Tee Ball Line-Up Relay

A tee ball game where the batter runs laps around a square of cones while the whole fielding team sprints to line up behind whoever fields the ball and passes it down the line. Students practice batting, running, and quick teamwork.

How to play

1. Set up two fields: a batting tee and, beside it, a square of 4 cones about 25 ft per side; two teams of 6–7 play on each field (2 min).
2. The batter hits the soft ball off the tee, drops the bat in the home hoop, and runs around the square; every cone they pass is 1 point.
3. The fielding team runs to whoever catches or picks up the ball and lines up behind that player.
4. The ball goes down the line over-under (over the head, then between the legs); when the last player gets it, the line yells 'Stop!' and the runner freezes and counts their cones.
5. If the ball is caught in the air, the hit scores 0, but nobody is out: the next batter is up.
6. Switch roles once everyone has batted; play 2 rounds per team (18 min).

Rules

• Safety: drop the bat in the home hoop, never throw it; nobody stands within 12 ft of the tee.
• Hit forward only, inside the coned fan.
• The ball must touch every player's hands; if someone is skipped, redo the pass.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: bat seated with a lower tee while a buddy runs the cones; in the line, they receive and hand off the ball.
• Visual impairment: use a brightly colored or beeping ball, and a teammate taps their shoulder when the ball reaches them.
• Fitness level: students who struggle can take two swings or move the tee closer to the square.

Learning goals

• Hit off a tee with a level, balanced swing.
• Work with the team to line up and pass the ball quickly.
• Accept the result of each play without arguing.

Equipment for a class of 25

• batting tees: 2
• soft bats: 2
• soft balls: 4
• cones: 16

Teacher tip

Mark a hoop as home plate for the bat and keep the waiting line well away from the tee. If lines form slowly, have the last player to arrive call out their name so the team knows the line is set.

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