Over the Line Softball

A batting game for teams of three with no base running: you score by hitting the ball so it lands past a line and inside the field without being caught. Students practice hitting to open space and positioning on defense.

How to play

1. Cone off four fields: a batting box, a line 40 ft out, and a back line at 80 ft, about 50 ft wide; form eight teams of three and put two on each field (3 min).
2. The batting team chooses a pitcher who throws a soft underhand pitch from 15 ft; the batter gets 2 pitches to hit.
3. The three fielders must always stay past the 40 ft line and may not cross it.
4. If the ball lands fair past the line without being caught, the batting team scores 1 point; past the 80 ft line, it scores 3.
5. It is an out if the ball is caught in the air, does not reach the line, or goes out the sides; after 3 outs, teams switch.
6. Play for 16 min, switching every 3 outs and rotating batters on every swing.

Rules

• Safety: all fields hit in the same direction with at least 15 ft between fields.
• Waiting batters stand behind the batting box, never off to the sides.
• Fielders may not cross the 40 ft line, even to make a catch.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: field the area closest to the line or be the team's permanent pitcher.
• Hearing impairment: agree on one arm signal for a point and another for an out.
• Skill level: allow a bigger ball or a wider bat.

Learning goals

• Aim hits toward open spaces in the field.
• Position on defense to cover as much space as possible.
• Respect the lines and the batting order within the team.

Equipment for a class of 25

• soft bats: 4
• soft balls: 8
• cones: 32

Teacher tip

This game is perfect when there is not enough space to run bases. Encourage students to check where the fielders are before swinging and not to swing as hard as they can every time: a well-placed hit is worth more.

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