8

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 8

QUARTER 1 – MODULE 6
MELC: Execute the skills involved in the sports.
PART I.

A. Introduction
Softball is a game similar to baseball played with a larger ball (11 to 16 in. circumference) on a
field that has base lengths of 60 feet, a pitcher's mound that ranges from 35–43 feet away from home
plate, and a home run fence that is 220–300 feet away from home plate, depending on the type of
softball being played. It was invented in 1887 in Chicago, Illinois, United States as an indoor game. The
game moves at a faster pace than traditional baseball due to the field being smaller and the bases and the
fielders being closer to home plate. There is less time for the base runner to get to first while the
opponent fields the ball; yet, the fielder has less time to field the ball while the opponent is running
down to first base.
In this module, you will learn about the nature and background of team sports. It is important for
you to know about this topic to help you in your physical fitness activities.

B. Discussion

Background History of Softball

The earliest known softball game was played in Chicago, Illinois on Thanksgiving Day, 1887. It
took place at the Farragut Boat Club at a gathering to hear the outcome of the Yale University and
Harvard University football game. When the score was announced and bets were settled, a Yale
alumnus threw a boxing glove at a Harvard supporter. The Harvard fan grabbed a stick and swung at
the rolled- up glove George Hancock, a reporter there, called out "Play ball!" and the game began, with
the boxing glove tightened into a ball, a broom handle serving as a bat. This first contest ended with a
score of 41– 40The ball, being soft, was fielded barehanded. George Hancock is credited as the game's
inventor for his development of a 17" ball and an undersized bat in the next week.

Playing Field
The playing field is divided into 'fair territory' and
'foul territory'. Fair territory is further divided into the
'infield', and the 'outfield', and the territory beyond the
outfield fence.

The field is defined by 'foul lines' that meet at a right

angle at 'home plate'. The minimum length of the baselines
varies classification of play (see below for official
measurements). A fence running between the baselines
defines the limits of the field; distance from home plate to
the
fence varies by field. https://tinyurl.com/ywbmu3v

1
Facilities & Equipment

 Ball
Despite the sport's name, the ball is not soft at all. The size of the ball varies according to the
classification of play; the permitted circumferences in international play are 12±0. 125 in (30.5±0.3 cm),
in mass between 6.25 and 7.0 oz (177–198 g) in fast pitch and adults and males 13 and older for slow
pitch, 11±0.125 in (27.9±0.3 cm), mass between 5.875 and 6.125 oz (166.6–173.6 g) in slow pitch for
females 18 and younger, and kids 12 and younger.

 Bat

Sizes may vary but they may be no more than 34 inches (86 cm) long, 2.4 inches (6 cm) in
diameter, or 38 ounces (1.1 kg) in mass. The standard bat barrel diameter for both slow pitch and fast
pitch softball is 21⁄4 inches.

 Gloves

All defensive players wear fielding gloves, made of leather or similar material. Gloves have
webbing between the thumb and forefinger, known as the "pocket. Gloves used in softball are larger
than the ones used in baseball.

 Uniform

The uniform may include a cap, a shirt displaying team colors and the players' number, sliding
undershorts/compression shorts (optional), socks, and pants/athletic shorts. All players are required to
wear shoes. They may have cleats or spikes.

GAME PLAY
A softball game can last anywhere from 3 to 7 innings, or 1–2 hours depending on the league,
rules, and type of softball. The teams take turns batting. Officially, which team bats first is decided by a
coin toss, although a league may decide otherwise at its discretion. The most common rule is that the
home team bats second. Batting second is also called "last at-bat". Many softball players prefer to bat
second because they feel they have more control in the last inning, since they have the last at-bat.

In the event of a tie, extra innings are usually played until the tie is broken except in certain
tournaments and championships. If the home team is leading and the road team has just finished its half
of the seventh inning, the game ends because it is not necessary for the home team to bat again. In all
forms of softball, the defensive team is the fielding team; the offensive team is at bat or batting and is
trying to score runs.

2
Umpires
Decisions about plays are made by umpires, similar to a referee in American football. The
number of umpires on a given game can range from a minimum of one to a maximum of seven. All
decisions made by the umpire(s) are considered to be final. Only decisions where a rule might have
been misinterpreted are considered to be protestable.

DESIGNATED PLAYER

 Pitcher

The pitcher is the individual who throws the ball from the middle of the diamond. As in baseball,
fast pitch softball has a rubber used to control the pitcher’s delivery. A pitcher must have both feet on
the rubber at the start of their delivery but neither foot is on the rubber when the ball is released

 Catcher

The catcher is normally behind home plate in a squatted position (some plays may require the
catcher to stand at an angle for intentional walks). At the plate the catcher is responsible for catching
pitches, keeping mis-pitched balls in front of the plate, calling pitches that are normally done through
hand signals, picking off runners, and they are considered the leaders of the field.

 First base Man

The first baseman is the position to the left side of the diamond when facing home plate. The
major role of the first baseman is to receive throws from other defensive players in order to get a force
play at first base.

 Second Base Man

The second baseman plays in between the first baseman and second base itself, usually closer to
second base.

 Shortstop

The shortstop fields all balls hit to the infield between the second and third bases. This
individual also helps cover second and third bases, is frequently involved in force plays and double
plays, and often throws the ball to the catcher to throw out runners at home plate.

 Third base Man

The third baseman is the position on the right side of the diamond when you are facing home
plate. They are responsible for fielding all balls hit their way including bunts. In fact, the third baseman
fields more bunts than a pitcher and first baseman do. Third base is also called the "Hot Corner"
because the ball can pop off the bat at the fielder very fast.

3
  Outfielders
The outfielders are players that cover the grassy area behind the infield. Outfielders are named
for their positions in the field relative to home plate. Traditional outfield positions include a left fielder,
a center fielder, and a right fielder. Each player has specific job as being an outfielder.

 Right fielder

The right fielder's position is on the right side of the field, in the opening between the 1st and
2nd basemen, when looking at the field from behind home plate.

 Center fielder

The center fielder's position is in the middle of the outfield directly behind second base when
looking at the field from behind home plate. The center fielder is part of a group of two other fielders
that make up the outfield. Center fielders technically serve as the "captains" of the outfield. They are
and should be the most vocal in effectively communicating with their outfielders.

 Left fielder
The left fielder's position is on the left side of the outfield behind the third baseman when
looking at the field from behind home plate. The left fielder is part of a group of two other fielders that
make up the outfield.

Skills to be developed in Softball

1. Hitting

In order to hit a ball well, a batsman needs to have good hand-eye coordination and be
capable of responding quickly. Once players develop these skills, they can begin to choose the area that
they want the ball to land to avoid the fielders.

2. Throwing

Underarm pitching is mandatory in softball, but players still need to be capable of throwing
the ball with speed and accuracy. This helps to prevent the opposing team from scoring runs.

3. Catching

Catching is an important defensive skill. Fielders can get a batsman out by catching the ball,
provided it does not bounce first.

4
 4. Fielding

Good fielders support the pitcher and respond quickly whether the ball comes to them from
the air or rolling along the ground. They need to have an idea of what their next move is after getting the
ball, for example, knowing exactly which base to throw the ball to in order to get the batsman out.

5. Moving between bases

Moving between bases swiftly is the only way the team can score runs. As the batsman
moves, he or she needs to be aware of what else is going on in the game and the location of the other
team's fielders.

C. Readings
The following safety tips are designed to help children play safe and prevent injury on the
baseball or softball fields.

Softball Equipment Safety:

 Children should use always use proper safety gear when playing. This equipment
includes catcher's gear, athletic supporters and cups, protective eyewear, and proper
footwear (which may include cleats). Good quality, double-eared helmets should be
worn to protect the ear and temple region against ball impact. Catchers should also
wear a helmet with full face and throat protection.
 Protective screening should be used to protect players in dugouts and on benches, and
the playing fields and facilities should be well-maintained. The playing field and
facilities should be free of garbage and debris, and there should be no sinkholes,
stumps or rocks in the infield or outfield. Fences, walls and posts should be padded to
help prevent injury if players run in to them when attempting to catch a ball.
 All equipment should be inspected regularly to make sure it is in good condition.

Playing the Game:

 Children should be taught how to play softball correctly, and they should play with
other children of the same skill level, physical maturity and weight. Players should be
taught to perform proper stretching and strengthening techniques before playing.
 The coach should be made away of the player's medical conditions. A child should
not play if he or she is experiencing persistent pain, a loss of motion, or any other
abnormalities.

5
  All players need to be kept hydrated. Water should be made available before, during
and after all games and practices. Water is best, but sports drinks and juices can be
decent alternatives. Avoid caffeinated drinks, as caffeine is a diuretic, which acts to
dehydrate the body.

In the Case of an Injury:

 Adult supervision should always be present, and a person certified in CPR and first
aid needs to be present at all practices and games.
 RICE (Rest, Ice, Compress and Elevate) is effective for most minor athletic sprains
and strains. All injured softball players should receive adequate treatment and full
rehabilitation before resuming play.

D. Examples
Picture of Facilities and Equipment in Softball

1. Ball 2. Bat

https://tinyurl.com/tute46rs

3. Gloves 4. Uniform

https://tinyurl.com/tute46rs https://tinyurl.com/tute46rs

6
PART II. ACTIVITY PROPER

Activity 1.
Direction: Write True if the statement is correct and False if the statement is incorrect.
1. Softball was invented in 1887 in Barcelona, Spain as an indoor game.
2. There are 8 skills in softball these are: throwing, pitching, catching, batting, running, receiving,
passing, and attacking.
3. The pitcher is the individual who throws the ball from the middle of the diamond.
4. Softball is a game similar to basketball that is played with a larger ball.
5. A batter is out when he/she misses four (4) pitched balls in softball.
6. Catching is an offensive skill in baseball/softball.
7. The official in baseball/softball is called referee.
8. Fielding and throwing drills develop throwing accuracy in baseball/softball.
9. Lead is a term in baseball/softball which is related to running on base.
10. The ball use in softball is soft.

Activity 2.

Direction: Execute Catching skill. Ask anyone from your family to play catch with you and catch the
ball until it will fall. Count the number of Catches. Write your score in your answer sheet. Use the table
below. Video your activity and send it to your MAPEH teacher on messenger or other social media
platforms.

Try Number of Catch

First
Second
Third
Total

7
KEY TO CORRECTIONS

PART III. SUMMATIVE EVALUATION

A. Directions: Read the questions carefully and choose the letter of the correct answer in the word pool.
Write your answers in the answer sheet.

1. How manning innings are there in a softball game?

2. Who are players that cover the grassy area behind the infield?
3. What skill that aims to move through bases?
4. What is the term use to describe the softball playing area?
5. Who invented the softball game?
6. It is a team sport played using a bat?
7. This player usually the team captain.
8. Who is the player that throws the ball from the center?
9. He is responsible in catching pitches.
10. The decisions about plays are made by .

B. Directions: List down five activities at home that involve the skills in playing softball. Write
your answers in the answer sheets.
Example: throwing paper to the trash bin

8
 C. Directions: Look for a playmate (i.e. brother, sister, mother, father and friends) for you to perform
the Catching skill for 5 minutes. Player/s with the greatest number of points wins. Write your
points and score in your answer sheet. (Video/Record the activity) Refer to the criteria below:

Criteria for Skill Assessment Score

Catching the ball with 15 points and above 10
Catching the ball with 12-14 points 7
Catching the ball with 11-9 points 5
Catching the ball with 8-6 points 3
Catching the ball with 5 points and below 1

References:

A. Online and Other Sources

 https://www.wikihow.com/Catch-a-Softball
 https://tinyurl.com/jrsv5khu
 https://tinyurl.com/3kcw3zf3
 https://www.instructables.com/How-to-Throw-a-Softball

9
 DIVISION SELF LEARNING MODULES (SLM)
P.E. 8 - QUARTER 1 – MODULE 6
ANSWER KEY: SUMMATIVE EVALUATION

A.
1. F
2. B
3. G
4. H
5. I
6. D
7. C
8. C
9. A
10. E

B.
1. Throwing paper to the trash bin
2. Playing tag with siblings
3. Catching papers
4. Sprinting from up the stairs down the stairs
5. Throwing my ball pen in the pencil case

10