Safe or Out? Slow-Motion Replays

A cool-down where groups act out plays at the base in slow motion and two umpires make the call using the real safe and out signals. Intensity drops and students practice respecting the umpire's call.

How to play

1. Groups of four with one base: a runner, a fielder with the ball and two umpires. Act out plays at the base in slow motion, like a TV replay (2 min).
2. The umpires make the call with the real signal: arms spread wide is safe; a closed fist raised up is out. If they disagree, they explain what they saw (2 min).
3. Bang-bang plays: talk about the popular saying "tie goes to the runner" and the group decides how they'd apply it (2 min).
4. Rotate roles and wrap up: is umpiring easy? How should we treat the umpire? (2 min).

Rules

• Everything in slow motion, no real sprinting.
• The umpire's call is accepted without arguing.
• The fielder tags gently, just like in the game.

Variations

Adaptations

• Deaf or hard-of-hearing students: umpire signals are visual, backed up with eye contact.
• Students with limited mobility: serve as the lead umpire.
• Hesitant students: umpire alongside a partner and decide together.

Learning goals

• Apply the safe and out rules.
• Use real umpire signals.
• Respect umpires' decisions.

Equipment for a class of 25

• bases: 7
• softballs (soft): 7

Teacher tip

Model both signals first in a big, exaggerated way. It works especially well after a game with disputed plays: replay them in slow motion.

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