softball - Hitting - Catching - Throwing - Baserunning - Pitching Ways to Make Softball More FUN for Children: - Shorten the distances for smaller children - Shorten the game length - Introduce different types of softball games just for children Sample Skill Lessons Softball Terms & Words 2

3 PURPOSE OF THIS MANUAL The purpose of this manual is to help our International Softball Federation (ISF) member federations/associations introduce softball into their school systems. Within this manual you will learn about the type of equipment used in softball, the type of field or pitch that softball s played on, the basic concept of softball, how the game is played, how you win and some simple rules. Toward the end of this manual, and after you ve learned about the game itself, you ll be introduced to some different methods for making softball fun for younger children to learn, and some lesson plans for introducing softball into your school system. As with every sport, there s much more to it at the elite level than what will be covered in this manual, but the goal is to introduce you to an exciting sport for children of all ages to play in a recreational format. If you re interested in learning more of the advanced skills involved with the game of softball, contact your national softball federation/association, or the International Softball Federation. Now, let s get started! WHAT IS SOFTBALL? First, let s talk about the game of SOFTBALL. What is Softball? Softball is a VERY exciting game that s played by more than 20 million women and men, girls and boys all over the world. There are two main versions of softball: FAST PITCH and SLOW PITCH. In both versions the ball is pitched underhand by the player called the pitcher. In fast pitch, the ball is pitched in a straight or flat line to the catcher as fast as possible. Sometimes that s not very fast if the players are young or just learning the position, while at the top levels of softball, like in the Olympic Games, pitched balls will travel over 112 km (70 mph) per hour! In Slow Pitch the ball is pitched toward the batter in an arc that travels slowly thus the name slow pitch. Fast Pitch SlowPitch 3

4 OBJECT OF THE GAME: The object of a softball game is to score the most runs at the end of seven innings. A run can only be Slow scored Pitch by the offensive team, and occurs when a runner gets on base by hitting a pitched ball and advancing safely around all three bases and then finally touching home plate. An Inning is what you call it after both teams have been on offense and each gotten 3 outs.. A softball game has 7 innings and the team with the most runs after 7 innings wins! Softball is similar in some ways to many different types of bat & ball sports played around the world. Sports played throughout different regions of the world such as Cricket, Rounders and Pesapallo are similar in many ways to softball. If you or your students know of one of these games, then teaching softball to them will be easier if you can focus on the similarities of the two games. Once the players understand they are learning a similar game to one they already know it will be easier for them to learn softball since it won t seem so completely different. Softball can be played with only two pieces of equipment; a ball and a bat, although in most cases, the players will need to have gloves, bases, batting helmets and catching gear. Let s take a look at the different pieces of softball equipment. The Ball The ball is probably the most important piece of equipment used in a softball game, but unlike the name suggests, a regulation softball is not soft. The ball is round with a circumference of 30.2cm (12 inches) and a weight of 166.5g (6 oz.). It s also optic yellow in color with red stitches to make it easier for the batter to see. 4

5 The Bat The bat is by far the most exciting piece of softball equipment because everyone loves hitting the ball with it. Bats are usually made of very high grade graphite, carbon, magnesium, ceramic, or some combination. They can no be no longer than 34 inches (86.4cm) and weigh no more than 38 oz (1077g). It s OK for bats to be made of wood if they are not used in ISF championship play. The Glove A glove is used by every player on the defensive team. These players are called fielders since they play a position someplace on the playing field. Gloves are made of leather and have an area between the thumb and first finger that s called the pocket. This area allows for the ball to be caught without hurting the fielder s hand. Catcher s Gear This equipment is only worn by the catcher and it s to protect that player from pitched or batted balls since pitched balls in Fastpitch can travel at or near 100km an hour (70mph at the really good skill level. The mask is made of a strong, lightweight metal with soft padding to cushion the player s face. The chest protector is made of padded cloth, and the leg (or shin) guards are made of very strong plastic that bend at the knees and ankles so the catcher can move around easily. Batting Helmets A batting helmet is used by the batter and all base runners to protect themselves from any stray balls that might either be thrown out of bounds or pitched poorly. 5

6 NOTE: The ISF understands that finding softball equipment may be a challenge for you so we have an Equipment Program available to our member federations/associations. Please contact your national softball federation/association to request ISF Softball Starter Kits (that include all of the equipment listed on pages 4-5) to help introduce and develop softball in your school and area. PLAYING FIELD or PITCH Softball is played outside on a grass and dirt surface that is called a softball field or softball pitch. A regulation softball field/pitch looks like this: Outfield Infield On a regulation softball field/pitch, the outfield is usually grass and the infield is usually a very smooth, firm dirt. But, the great thing about softball is that you can usually play it on whatever surface you have available to you, like a football/soccer field, a hockey pitch/field, an empty field, a park or any place where you can find some room. The flatter the ground the better it will be for the players so that the ball bounces evenly. If the ball hits a rock it can bounce up and strike a player and that s not fun for anyone. 6

7 Positions - The numbers that you see listed on the field diagram below show the positions where the players on defense play: 1 = Pitcher 2 = Catcher 3 = 1 st Baseplayer 4 = 2 nd Baseplayer 5 = 3 rd Baseplayer 6 = Shortstop 7 = LeftFielder 8 = CenterFielder 9 = RightFielder Bases - A softball field/pitch has four bases on it located in the shape of a diamond (which is why a softball field is often called a softball diamond). The bases are equal distance apart. In addition to these four bases, there is also a pitcher s rubber or pitcher s plate on the playing field. It s located in the middle of the bases as shown on the diagram on page 8. The bases each have names and they are as follows: Home Plate this is the base where the batter stands, where the pitcher throws the ball over, where the catcher/ and umpire stand behind and where the offensive team tries to reach in order to score a run. It is also the only one of the four bases that is not a square. Home Plate is a five sided base that is shaped as follows: 1 st Base this is located to the right of home plate and is always the firstbase that the runner runs to thus the name. 2 nd Base this is the next base the runner runs to and is located on the top of the diamond directly across from home plate and in back of the pitcher s plate/pitcher s rubber. 3 rd Base is the next base after 2 nd base that a runner will run to and is the last base a runner touches before running to home plate. 7

8 Distances - For a regulation softball field/pitch the distances are as follows: BASES 60 feet apart (18.29m) PITCHING DISTANCE 43 Feet (13.11m) from home plate for women 46 Feet (14.0m) from home plate for Men OUTFIELD FENCES Feet (67.1m) from home plate for women 250 Feet (76.2m) from home plate for men 2nd Base 3rd Base Pitcher s Plate/Rubber 1 st Base Batter s Box Home Plate 8

9 THE GAME OF SOFTBALL How Do You Play? There are two teams in softball; one team is on offense and the other team is on defense. This is common with most team sports where the attacking team is on offense and the team defending the goal is on defense. OFFENSE: In softball the offensive team sends one player at a time up to bat with a piece of equipment called a bat. (see the Equipment Section for more information on a bat). This player stands next to home plate (shown in the Field Layout on page 7) and tries to hit the ball as it s pitched by the defensive team s pitcher. DEFENSE: The Defensive team has nine players on the field at a time, each one playing one of the nine defensive positions that are spread around the field as shown on page 7. Offensive Team Objectives: The offensive team sends one player at a time up to bat. This player stands next to home plate and tries to hit the ball that the defensive player called the pitcher is tossing underhanded to the catcher over home plate. The batter s objective is to hit the ball as far as possible. Once the ball is hit the batter runs to 1 st base (see page 7) or advances to as many bases as possible without being put out. (see defensive section below regarding outs ). A runner advances safely (another way of saying the runner is not put out ) by not being touched by a defensive player holding the ball or by getting to the next base before the defense can get the ball to that same base. Once an offensive player touches all three bases and home plate without the defensive team putting them out, that team scores one run. Only the offensive team, which is the one referred to as up to bat, is able to score runs. The team with the most runs in seven innings wins the game. Each team s part of the inning (which refers to the part of the inning when that team is on offense) ends when three of its batters have been ruled out. 9

10 Defensive Team Objectives: The defending team s objective is to get three outs and not allow the offensive team to score. The defense gets an offensive player OUT by the following: a. A ball that is hit by the batter (offensive player) is caught in the air by any defensive player before it bounces. b. The ball bounces before it gets to a defensive player, and that player then throws the ball to the base where a baserunner is going, before the runner gets there. c. A defensive player with the ball touches a baserunner with the ball while the runner is not standing on any of the bases. d. The batter gets three strikes without hitting a fair ball (a fair ball is any ball hit in the portion of the field where the defense plays the infield or the outfield) e. An offensive player is also out if a batted they are hit by a batted ball while not standing on a base. What s a Strike? A Strike is any of the following: A pitch that goes through the strike zone without being hit, a pitch the batter swings at and completely misses, or, A pitch that the batter swings at and hits into foul territory. The Strike Zone is the area shown in the box in the above picture it is the area between the batter s knees and armpits directly over homeplate. The strike zone is not anything that actually sits above homeplate, but rather an imagined or envisioned rectangle, directly over homeplate between the knees and armpits of the batter. It s the umpire s job (who is positioned directly behind the catcher) to determine if the pitch passed through this imaginary area. 10

11 Fair Balls and Foul Balls - Foul lines A Fair Ball is any ball hit into the playing field between the two white lines along the sides of the field that are also known as foul lines. A Foul Ball is any ball hit that: Goes backwards Stops moving outside the fair ball territory. After being hit in the air (called a fly ball ) does not land in fair ball territory or is touched by the defense while outside of the fair ball area. On a ground ball (a ball that s hit on the ground) is either touched by the defense while it s in the foul ball area or stops rolling in the foul ball area. THE OF SOFTBALL In order to play softball your students will need to learn the basic skills involved with running and hitting as well as stopping a ball and throwing a ball. The basic skills of softball include the following: Hitting (also called Batting) Catching Throwing Baserunning Pitching 11

12 HITTING This skill is also called batting and it s considered the most fun of all the skills in softball. Once a player is able to hit a pitched ball, it s a very exciting thing to do. The skill does takes good hand-eye coordination and good timing but can be made easier for younger children who have yet to fully develop such skills. The batter hits with a bat (see Equipment page 7) that they hold with both hands, placing their weakest hand closest to the small end (or knob) of the bat. The batter stands in the batter s box facing sideways to the pitcher with their bellybutton facing and even with home plate. They turn their head to look at the pitcher, since the pitcher is tossing the ball that the batter can try to hit it. To hit the ball, the batter will: Take a small step toward the pitcher with the foot closest to the pitcher. With both hands, swing the bat at the ball trying to make contact with the ball just before it crosses homeplate. The batter s weight should shift forward as they hit the ball. After they make contact the batter should drop the bat and run to 1 st Base.. CATCHING Although there is a position in softball called the catcher, in this section we re talking about any player who catches a ball that has either been hit or thrown to them by another player. To get ready to catch a thrown ball a player should have her/his feet shoulder-width apart, and knees slightly bent and relaxed. The arms should be relaxed with the hands in front of their body and their glove ready. The player catches the ball with their glove, placing their body behind the ball whenever possible. They also want to try and catch with two hands whenever possible. Have the player bend their elbows slightly when catching the ball to absorb some of the speed of the ball. If the ball is thrown to either side of the player they should move their feet and try to get their body in front of the ball. If the ball is above the player s waist then their fingers should be pointing upward when they catch the ball. If the ball is below their waist when they catch it then their fingers should be pointing down. On low throws, both hands should go down for the catch and you should bend at your 12 knees.

13 Catching and throwing should be practiced everyday as they are the most important skills in softball. THROWING Throwing is how defensive players get the ball from one player to another. They throw the ball through the air to a teammate in order to try and get one of the offensive players out (by getting the ball to the base before the runner gets to that same base, or by getting the ball to a teammate in order to tag a baserunner with the ball while she/he is off of one of the bases). Note defensive players DO NOT throw balls at the baserunners. To throw a ball a player must: Hold the ball firmly in their fingers without squeezing it too hard (or else it won t be easy to let go of). The throwing motion involves two separate actions or movements: 1) The movement of the hand (and arm) with the ball in a circlular motion. 2) A step by the foot opposite of the hand the player uses to throw with. (for instance, if the player is throwing the ball with her/his right hand, then she/he will step using her left foot.) The player starts the ball in front of her/his body at her/his waist, then takes the ball back in a circular motion (shown by the dotted line in the picture to the left). At the same time they are taking the ball back, the player steps forward toward their target with their opposite side foot as seen in this picture. To release the ball the player will complete the circular motion of their hand and the ball (as seen in the picture to the right), and let go of the ball when their hand is facing their target. 13

14 Keep in mind when throwing the ball will go in the direction their hand was pointing when they let go of the ball. BASERUNNING Baserunning is what a player does after they ve hit the ball and started to run around the bases. Players always run in a counterclockwise direction around the bases as shown here: Baserunners should only run as far toward the next base as they think they can go before being tagged with the ball by the defense. And, baserunners should always wear their helmets to protect their head in case they are hit by a thrown or batted ball. PITCHING As we mentioned near the beginning of this manual, there are two different types of ways to play the game of softball: fastpitch and slowpitch. Pitching is the skill that starts a softball game by the person playing the pitching position pitching the ball underhanded to the catcher. The object is to throw, or pitch, the ball over homeplate so that it goes in an area between the batter s knees and armpits. The steps involved in (FASTPITCH) pitching a ball underhand are very similar to what s required to throw one overhand; the player makes a circle with their arm 14

15 (and the ball) and takes a step toward the target with the opposite side foot. The big difference between throwing and pitching being that players will throw overhand and they will pitch underhand. If (see photo at left) we look at a pitcher in her/his motion we will see her/him in a position that looks a lot like the one we saw earlier of the player throwing the ball overhand.. In the second picture you can see what it looks like when the pitcher lets go of the ball. While this is a picture of a very elite softball pitcher who is using a lot of force to release the ball very fast, a young player won t put this much power into their pitch. It s very common to see young pitchers, or pitchers that are new to the skill of pitching, pitch very carefully trying not to make a mistake. In the process they will usually throw it pretty slow and won t have a lot of control over where the ball goes. That s common and is part of learning the position. One thing that can help new pitchers learn this skill easier is to tell them: Try and let go of the ball at the same time that their stepping foot hits the ground. The ball will go where their hand points when they let go of it. 15

16 If they get frustrated while learning then try to place them closer to a wall or backstop or something that will limit how far they have to go to chase a bad pitch. SLOWPITCH pitching is easier to learn for young children and involves the pitcher still pitching the ball underhand but angling, or looping, the ball up into the air to deliver it to the catcher. The ball will usually go higher than the batter s head on its way down to the catcher, but it must still pass through the strike zone (the area over homeplate and between the batter s knees and armpits) in order to be called a strike. NOTE: You can find more details on the softball skills by watching the ISF instructional videos available either from your National Softball Federation/Association, or from the ISF: (isf@internationalsoftball.com). These videos are available in both NTSC and PAL formats in both English and Spanish. 16

17 WAYS TO MAKE SOFTBALL MORE FUN FOR CHILDREN As teachers and coaches, we must do everything we can to make any game, and in this case SOFTBALL, more fun for children. The type of fastpitch softball played in the Olympic Games is fun for those elite level athletes, but then, they have elite level skills. Children don t yet have that type of hand-eye coordination so we need to find creative ways to make it easier for children to hit a pitched ball, catch a thrown ball and understand what can be a complex game. Here are some keys to making softball more FUN for children: USE SMALLER BALLS The size of a regulation softball is 12 inches (or, cm). This is usually too big for the hands of small children. So when you re teaching young children to throw and catch try using tennis balls, or even baseballs. USE LARGER BALLS This might sound crazy since we just recommended using smaller balls, but when teaching your young players to hit a ball it can make this much easier the bigger the ball. One thing to be careful about is making sure that a bigger ball is not so hard that it causes the bat to rebound off the bat into the child. This might happen if you use a basketball. Try instead to use a softer bouncy-type ball, or a volleyball, or a blow-up beach ball if you can find such a thing. A football/soccer ball might be a little too hard for players that are eight years old or younger. You might have to be creative in finding ways to make the ball larger when teaching children to hit, but the effort will be worthwhile. 17

18 USE SMALLER DISTANCES Instead of the regulation distances for the bases and pitching rubber/plate, shorten the distances to make it easier for children with smaller legs to run the bases and enjoy the game. Don t be afraid to scale the distances down to what you feel is appropriate for the size of players you re dealing with. To help get you started here are some suggestions: Ages: Pitching Distance: Bases Distance: Regulation Ball Size: 8 and Under 30 feet (9.144 m) 50 feet (15.24 m) 9 inches (22.86 cm) 10 and Under 35 feet (10.66 m) 55 feet ( m) 11 inches (27.94 cm) 12 and Under 35feet (10.66 m) 60 feet (18.28 m) 11 inches (27.94 cm) 14 and Under 40 feet (12.19 m) 60 feet (18.28 m) 12 inches (30.48 cm) 16 and Under 40 feet (12.19 m) 60 feet (18.28 m) 12 inches (30.48 cm) Please keep in mind that these are just suggestions and not anything that must be followed. You might find that a shorter pitching distance but the listed bases distance works best for the age group you re working with that s OK. Don t be afraid to try something different in regards to distances. USE SMALLER TIME FRAMES A regulation softball game lasts seven innings, but that s far too long if you re an eight or ten year old. So, use shorter or smaller time frames for younger children. Instead of seven innings try letting everyone bat once on each team and then the game s over. Or, only play three innings. Just know that young children have a shorter attention span than adults, so shortening the game length can help children with shorter attention spans. USE EASIER VERSIONS OF THE REGULATION GAME As young children learn the game of softball their skills aren t yet developed enough to play the regulation version played in the Olympic Games. So, instead of everyone getting frustrated trying to pitch a ball to the catcher, hit a ball off a pitcher, field a ball that s been hit by a batter and throw out a runner going to 1 st base, this manual offers different types of Lead Up Game versions of softball. These lead 18

19 up games will help your players lead up to the regulation game, and do so in a fun and helpful way. Different examples of Lead Up Games follow in this manual, and will make it FUN for your young children to learn this great game of SOFTBALL! SAMPLE SKILL LESSONS What follows are lessons to help you teach the different skills of softball to your students. You will also find many varieties of Lead Up Games those versions of softball that involve throwing, hitting, catching and running, but that do so in a manner that s altered to make the game easier and more fun for young children to learn. The best way to use these different lessons would be to pick one or two different skills and a lead up game to try and teach each time you meet with your students. Doing so would take about an hour, so if you have more time you could use more lessons, and if you have less time you can eliminate a few to allow for the shorter teaching time. The key to your students learning softball is for them to have FUN in the process. It s not important that they perform all the skills correctly or play the elite-level version of the game right away. It IS important that they enjoy learning the skills and look forward to coming back and learning more. Below are the different skill lessons that will help you work on some of the different softball skills. You ll notice that all of the softball skills are not listed, because hitting is best practiced during the Lead Up Games and it usually takes a lot of extra equipment and space to individually practice this skill. Those are two things that teachers usually don t have much of. Many of these Skill Lessons and Lead Up Games were taking from Softball Canada s program - Learn to Play. This is an excellent program that you can learn more about by visiting Softball Canada s website: 19

20 & LESSONS: Baserunning - Gimme 5-4,3,2,1 Hitting - Dry Swings Pitching - Walk & Pitch (without a ball) - Walk & Pitch (with a ball) - Big Ball Pitch - High, Low Throwing & Catching - Power Ball - Sky Ball - Reach The Coach - Spell Your Name - Bigfoot - Homerun - 15 Up - Hot Potato - Goal Ball NOTE: Within some of these Skill Lessons you will notice that a piece of equipment is mentioned that is not listed in the section of this manual. That item is a BATTING T. It s not mentioned in because it is a training device and NOT something that is used during a regulation softball game. A Batting T is a hard rubber or plastic stick that sets just in front of home plate. A ball is placed on the T to make it easier to hit since it s just sitting there and not moving toward them as it would be if it were being pitched. This aids the learning process for younger players. Below is a picture of a child hitting off of a batting T. Lead Up Games - Diamond Orientation - Scrub - Dizzy Izzy - Skip Ball - Far Base - Bucket Ball - Freeze the Runner - 10 Minute Softball - Minnie Ball - Field 3 - Semi Circle Softball - RoadRunner 20

21 BASERUNNING 1 GIMME 5 (5 minutes) : running through 1B, speed development : 4 bases : put bases down 30'- 40' from players. Form 4 groups of 3 : players (X), in turn, take a swing at an imaginary ball, after the swing players drop the bat and run as fast as possible past their base, give coach (C) a high 5 players then return to the base as if running to 2B, touch base after retouching the base players shout GREEN LIGHT to next player in line signaling them to leave make sure players are running full speed across the bag, slowing down only after touching it X X X C X X X C X X X C X X X C 21

22 2 3,2,1 (5 minutes) running through 1B, speed development 4 bases put out all 4 bases at the correct distance and break your players up into groups of 3 one group (of 3) will go at a time. each player in the group of 3 is numbered; the 1st player is #3, 2 nd player is #2, and the last player is number 1. the entire group of 3 begins running at the same time. each player runs to the base corresponding to their number for instance, player #3 runs to 3 rd base, player #2 runs to 2 nd base, and player #1 runs to 1 st base. after one group is finished the players leave the bases and the next group goes. after the group goes through once, then have the players take another position in the group so they run to another base. go through the activity with each group 3 times so that ever player can run to each base. P 2 P P 1 3 P 3 P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P

23 THROWING & CATCHING 1 POWERBALL (5 minutes) throwing, catching, cooperation 1 ball for every 2 players players line up with one adult assigned to every 2 players a safe distance apart teach the steps for proper throwing skills. players will start with no ball and practice the throwing motion. they will then progress to throwing a ball to an adult. 2 SKYBALL (10 minutes) proper use of a glove and positioning when catching fly balls 1 ball and glove for every player 1 adult for every 2 players players will practice catching high tosses from an adult. see if players can catch a higher toss each time see how many consecutive catches they can make once the players have tried this activity for awhile, then try tossing the ball a little farther away from each player to help them practice moving to get underneath the ball. 23

24 3 REACH THE COACH (10 minutes) proper use of a glove and positioning for fielding ground balls 1 ball for every player 1 adult for every 2 players. Each group draws a series of parallel lines 5 to 10 feet apart (1.52 m 3.04m) each pair of players will start at the line farthest from the coach. The objective is to get to the coach in the least number of throws. a ground ball is thrown to each player in turn, if the player catches the ball they advance to the next line. the first player to the coach wins you can also do this drill with fly balls 4 BIGFOOT (10 minutes) throwing and catching 1 ball for every 2 players partners start on lines, facing each other, approximately 10 feet (3.04m) apart. One adult per 2 players. players throw to each other or to adult throwers if the skill level is too low for accurate throws. every time a player makes a catch they move back one giant step. the pair that gets the farthest apart, still able to catch the ball, gets the BIG FOOT award. 24

25 6 HOMERUN (10 minutes) throwing accuracy 2 targets and 4 balls 4 groups of 3 players, with 2 groups of 3 at each target. The targets are hung on any fencing or wall. Mark out 4 lines at various distances from the target. Distances can be according to the ability level of the group. A high success rate is what you are after. players choose which distance they throw from in order to hit the target points are awarded as follows: single = 1 point; double = 2 points; triple = 3 points; homerun = 4 points. objective can be to see if each player can get more points on each consecutive throw or it can be made competitive with other groups by totaling each group s points. Target Single Double Triple Homerun 5 SPELL YOUR NAME (10 minutes) throwing and catching 1 ball for every 2 players partners should be selected by ability and spaced accordingly the better the players the farther apart they should go. partners throw the ball back and forth overhand. they get a letter in their name every time they make a catch. when they complete their name, they move back 2 giant steps. continue the process to the time limit or stop if the success rate is low. NOTE: Adult may have to be the thrower if skill level is too low. 25

26 7 15 UP (5 minutes) throwing and catching 2 balls 2 teams of 6 players in each group. Each group plays separately. Players stand in large circle. Make sure that teams are spaced so players don t get hit by missed balls from the other team. players try to complete 15 consecutive catches by throwing to a teammate across from them. see which team can complete 15 catches first. throw to same player each time to establish a pattern. NOTE: The number of throws may have to be adjusted. It can be made more challenging by having to start over if a ball is dropped or misthrown. 26

27 8 HOT POTATO (5 minutes) relaying ball from one player to another, catching and throwing 1 ball for every 3 players 4 teams of 3 players lined up as shown Start Finish 1 in groups of 3, the ball is relayed from 1 to 2 to 3 and back. go slowly at first to concentrate on a proper turn by player 2 in the center. rotate players in all 3 positions, so each one gets the experience as a relay player in the center GOALBALL (10 minutes) fielding ground balls 1 ball for every 2 players mark off a goal area for each player opposite a partner. The distance depends on skill level (up to 10 feet 3.04m apart) each player tries to score a goal by throwing a ground ball by their partner through the marked goal posts. score a point for each goal switch partners occasionally 27

28 PITCHING 1 WALK & PITCH WITHOUT THE BALL (10 minutes) learning the pitching motion no equipment needed all players will try this activity at the same time. Have your players in one long line facing you, or if too many players, then break the group up into 2 lines facing you and each line at least 10 feet (3.04 m) apart. All players pretend they have a ball in the hand they would use to throw with. when you say Go, each player takes a step with the foot opposite their throwing hand side, while making a circle with the ball. Help your players by having them think about take a step and make a circle with your hand. it will help some players if they try to pretend they are letting go of the ball at the same time their foot hits the ground. NOTE: the circle starts with the hands going forward (in front of them) and finishing behind them all staying on the same side of their body). 2 WALK & PITCH WITH THE BALL (10 minutes) learning the pitching motion all players have a ball (if possible) all players will try this activity at the same time. Have your players in one long line facing a fence or a wall. If there are too many players, then break the group up into 2 lines facing you and each line at least 10 feet (3.04 m) apart. All players have a ball in the hand they would use to throw with. when you say Go, each player takes a step with the foot opposite their throwing hand side, while making a circle with the ball and pitch the ball into the wall or fence. Help your players by having them think about take a step and make a circle with your hand. it will help some players if they try to pretend they are letting go of the ball at the same time their foot hits the ground. NOTE: make sure players don t pitch the ball unless nobody is in front of them. 28

29 3 BIG BALL (10 minutes) the pitching motion 1 soccer/football or volleyball for every 2 players players get into pairs with a larger ball per pair. Each partner faces each other about 10 (3.04m) to 15 (4.57m) apart. All pairs line up evenly in 2 lines one partner in each pair starts with the larger ball and works on pitching it to their partner. NOTE: the players WILL NOT go over their heads when pitching. Instead, they will just bounce the ball once beside them and then place their hand behind the ball and push it forward to their partner. 4 HIGH LOW (10 minutes) the pitching motion 1 softball for every 2 players, each player with a glove. players get into pairs with a ball per pair. Each partner faces each other about 10 (3.04m) to 15 (4.57m) apart. All pairs line up evenly in 2 lines partner take turns pitching for 6 pitches, then switch and let the other partner practice. the object of this activity is to help your players work on controlling their pitches by alternating pitching 3 pitches to a High target, and 3 pitches to a Low target. the partners that are catching the ball and placing the targets should work on making their targets extra High and extra Low for their partners. Have each player do about 4-5 sets of 6 pitches. 29

30 LEAD UP GAMES 1 DIAMOND ORIENTATION (5 minutes) becoming familiar with the layout of a softball playing field or diamond and some of the softball words or terms. The 4 bases set up like a regulation game. put 1 adult in charge of 2 players. Make sure players know the name of their partner and the adult in charge of their group as well as the coaches name. familiarize players with the diamond layout and some of the simple terms. start the players at Homeplate making them familiar with the name (Home) and that this is where the Batter stands to Hit the ball. let players pretend to hit and run to 1 st base, then run to 2 nd base, then run on to 3 rd base, and finally run all the way around the bases to Home. players then return to the base as if running to 2B, touch base 30

31 2 SCRUB (20 minutes) all softball skills bats, balls, catching equipment and all 4 bases. 12 players 9 on the playing field on defense. Each position is numbered as shown below: one batter at a time bats off an adult pitcher, with a catcher in position wearing catching equipment. Use regular softball rules with the following modifications: - when a batter is put out all players rotate one position with the Batter (#1) going to Rightfield (#12), Rightfield going to Centerfield (#11), Centerfield going to Leftfield (#10), Leftfield going to Shortstop (#9), Shortstop going to 3 rd Base (#8), 3 rd Base going to 2 nd Base (#7), 2 nd Base going to 1 st Base (#6), and 1 st Base going to Pitcher (#5), Pitcher going to Catcher (#4), Catcher going to on-deck batter (#2), and on-deck batter going to Batter (#1). If after the 3 rd batter up hits the ball and the other 2 players are still on base, then the lead runner comes home but no run scores. NO WALKS are given (allow 3-6 strikes depending on skill level). if the hitting skill level is very low then allow a maximum of 6 pitched balls, then have the player to go 1 st base even if they didn t hit it (as long as 3 balls were swung at). if a fielder catches a fly ball that player exchanges with the batter. maximum 2 times batting per player, if player is not out after 2 times at-bat, then rotate anyway. 31

32 3 DIZZY IZZY (10 minutes) hitting, fielding, catching and throwing 1 bat and 1 ball 2 teams of 6; one team on defense and one on offense one batter at a time bats off a Batting T or an adult pitcher. after hitting the ball, the player runs around and around THEIR OWN TEAM, which is lined up a short, but safe, distance away from homeplate. every lap they do around their own team, before the ball gets back to Homeplate, scores the offensive team 1 run. The count should be loud as the batter circles their teammates. the Defensive team MUST throw the ball to all 6 players on their team before throwing the ball to homeplate. They can either throw or run the ball to each of the 6 defensive players. when the ball gets to homeplate the defense yells STOP, and the number of laps around the offensive team at that point is the total runs for the offense. switch offense and defense when all 6 players have had a chance to bat. 32

33 4 SKIP BALL (25 minutes) hitting, fielding, catching, throwing, skipping for quick feet development 1 bat, 1 ball, homeplate, 1 base, batting helmet and catching equipment. 2 teams of 6; one team on defense and one on offense. 1 st base is placed a distance from homeplate according to the ability level of your players usually between feet (9.14m m) one batter at a time bats off a Batting T or an adult pitcher. after hitting the ball, the batter runs to 1 st base and SKIPS around it 5 times, then runs home. the fielding team retrieves the ball and makes 8 throws before either running or throwing the ball home. the fielding team MUST throw the ball to all 6 players and can t make consecutive throws to the same player. a RUN scores if the batter touches homeplate before the ball gets there all 6 players bat before switching to defense. NOTE: the number of throws and skips can be adjusted to make the competition closer if needed. 5 ROADRUNNER (20 minutes) hitting off a Batting T, throwing, catching, baserunning, cooperation and teamwork. 1 bat, 1 ball, 4 bases, 1 batting helmet, and 1 Batting T. 2 teams of 6; one on offense (the Roadrunners) and one on defense (the Coyotes). The Coyotes have a catcher at homeplate and the other 5 defensive players are scattered around the field wherever they feel they need to be to make the play. The Roadrunners have one player at homeplate with a bat to hit the ball off of the Batting T and the other 5 players are off at a safe distance. (at least 5m or 16 feet). the Roadrunner hits the ball off the batting T and runs around all of the bases before the Coyotes can get the ball back to the catcher at homeplate. if the ball is caught in the air the batter is OUT fielders may not run with the ball, it must be thrown home. count how many bases the batter/roadrunner touches before the ball gets to the catcher at home. Each base touched is a point. All 6 batters hit or 3 outs, which ever is 1 st, and then the teams switch. 33

34 6 SEMI CIRCLE SOFTBALL (20 minutes) throwing, catching, cooperation and teamwork 1 ball, 4 bases and markers/cones 2 teams of 6; one team on defense and one on offense place a semi-circle of markers or cones approximately at the edge of the infield (about 21.3meters or 70 feet from home plate) the defensive team has 1 player at home and the rest of the 5 players position themselves around the infield at approximately the same distance. Both markers and players can be adjusted according to skill level and size. the offensive team tries to throw the ball over or through the markers and then runs through 1 st base. The offensive player gets 1 point if the ball goes through the markers or 2 points if the ball goes over the markers. no point is awarded if the ball is caught or stopped at the markers. the defense throws the ball home as quickly as possible. change sides after each offensive player throws the ball. team with the most points after the time limit wins. 7 BUCKETBALL (25 minutes) throwing, fielding, baserunning, cooperation and teamwork 2 balls, 4 bases, 1 batting helmet, 1 bucket/pail or bag. 2 teams of 6; one team on defense and one on offense. The defensive team has a catcher at homeplate with the other 5 players scattered in the field. The bucket or pai or bag l is placed on homeplate.the offensive team has 1 player to THROW the ball from homeplate and the other offensive players waiting their turn a safe distance away. the offensive batter throws out 2 balls in quick order and then runs around the bases trying to make it home before the fielding team gets both balls in the pail. if the ball is caught in the air by the defense then the batter is OUT. Fielders may NOT run with the ball. It must be thrown home. Relay the balls if necessary and remind players to make sure the catcher is always looking to catch both balls and put them into the bucket. 34

35 8 10 MINUTE SOFTBALL (20 total minutes, 10 per team at-bat) throwing, fielding, catching, throwing, hitting, running and hustling 1 bat, 1 ball, 4 bases, batting helmets and catching gear 2 teams of 6; one team on defense and one on offense. The defensive team has a catcher, a 1 st baseman, and the 4 other players in positions where the offense is likely to hit the ball. Set up the bases on the diamond for a regular game.. one batter at a time bats off a Batting T or an adult pitcher. Each team will get 10 minutes each to score as many runs as possible. players must hustle when they switch from offense to defense in order to get the maximum number of bats in their time. score 1 point for each base touched. the fielding team gets an out for any ball caught in the air or if they put out a runner on a base. after 3 outs bases are cleared of any runner but the offensive team remains at bat until their 10 minutes is up. NOTE: you might have to play in the field to help direct the play. Players should be moved around on defense to give them a chance to play all of the positions. The team with the most points after their 10 minutes wins. 35

36 9 FREEZE THE RUNNER (20 minutes) throwing, catching, baserunning, cooperation and teamwork 2 bats, 1 ball, 4 bases, 4 batting helmets 2 teams of 6; one team on defense and one on offense. the offensive batter THROWS the ball into the playing area and runs around the bases until FREEZE is shouted FREEZE may have to be shouted more than once at a young age. the defensive team fields the THROWN ball and then throws it so EVERY fielder catches the ball the last fielder to catch the ball shouts FREEZE. score points by counting the number of bases touched. if the runner is between bases when FREEZE is shouted then the last base touched counts. after everyone has had a turn THROWING the ball on offense then switch and let the offense play defense and let the defense be on offense. keep total bases touched for each team to see who wins. NOTE: players on defense will likely need help from adults to keep them from all running after the all at once and in knowing where to throw it next. Lack of catching ability will mean there is little actual catching going on but at least each player will get to touch and throw the ball. 36

37 10 MINNIE BALL (25 minutes) NOTE: this is similar to 10 MINUTE SOFTBALL all softball skills bats, balls, catching equipment and all 4 bases. divide players into 3 teams of 4. 1 team at a time will be on offense while the other 2 teams are defense. Each team will bat for 7 minutes regardless of whether they have 3 or more outs. Can use an adult pitcher or let the players hit the ball off of a Batting T. Team 1 starts on Offense Teams 2 and 3 on Defense. Team 2 on Offense Teams 1 and 3 on Defense Team 3 on Offense Teams 1 and 2 on Defense. keep score and outs as in a regular softball game. team scoring the most runs while on offense wins. 11 FIELD 3 (20 minutes) hitting, fielding, catching, throwing 2 bats, 2 balls, 2 sets of catching equipment (if you have it), 2 sets of bases. 2 teams of 6; 1 batter, 1 catcher, the rest are fielders. 2 separate activity areas are set up a safe distance apart. 1 adult pitcher in each area for each group of 6. Set up bases on each area. one batter at a time bats off an adult pitcher, with a catcher in catching equipment. when the fielder has successfully fielded 3 groundballs or caught 1 fly ball that fielder becomes the batter. players rotate positions on defense. make sure that all players get an opportunity to bat and catch. 37

38 12 FAR BASE (25 minutes) all softball skills except baserunning 1 bat, 1 ball, 1 base, catching equipment, batting helmets, homeplate, 1 batting T. place a base directly out from home plate where 2 nd base would usually be. 2 teams; one team on defense with a catcher and the other team on offense. the members of the team at bat take turns hitting. A fair ball is any ball hit in front of homeplate. on a fair hit, the batter runs to the far base. He/she can either stay there or return home immediately. When the next batter hits, th e first runner is not required to leave the far base. As many players as desired may occupy the far base at any one time and may return home in any order, or even all at once. a runner may be put out only by being tagged with the ball. the runners do not have to go in a straight line, it s OK to dodge or run anywhere in the field to avoid being tagged out. A batter is out on 2 strikes or if a ball is caught in the air. 3 balls (if pitched) or 3 missed using the batting T permit the batter to advance to the far base. each team bats until all players have had a turn at bat, then the other team bats. Play may go on for as many innings as the coach or teacher wishes. 38

39 SOFTBALL TERMS & WORDS There are lots of different words or terms used in softball that may or may not have been mentioned so far in this manual. What follows is a pretty complete listing of softball words and terms. Keep in mind that you probably won t need to know some of them if you are just introducing softball into your school for the first time. But, in case you re faced with the need to know more about this great game, this list of words is a good start. Enjoy! altered bat - when the physical structure of a legal softball bat has been changed assist a defensive statistic credited to each fielder who throws or deflects a batted or thrown ball in such a way that a putout results, or would have resulted except for a subsequent error by any fielder backstop the fence behind the batter s box (the umpire stands behind the catcher with his/her back to the backstop) ball as called by the umpire, a pitch that does not enter the strike zone in flight and is not struck at by the batter base one of four points on the infield that must be touched by a runner in order to score a run. Also applies to the rubber or canvas bags comprising first, second, and third base, as well as the hard plastic or rubber plate known as home plate. baseline the area between each base along which the base runner must generally run base on balls (BB) also called a walk ; the award of first base to a batter who, during his/her time at bat, receives four pitches outside the strike zone; pitchers may also issue an intentional walk without throwing those four pitches, in which case the umpire is notified and he/she awards the batter first base base runner a batter who has reached base safely 39

40 bases loaded referring to the offensive team when there are runners on first, second, and third base batter also known as hitter ; an offensive player who takes his/her position in the batter s box to try to hit the pitch batter s box a rectangular area beside home plate where the batter must stand to hit the pitch batting average an offensive statistic, it is the number of safe hits divided by the number of at-bats batting order the official list giving the sequence in which members of the (offensive) team must come to bat box score the summary of a game which lists the line-up for each team, including substitutions, such offensive statistics as at-bats, runs, hits, and runs batted in. The box score also lists such defensive statistics as winning pitcher, losing pitcher, (pitcher credited with) save, errors, wild pitches, and passed balls. bullpen the area in foul territory adjacent to the outfield where pitchers wait and warm-up during the game, except the pitcher currently being used in the game bunt an attempt by the batter to tap the ball instead of swinging at it; the bat is lowered to (approximately) chest height, parallel to the ground catcher defensive player who normally positions him/herself behind home plate and receives pitches center fielder the defensive player positioned near the middle of the outfield change-up a pitch thrown deceptively slow to surprise the batter complete game a pitcher s statistic recorded when he/she has thrown every pitch for his/her team during a game curveball a pitch thrown with a rotation that makes the ball curve 40