Batting techniques
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can hit a softball using the recognised batting techniques.
Key learning points
- Move: setting up in a coiled side-on stance prepares the batter to strike the ball powerfully.
- Move: changing stance and grip to bunt the ball is a short hitting tactic used to surprise fielders.
- Think: shifting your weight from back foot to front as the pitcher releases the ball, adds power whilst keeping control.
- Feel: making clean contact with a fast moving pitch feels great but takes time and dedication to achieve repeatedly.
- Connect: hitting success and managing risk by not being too ambitious contributes to your team's overall performance.
Keywords
Coiled stance - the batter’s preparatory position which sets them up for a powerful swing
Weight transfer - shifting weight from back foot to front during swing to create power
Bunting - strategic skill where the batter holds the bat still to gently tap the ball into play
Common misconception
Pupils may use a static approach to batting, perhaps using only their arms to swing the bat with.
Pupils should understand the whole body is involved in a good batting swing and that most of the power produced comes from the lower half of the body.
Teacher tip
Soft toss is a valuable drill for practicing hitting a moving ball, but safety is paramount. Feeders should stand at least 2 meters to the side of the batter's swing path to avoid contact. Use low-compression tennis balls to minimise injury risk; avoid using softballs, as they are not truly soft.
Equipment
tees, bases, bats, softballs, low compression tennis balls, gloves
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.When is it really useful to support others with reminders of the rules?
Q2.Where, other than the batter’s knees and armpits, is the strike zone?
Q3.When shouldn’t you swing for the ball?
Q4.What could happen if a batter throws the bat wildly after hitting the ball?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which parts of the body are involved in a good batting swing?
Q2.What does it take to become consistently good at something like batting?
Q3.Why might bunting be a good choice?
Q4.What do good team players consider when it’s their turn to bat?
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Batting techniques, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Batting techniques, 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.