Around the Horn: Base-to-Base Passing Against the Clock

A group warm-up based on baseball's "around the horn": the ball travels every base while players rotate. It warms up the throwing arm and gets the group working together to beat a time.

How to play

1. Groups of seven on a 12 m diamond: one on each base and three in line behind home. Easy throws in base order, stepping toward the target on every throw (3 min).
2. After each throw, the thrower follows the ball to the next base and takes that spot; the player at home comes in from the line (3 min).
3. Reverse direction and add cross-diamond throws: home to second and first to third, calling the name before throwing (2 min).
4. Group challenge: five full laps without dropping the ball; time it and try to beat it twice (3 min).
5. Gentle shoulder, elbow and wrist mobility for the throwing arm (1 min).

Rules

• Only throw to someone who is looking with hands ready.
• Chest-high throws, nothing hard in the first few minutes.
• On cross-diamond throws, call the name before you let go.

Variations

Adaptations

• Deaf or hard-of-hearing students: the receiver raises both hands to show they are ready.
• Students with an injured throwing arm: throw with the other hand or roll the ball.
• Hesitant students: start in the line behind home and step in when ready.

Learning goals

• Warm up the throwing arm gradually.
• Throw by stepping toward the target.
• Work together to improve a group result.

Equipment for a class of 25

• bases: 16
• softballs (soft): 4

Teacher tip

Soft softballs or foam balls of the same size are best; tennis balls also work. The usual mistake is throwing without stepping: have them say "step and throw" out loud for the first few throws.

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