The Basics of Baseball

for middle school physical

education class’s

By: Scott Donocoff

 The Game
Baseball is a game played by
two teams
Each team has 9 players on
the field
One team plays the field, while
the other bats. In a 9 inning
game
An inning consists of each
team batting and playing the
field at least once
In each inning the batting team
sends one player, known as
the batter, in turn, to bat, until
three hitters are out.
 The Game
The fielding team has 9 players in the field.
There is different positions for each player.
There are 9 different positions in the field
Each Team when batting is trying to score a run in order to win
The team with the most scores at the end of the game wins.
The Game
-Each team that is batting wants to hit
the ball thrown by the pitcher and get
onto a base.
-- The batting team keeps hitting until
the fielding team gets 3 outs.
-- an out is when the team that is
fielding tags the base before the
hitter gets there, or strikes the batter
out
-- The hitter will receive 3 strikes
-( pitches over the plate) or 4 balls
-( pitches not over the plate)
The Field
 The In-Field
9 position on the field
while the game is in
play.
There is an infield
which on consists of:
-1st base
-2nd base
-3rd base
-pitchers mound
-home plate
 The Outfield
The outfield consists of 3
players
Each player covers a part of
the outfield
-Left Field
-center Field
-Right Field
 Positions
Pitcher
This is the number 1 position
The pitchers roll is to pitch the
ball to each batter.
This position also is
responsible for the middle of
diamond in any fielding
situation.
A pitcher should have good
throwing speed and accuracy
while throwing the ball.
 Positions
Catcher- is behind home plate
and catches the pitches from
the pitcher.
The catcher is responsible to
catch , or at least block, all the
pitches to prevent base
runners from advancing.
The catcher is also responsible
for catching any pop-ups into
the foul territory and tag out
runners who are attempting to
score.
 Positions
First base (position 3).
The first baseman's job, beside just fielding balls hit in his
direction, is mainly to catch throws from the other infielders
(2B, 3B and SS) in order to get the batter out and cause one
out for his team
The first baseman stays right next to the base, but not on top
of the base.
 Positions
2nd Basemen
Cover first base on bunts and
topped balls that the 1st
baseman goes in on.
When covering first base get
over there quickly so players
fielding the ball have a target to
throw to.
Cover second base on ground
balls hit to short or third with a
runner on first base and on balls
hit to left and left centerfield.
Go out and be the relay man on
balls hit to right field
 Positions
Shortstop
Is line up in between 3rd base and 2nd base.
Cover second on hits to the right side of the base.
Cover second base is someone try’s to steal or back up the second
baseman.
Same thing with 3rd base.
Go out and be the relay man on balls hit to left and center field.
With base runners on base make sure Short Stop and 2nd back-up
catcher’s throw back to the pitcher
 Positions
Outfielders
Catch all balls hit to the
outfield
Make sure you let the other
players know you are going to
catch the ball
Get the ball back into the in
field as fast as possible
Use a relay man if the runner
is trying to go for extra bases
 Rules
Ways the hitting team can get onto base
1. Hit
2. Walk
3. Hit by Pitch
4. Fielder's Choice
5. Reached on Error
 Rules
The pitcher must throw the ball from the pitchers mound to home
plate
The distance from the mound to home plate is 60 feet
The pitcher has to get 3 strikes in order to get the batter out
A fail ball counts as a strike, but you can not strike out on fail balls
 Rules
When the batter has hit the ball, the hitter has to run to first, then
second, then third, then home.
The hitter much touch each base in order for it count.
If the batter hits the ball and the fielder touches the base or the
batter before the batter touches the base, its an out.
 Rules
Ways to get an out in baseball
Hits fair or foul ball is legally caught by a fielder
The batter hits the ball, and it is caught by a fielder
The fielder tags the base the runner is getting to before the hitter
gets there
The ball hits the batter after it is in play
 Types of Baseball Equipment
Catching Equipment
A catcher has his own equipment that most be worn.
It consists of:
-Helmet
-Knee guards
-Mask
-Chest protector
-and a mitt
 Types of Baseball Equipment
Batters
All Batters must wear a helmet
Batter use a bat (wooden for pro)
Younger baseball players can use metal
or aluminum

Fielders
Fielders wear a glove in the field to catch the
ball
Different gloves are worn for different
positions
PLAY BALL!