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Lesson 2 of 6
  • Year 10

Batting techniques

I can hit a softball using the recognised batting techniques.

Lesson 2 of 6
New
New
  • Year 10

Batting techniques

I can hit a softball using the recognised batting techniques.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: setting up in a coiled side-on stance prepares the batter to strike the ball powerfully.
  2. Move: changing stance and grip to bunt the ball is a short hitting tactic used to surprise fielders.
  3. Think: shifting your weight from back foot to front as the pitcher releases the ball, adds power whilst keeping control.
  4. Feel: making clean contact with a fast moving pitch feels great but takes time and dedication to achieve repeatedly.
  5. 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.


To help you plan your year 10 physical education lesson on: Batting techniques, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

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.
Teacher tip

Equipment

tees, bases, bats, softballs, low compression tennis balls, gloves

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
When is it really useful to support others with reminders of the rules?

everyone is experienced
Correct answer: learning new games
game has finished

Q2.
Where, other than the batter’s knees and armpits, is the strike zone?

Correct answer: over home plate
over first base
behind the batter

Q3.
When shouldn’t you swing for the ball?

Correct answer: it’s going wide
over home plate
bases are loaded

Q4.
What could happen if a batter throws the bat wildly after hitting the ball?

score extra runs
gets another go
Correct answer: could injure someone

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Which parts of the body are involved in a good batting swing?

only the arms
only upper body
Correct answer: the whole body

Q2.
What does it take to become consistently good at something like batting?

Correct answer: time and dedication
bit of luck
it comes naturally

Q3.
Why might bunting be a good choice?

hit home run
Correct answer: surprise fielders
slow the game

Q4.
What do good team players consider when it’s their turn to bat?

just their performance
Correct answer: their team’s performance
hitting home runs