Activity Set-up

• Divide participants into small groups (e.g., four to six). 
• Participants set up a tee for the batter to hit the ball off of. Participants place a base in front of the tee at a distance appropriate for their skill level.

Activity Instructions

• In each group, one participant begins as the batter and the other participants are the fielders. The batter hits a ball off the tee and attempts to run to the base and back to the tee as many times as possible before one of the fielders places the ball back on top of the tee. The batter is out if the ball is caught before it hits the ground or when the ball is returned to the tee and the batter is between the tee and the other base. 
• One point is scored for each time the batter gets back to the tee safely. 
• Once the batter has had three turns at bat, participants rotate so that each participant has a turn as a batter.

Modifications

Increase the distances between the base and the tee. Pass the ball to every fielding participant before returning it to the tee when fielding. Catch the ball using an implement (e.g., an upside down pylon, a bucket) when fielding. Change the ball to a smaller object (e.g., tennis ball, waffle ball). Have someone pitch the ball.

Special Needs Modifications

Decrease the distances between the base and the tee. Choose how they want to strike the ball (e.g., tennis racquet, arm/hand). Choose the type of object they want to send (e.g., beach ball, soft-skinned ball). Return the ball to the batting tee by rolling it into a designated area around the tee when fielding. Play in larger groups with the home base in the middle, and the batter can now hit in any direction, including behind.