Batting Train: Run as a Group While They Pass Over and Under

A bat-and-field game where, after every hit, the whole batting team runs together around a cone while the fielding team lines up behind whoever got the ball and passes it over and under. Everyone is involved in every play.

How to play

1. Explain and set up two fields: tee at home, a hoop for the bat and a turning cone 15 m away; teams of seven (4 min).
2. Practice the fielding train without batting: the teacher throws the ball, the team lines up behind whoever grabs it and passes it alternating over the head and between the legs to the last player, who shouts "stop!" (3 min).
3. Game: every member of the batting team hits once; after each hit the whole team runs together around the cone and back, scoring one run per lap until "stop!" (10 min).
4. Switch sides with the same rules (10 min).
5. Tally and debrief: what made each train faster? (3 min).

Rules

• The batter sets the bat in the hoop before running; if it's thrown, the play doesn't count.
• The running team stays together without grabbing or pushing.
• The fielding train lines up an arm's length apart, and nobody yanks the ball from someone's hands.
• Nobody walks in front of the tee while someone is batting.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with visual impairments: run hand in hand with a sighted guide, and get a verbal cue before receiving the ball in the train.
• Students with limited mobility: score runs on a shorter inside loop with their team; on defense, they're the last in the train and call "stop!"
• Students with a back injury: pass only overhead or to the side in the train.

Learning goals

• Work as a team on every offensive and defensive play.
• Get organized quickly as a group.
• Hit off the tee into open space.

Equipment for a class of 25

• plastic bats: 2
• batting tees: 2
• softballs (soft): 4
• cones: 10
• hoops: 2

Teacher tip

This game is very intense: build in breaks between hitters. The usual fielding mistake is forming the line away from the ball; insist the train starts right where the ball was picked up.

More activities like this

More main activities for Middle School