Player up to bat must hold a combined 6 tennis balls. He/she must throw all 6 at the same time.
Player runs bases while fielding team collects all 6 tennis balls and places them into the pail.
The batter attempts to run as many bases as possible before all 6 balls are placed into the pail.
The batter can stop at any base he/she wants. The base that the batter initially stops at will determine the maximum number of runs he/she can score. For example, if she/he stops at second base, the maximum number of runs she/he can score for that at bat is 2. A "home run" (i.e., running all the bases and returing home safely) is worth 4 points.
A runner is out at any time if s/he is inbetween a base when all 6 balls are in the pail and they would receive no points.
When a runner returns home safely, he/she adds his/her score to a sheet of paper keeping in mind the maximum number of runs that he/she can score based on where they stopped after batting. At the end of the inning, total up the number of successful runs scored.
The batting team continues to bat until the last batter is either out or reaches home safely.
Batting and fielding team change positions.
Each time a batting team is up, they try to beat their score from the previous inning.
Fielders can not move with the ball
Place six pins around the pail and runner is out if all six pins are knocked over before he/she gets home
Use different types of balls/ equipment (e.g., rubber chicken, dice, etc).
Use fewer balls (e.g., 3) and strike ball with hand.
Move around the bases using different types of locomotion (e.g., skip, hop, leap, gallop, etc).
How can teammates work together to get the ball back quickly into the pail?
Have one fielder near the pail to retrieve long balls that are thrown towards the pail.
Fielders should try to cover as much space as possible.
Reduce the distance of the bases.
Use foam balls.
Players can use Velcro balls and mitts.
Reduce the number of balls to four.
Fewer than four bases can be used.
Place two pails in the field.
LEVEL OF COMPLEXITY
Moderate
Participant Grouping
2 teams of approximately 6 students each.
One team up to bat, one team in the field.
Have a pail in the center of the field. Set up a baseball diamond layout that meets the needs/limitations of your playing area and students.
Equipment
Other: 6 tennis balls Other: bases
Playing Area
Gymnasium
Safety
Have students spread out rather than bunch up to retrieve balls. Also, introduce a proximity limit for fielders to throwers
Life Skills Development
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
How did you feel your group worked together and cooperated with one another?
How does team cooperation maximize the success of the team on the field? In school? At home?
What are characteristics of being a quality team member?
Leadership is important to have as a member of a team. When is it better to take the lead and provide leadership? And when is it important to follow?
FUNdamental Skills
Locomotor
Sprinting
Preparation Phase: Keep feet light for quick and strong push offs (no heavy feet stomps).
Execution Phase: Keep feet moving in a straight line rather than side to side (each foot will run along a single line making a train track shape).
Follow-Through Phase: Take a long low last stride to come to slow down and stop.
