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Learning Intention

Beat the ball is a modified game of softball that builds on striking and fielding skills and encourages teamwork and thoughtful placement of the ball. It provides a good introduction to softball.

Band Level

3 - 4, 5 - 6, Skill Development, Game Concepts

Content Description

ACPMP043, ACPMP045, ACPMP061, ACPMP063

Skill Focus

Catching, Fielding, Shot Placement, Striking, Teamwork, Throwing

Equipment

  1. 1 batting tee (or similar)
  2. 1 foam bat
  3. 1 foam ball
  4. 1 marker cone

How-To

  1. Form a batting team and a fielding team.
  2. The batting team takes turns to hit the ball off the batting tee.
  3. After the hit, the batter attempts to run around the bases before the ball is thrown to home plate.
  4. Fielders must field the ball and throw it in turn to 1st, 2nd, 3rd bases and home plate.

Change It...

Easier

  • Reduce the distance of the bases
  • Players run around a single marker cone set 10 metres away

Harder

  • Players score 1 point for every time they beat the ball
  • If the fielding team successfully catch all 3 throws they earn 1 point

Tips

  • Encourage awareness of other players
  • Instruct players to shout ‘MINE’ or their own name when moving to field the ball

Safety

  • Ensure a safe distance is kept around the batter at all times

Question

  • How can you work as a team to field the ball quickly?