Tee Hitting to Three Zones: Move the Contact Point

Groups of three hit off a tee toward a set zone by changing the contact point. Students discover how to steer the ball and decide where to hit.

How to play

1. Groups of three per tee: hitter, fielder and scorer. In front of each tee, three cone zones: left, center and right (3 min).
2. Hit to center with the tee in line with the belly button: five swings each, then rotate roles (6 min).
3. Move the tee out in front of the front foot, then back: the group watches which way the ball goes each time and writes it down (6 min).
4. Challenge: the scorer calls a zone, the hitter sets the tee where they think it should go and swings; one point if it lands in that zone (8 min).
5. Clean-up and group conclusion: where does the tee go for each zone? (2 min).

Rules

• Fielders wait behind the cones until the bat is on the ground.
• Only swing when the scorer says "ready."
• All groups hit the same direction, with 6 m between tees.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with low vision: a bright ball on a tee of contrasting color and zones marked with large cones.
• Left-handed hitters: explain that the zones flip and let them test it in their group.
• Students with limited mobility: hit seated with a lower tee; their fielder covers the nearest zone.

Learning goals

• Steer the ball by changing the contact point.
• Choose a hitting zone to fit the task.
• Observe and record results as a group.

Equipment for a class of 25

• batting tees: 6
• plastic bats: 6
• softballs (soft): 30
• cones: 24

Teacher tip

For a right-handed hitter, contact out front sends the ball left and late contact sends it right; it's the reverse for lefties. Let them figure it out before you explain it.

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