Grade 5 Physical And Health Education Games And Sports – Base Running And Sliding Notes
Physical & Health Education — Games and Sports
Subtopic: Base Running and Sliding (Age 10) — Kenya
Specific Learning Outcomes
- Explain what base running is and name the four bases on a diamond (Home, 1st, 2nd, 3rd).
- Run from home to first base using correct sprint start and arm action.
- Turn correctly to advance from first to second and from second to third.
- Perform a safe feet‑first slide into a base on soft ground or mat (basic sitting/feet-first slide).
- Follow safety rules, work as a teammate, and show fair play during base running drills and games.
Materials and Safety
- Materials: four bases (rubber or improvised: stones, tins wrapped in cloth), cones, stop watch, whistle, batting tees or soft balls (if used), mats for practice slides.
- Surface: use a flat school field or level dirt pitch — avoid hard stones and wet slippery areas.
- Equipment: good running shoes, long socks; no jewellery. Teacher supervision required for sliding practice.
- Safety rules: only slide when coach permits; check ground and remove sharp stones; practice on a soft patch or mat first; one runner per base at a time.
What is Base Running and Sliding?
Base running = moving quickly and safely around the four bases in order (Home → 1st → 2nd → 3rd → Home). Sliding is a way of getting to a base while staying low to avoid being tagged out. For age 10 we teach simple, safe feet‑first slides.
Diamond Map (Where to Run)
Key Techniques (Simple Steps)
1. Sprint to First Base (from batter)
- Ready position: feet shoulder-width, knees slightly bent, eyes on first base.
- Use arms and drive with the back leg to sprint. Short, fast steps at start, then longer strides.
- Touch the base with one foot (do not stop before the base). Keep moving if coach says "advance".
2. Turning to Second (rounding the base)
- Approach the base aiming slightly inside to get a smooth turn toward second.
- Plant inside foot, push out toward second base, and accelerate after the turn.
3. Basic Feet‑First Slide (safe method for age 10)
- Only slide when teacher says "Slide". Check ground clear of stones.
- Approach at moderate speed (not full sprint). Keep eyes on the base.
- Bend knees and sit back slightly, reach legs forward so feet touch base first (feet-first).
- Keep one foot slightly ahead of the other; arms protect your face and help you pop up after the slide.
- Practice slide on a mat or soft dirt at first. Get up quickly and return safely to the bench.
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Run → Slide feet-first
Practice sequence: 1) Run, 2) Bend, 3) Sit back and extend feet, 4) Base touched by feet, 5) Pop up.
Suggested Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan Ideas)
- Warm-up (8 minutes): Light jog, high knees, butt-kicks, arm swings, and dynamic leg stretches. Teacher explains safety rules.
- Explanation and Demo (5 minutes): Teacher shows the diamond, names bases, demonstrates a proper sprint to first and a safe feet-first slide on a mat.
- Drill 1 — Touch and Return (10 minutes): Pupils form lines at home plate. On whistle they sprint to first, touch, and jog back. Repeat in pairs to build sprint technique.
- Drill 2 — Round and Go (12 minutes): From first base practice turning to run to second. Use cones to mark inside turning line. Emphasise foot plant and push off.
- Drill 3 — Practice Sliding (15 minutes): On soft area or mats: teacher demonstrates feet‑first slide slowly. Pupils practice one by one with coach feedback. Keep knees bent and feet forward.
- Game Application (15–20 minutes): Play a short game of rounders or modified softball: allow runs and encourage using learned turns and slides when safe. Rotate roles (bat, runner, fielder).
- Cool down and Reflection (5–7 minutes): Walk, stretch, then ask pupils what was easy/difficult and what they must do to be safe next time.
Assessment (Simple Checklist)
- Can name bases in order: Home → 1st → 2nd → 3rd → Home.
- Uses arms and legs to sprint correctly to first base.
- Performs a safe feet‑first slide on a mat with teacher supervision.
- Shows teamwork and follows safety rules during play.
Teacher Notes and Modifications
- For beginners, use a mat or soft patch and slow slides. Progress to dirt as skills improve.
- For pupils with mobility challenges, focus on running technique and turning; sliding may be modified or skipped.
- Use local resources: painted tin lids or tied cloth as bases for schools with limited equipment.
- Always check weather and field conditions — avoid sliding on wet or very hard ground.