Bat and Ball Skills
To develop hand-eye coordination and striking skills through bat and ball activities.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Physical Development
- Learning area: Physical Development
- Level: EYFS 3-4
Objectives
- Strikes stationary ball with bat
- Tracks moving objects visually
- Shows developing hand-eye coordination
- Connects bat to ball occasionally
Materials
- Lightweight foam bats
- Large foam balls
- T-ball tees
- Balloons (easier to hit)
Instructions
STARTING WITH BALLOONS: Balloons move slowly, giving time to track and hit. 'Keep the balloon in the air! Hit it up!' This develops tracking and timing.
USING A TEE: Place the ball on a tee (cone or stand) so it's stationary. 'Watch the ball, swing the bat — hit!' Remove the tracking challenge initially.
TEACHING GRIP AND STANCE: 'Both hands on the bat. Stand side-on. Watch the ball.' Keep instructions minimal — three cues maximum.
GENTLE UNDERARM SERVES: When confident with stationary balls, gently serve underarm: 'Here it comes... swing!' Start very close.