Ground Balls: Field It Clean and Throw to First

A ground-ball progression: get in front of the ball, field it in a good stance and throw to first. It ends with a race between the runner and the ball.

How to play

1. Partners 6 m apart: one rolls and the other fields in a "triangle," feet wide, hands out front and the top hand covering the ball. Switch roles halfway (4 min).
2. Rollers to the side: the fielder shuffles to get in front of the ball instead of reaching. Switch roles halfway (5 min).
3. Groups of five with a first base: one rolls from home, the fielder stops it, takes two steps toward first and throws to the player on the bag. Rotate after every throw (7 min).
4. Beat the throw: as the ball is rolled, a runner leaves home for first; does the ball or the runner get there first? (7 min).
5. Review of the most common mistakes and clean-up (2 min).

Rules

• The runner crosses the outside of the base and the first baseman steps on the inside, so no one collides.
• Only throw to first when the player on the bag is looking with hands ready.
• Firm rollers, no high bounces.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with visual impairments: a ball with a bell inside and slow rollers with a "coming" call.
• Wheelchair users: play first base or field rollers within reach and throw from the chair.
• Students with a knee injury: field with one leg forward without squatting all the way.

Learning goals

• Get in front of the ball.
• Field and throw in one smooth motion.
• Decide quickly on the throw to first.

Equipment for a class of 25

• softballs (soft): 15
• bases: 10
• cones: 20

Teacher tip

The most common mistake is fielding with feet together so the ball slips through. Cue "wide feet, low hips, hands out." If you have gloves, use them only in step 3.

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