Coach-Pitch Softball
School softball where the pitcher comes from the batting team and the goal is to throw easy pitches so a teammate can hit. Students practice hitting a moving ball, pitching underhand, and supporting each other as a team.
How to play
- Set up two fields with bases about 40 ft apart and form four teams of 6–7; on each field, one team bats and the other fields (3 min).
- A player from the batting team pitches from about 20 ft, underhand with a gentle arc, waist high to their teammate.
- Batters get 3 pitches; if they miss all three, they hit off the tee so the play always continues.
- After the hit they run the bases; they are out on a caught fly ball, when the ball beats them to the base, or when tagged with the ball between bases.
- Teams switch when every player has batted or after 3 outs; each runner who crosses home scores 1 run.
- Play 4 innings per team (20 min), with a new team pitcher each inning.
Rules
- Safety: drop the bat in the home hoop, and the batting team's pitcher steps out of the runner's path after the pitch.
- Pitches are always underhand with a soft ball.
- The batting team's pitcher may not touch a live ball; if the ball hits them, redo the pitch.
Variations
Easier
Pitch from 15 ft, and batters may ask for the tee from the first swing.
Standard
Pitch from 20 ft, 3 swings, and a backup tee.
Harder
The fielding team pitches and may vary the speed slightly without trying to strike the batter out.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: always hit off a tee set at the right height and have a buddy run the bases.
- Visual impairment: use a large, brightly colored ball, and have the pitcher call 'Here it comes!' on release.
- Skill level: offer a wider or shorter bat to students with coordination difficulties.
Learning goals
- Hit a softly pitched ball with a bat.
- Pitch underhand accurately to help a teammate.
- Encourage and support teammates during their turns.
Equipment for a class of 25
- soft bats: 2
- soft balls: 6
- batting tees: 2
- bases: 8
- cones: 8
Teacher tip
Spend 2 minutes on the underhand pitch first: step with the opposite foot and swing the arm like a pendulum. Remind students that the best pitcher here is the one who gets the most hits, not the most misses.
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