Position Rotation: One Role Card Per Inning

A tee-ball softball game where each fielder gets a card with their position and key job, and swaps it every inning. Everyone plays pitcher, catcher, the bases and the outfield.

How to play

1. Hand out the cards and read them aloud: where I stand and what I do, for example "catcher: cover home" or "outfielder: back up the teammate going for the ball" (5 min).
2. Walk-through: the teacher calls a situation like "grounder to third," and each position moves to its spot and explains its job (5 min).
3. Game on two diamonds with teams of seven to nine, innings one and two; after each inning the cards rotate to the next position (8 min).
4. Innings three and four with a new card rotation (8 min).
5. Debrief: which position has the most invisible work? (4 min).

Rules

• Every fielder does their card's job even when the ball isn't coming to them.
• Call for the ball out loud before going for it, to avoid collisions.
• The bat goes in the hoop after hitting.
• An inning ends after three outs or once the whole team has batted.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with visual impairments: large-print or Braille cards and a position close to home with a sighted guide.
• Students with limited mobility: take close-in positions like catcher or first base, with a partner running for them when they bat.
• English language learners: cards with a picture of the position and one key word.

Learning goals

• Know the defensive positions and their jobs.
• Move with the play even without touching the ball.
• Value the work of every role.

Equipment for a class of 25

• bases: 8
• plastic bats: 2
• batting tees: 2
• softballs (soft): 4
• role cards: 18

Teacher tip

Make the cards once and laminate them for the whole year. Softball uses nine fielders; with fewer players, drop outfield spots first.

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