Study Guides

Unit Summary

This unit will develop batting, pitching and fielding skills unique to softball, such as using a glove and applying the rules around strikes and base running. Pupils will be challenged to evaluate both their own performance and that of others as they apply tenacity to this American game.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to pitch and catch a softball with a variety of techniques.

Key Notes

• Move: a full circular rotation of the arm is executed before releasing the ball in a windmill pitch.
• Move: catching the ball with the glove and securing with the throwing hand gives a high certainty of making the catch.
• Think: throwing a variety of pitches, including fast and slow balls, reduces the chances of the batter hitting it.
• Feel: a fly ball offers more time to get into position but also to doubt yourself. This is overcome through practice.
• Connect: feedback should be given sensitively, but if individuals are confident, they typically handle more criticism.

Vocabulary To Learn

• fly ball: a ball hit high in the air that will likely be caught by a fielder
• crocodile bite: using both hands to secure the ball like a crocodile's jaws snapping shut
• windmill pitch: underarm pitching technique used in fast-pitch softball, where the pitcher makes a full 360-degree circular motion with their throwing arm before releasing the ball

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Pupils may field fly balls by putting their arm up in the air then running to where they think it'll land.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• Base running and game strategies Study Guide
• Batting techniques Study Guide
• Fielding and throwing techniques Study Guide
• Game play and review of others' performance Study Guide
• Softball and basic rules Study Guide