Base running and game strategies
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can run between bases to score runs and avoid being out.
Key learning points
- Move: running hard immediately after making contact gives a batter the best chance of reaching 1st base.
- Move: hitting the ball away from the bases teammates are running to, gives them a greater chance of reaching their base.
- Think: constantly considering the situation of the game will help make decisions to benefit the team.
- Feel: committing to action in the face of a challenge shows tenacity.
- Connect: assessing your team’s strengths can help to build a team strategy more likely to score runs.
Keywords
Situation - a combination of factors such as outs, runners and the score which impact decisions
1st base - the first of the four bases
Run - both the name given to a score when a batter visits all 4 bases and gets home, and the method of getting between bases
Common misconception
Pupils often pay little attention to strategy and think only of themselves and not what the team needs. Many will only think of hitting the ball as hard and as far as they can.
Encourage pupils to consider team strategy, e.g. the batting line up based on strengths of the team. Stronger hitters bring others home and in some cases, a safe hit is much more useful to a team than trying to slog and getting caught or struck out.
Teacher tip
There are more rules about base running in softball than those covered in this unit of lessons, including tagging up and stealing bases. The rules in this unit are deliberately accessible and fundamental, but do feel free to add more of the nuance if you believe your pupils are ready for it.
Equipment
bases, softballs, bats, cones, gloves
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.When should we use a run first, then reach technique?
Q2.How might you adjust your criticism with someone you feel is very sensitive?
Q3.How can regular practice help with catching fly balls?
Q4.How might a pitcher keep the batter guessing?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.How far should you run hard if it’s 18.3m between home and 1st base?
Q2.Whose situation should you be thinking about when you step up to bat?
Q3.What should you assess before deciding your batting line order?
Q4.How is the ball hit when bases are loaded to achieve a grand slam?
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Base running and game strategies, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Base running and game strategies, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 4 physical education lessons from the Striking and fielding games: evaluate and improve performance in softball unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.