Work-Up Baseball
Baseball without fixed teams: three students bat while everyone else takes a numbered spot in the field, and each time a batter is out, everyone moves up one position. Students practice batting, playing every position, and following the rules.
How to play
- Set up two fields with 4 bases about 40 ft apart and a tee at home; 12–13 students per field: 3 batters and the rest in numbered spots from 1 (catcher) to 10 (deep outfield) (3 min).
- Each batter gets 3 swings off the tee; after a hit they run to first and advance like baseball, and when they reach home they bat again.
- A batter is out if the ball is caught in the air or the ball beats them to the base; they then go to the last spot in the field.
- When someone is out, every fielder moves up one spot: catcher becomes batter, pitcher becomes catcher, and so on.
- If a fielder catches a fly ball, they switch places directly with the batter.
- Play nonstop for 20 min; every 6 min the teacher reshuffles the numbers so everyone plays different positions.
Rules
- Safety: drop the bat in the home hoop before running, and nobody waits within 12 ft of the tee.
- At the bases, the fielder steps on the edge and leaves room for the runner.
- If it is a tie between the ball and the runner, the runner is safe.
Variations
Easier
Only a caught fly ball is an out, and bases move in to 30 ft.
Standard
Out on a caught fly ball or when the ball beats the runner to the base.
Harder
Batters hit a soft underhand pitch instead of hitting off the tee.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: bat with a low tee and have a buddy run; on defense, play first base or catcher.
- Autism or shyness: post a chart with numbers and positions, and give a heads-up before they move up.
- Fitness level: students who tire can stay two rotations in a close spot like catcher.
Learning goals
- Hit off a tee and run the bases in the right order.
- Learn what each defensive position does.
- Accept rotations and calls with good sportsmanship.
Equipment for a class of 25
- batting tees: 2
- soft bats: 2
- soft balls: 4
- bases: 8
- cones: 8
Teacher tip
Keep a laminated rotation list for each field; it prevents arguments. If one batter stays up too long, cap it at 4 turns in a row and move them up anyway.
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