ASSESSMENT RUBRIC

Objective: Underhand pitch

Throwing/Catching Unit | Level 34

TECHNIQUE
Today we are going to learn how to throw a underhand pitch.

IMPORTANCE
Underhand pitching is important because it can help you accurately throw the ball in the strike zone and make it less likely for the opposing team to walk any bases.

VOCABULARY
Underhand: a throw made with the arm or hand below shoulder level.

When throwing a underhand pitch, it is important to:

PRACTICE

1. I will divide the class into partners. With your partner decide who will pitch and who will catch first. When I say, "GO" the first student will underhand pitch the ball while the other student will catch and pitch the ball back.
2. Move onto skills game- Assembly Line

OBJECTIVE
Today we are playing Bocce Ball. In this game, the objective is to underhand pitch your team’s fuzzy balls closet to the pallino (yellow fuzzy ball).

INSTRUCTIONS

• I will divide the class into teams of four.
• Two teams will be assigned to a court or designated area to play against each other.
• Each team will receive four fuzzy balls of the same color. On each court there will be a yellow fuzzy ball, also known as the pallino.
• Before the game begins, Ro Sham Bo to decide which team will throw the pallino out. The pallino will act as the marker.
• When I say, "GO!" throw the pallino out. The same person to pitch the pallino will then underhand throw one of their team's balls, trying to land as close to the pallino as possible.
• Teams alternate turns until all the balls have been thrown.
• The team to land closest to the pallino wins the round and receives a point for each ball that landed closest to the pallino.
• The losing team will pitch the pallino for the next round.
• Teams can play offensively and defensively by knocking the pallino or their opponent's ball into a new area.
• The first team to reach 13 points wins the game.

TEACHING TIPS

• Approach: 
  • Divide teams equally based on athletic ability.
• Set Up: 
  • If the game is being played on grass, use heaver balls such as small playground balls.
• ELL Accommodation: 
  • Post labeled pictures of skills and game play.
  • Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
• SpEd Accommodation: 
  • Set individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications. 
  • Allow students to demonstrate skill one-on-one with teacher.
  • Allow students extra time to master the skill.
• Reflection: 
  • Describe how to perform an underhand pitch?
  • Do think you are better at throwing a ball underhand or overhand and why?

OBJECTIVE
Today we are playing Kickball. In this game, the objective is to underhand pitch the ball and get the opposing team out! 

INSTRUCTIONS

• I will divide the class into two teams. I will decide which team will kick first and which team will start in the field.
• If your team is kicking first, decide the batting order and line up single file behind home plate.
• If you are fielding first, decide which position each student will play (catcher, 1st base, 2nd base, 3rd base, outfield).
• I will be the pitcher for each team.
• A kicker is out if:
  • the ball is caught in the air
  • the ball is thrown to the base before the kicker steps on it
  • the ball is thrown overhand and hits the kickers feet while running to a base
• A ball is considered foul if it goes behind 3rd or 1st base when kicked.
• A kicker cannot strike out (each kicker gets a turn to kick the ball).
• Kickers and fielders will switch after three outs or after a team has scored five runs

TEACHING TIPS

• Approach:
  • Divide teams equally based on athletic ability.
• ELL Accommodation: 
  • Post labeled pictures of skills and game play.
  • Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
• SpEd Accommodation: 
  • Set individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications. 
  • Allow students to demonstrate skill one-on-one with teacher.
  • Allow students extra time to master the skill.
• Reflection: 
  • Describe how to perform an underhand pitch?
  • Do think you are better at throwing a ball underhand or overhand and why?

OBJECTIVE
Today we are playing Assembly Line III. In this game, the objective is to underhand pitch the fuzzy ball to each student in the assembly line faster than the opposing team.

INSTRUCTIONS

• I will divide the class into two teams.
• I will select one student from each team to begin as the pitcher.
• The rest of you will be catchers.
• When I say, "GO!" the pitcher will move down the assembly line underhand pitching the fuzzy ball to each teammate.
• When the thrower gets to the last catcher, he/she must then run to the end line and tag the teacher.
• The first team to tag the teacher gets a point.
• At the beginning of each game, the previous pitcher will rejoin as a catcher at the end of the assembly line. The first catcher in the assembly line becomes the new pitcher (every catcher moves down the line).

TEACHING TIPS

• Approach:
  • Divide teams equally based on athletic ability.  
• ELL Accommodation: 
  • Post labeled pictures of skills and game play.
  • Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
• SpEd Accommodation: 
  • Set individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications. 
  • Allow students to demonstrate skill one-on-one with teacher.
  • Allow students extra time to master the skill.
• Reflection: 
  • Describe how to perform an underhand pitch?
  • Do think you are better at throwing a ball underhand or overhand and why?