Underhand Pitching: Hit the Strike Zone Target

A progression of the underhand pitch used in softball, building up to aiming at a hoop that acts as the strike zone. It works on accuracy and a shoulder-friendly motion.

How to play

1. Demo: the foot opposite the throwing arm steps forward, the arm swings straight past the hip, the ball is released at hip height and the hand follows through to the target (3 min).
2. Partners 8 m apart: slow arcing pitches to a partner who catches with hands held up as a target (4 min).
3. Groups of three in front of a hoop tied to the back of a chair: pitches from 8 m, ten each, counting hits (6 min).
4. Balls and strikes: the catcher calls "strike" if it goes through the hoop and "ball" if not; goal is three strikes before four balls (5 min).
5. Easy shoulder mobility and equipment clean-up (2 min).

Rules

• Only pitch when the catcher is standing beside the chair, never behind the hoop.
• The arm swings below the shoulder, never overhand.
• All chairs in a line facing the same wall.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with low vision: the catcher taps the chair so the pitcher can aim by sound.
• Students with an injured arm: pitch with the other arm from closer.
• Wheelchair users: pitch from the chair with a long arm swing beside the wheel.

Learning goals

• Master the underhand pitch.
• Improve accuracy on a target.
• Protect the shoulder with correct form.

Equipment for a class of 25

• hoops: 8
• chairs: 8
• softballs (soft): 24
• cones: 16

Teacher tip

If the hoops won't stay up, tape them to wall bars or a fence. The usual mistake is letting go late and bouncing it: tell them to release as the hand passes the thigh.

More main activities for Middle School