School nest inspires movement

Posted by Suomi Pesis on September 27, 2025

School playgroup inspires movement – tips on equipment and lesson plans for teachers

Baseball is a versatile and exciting sport that is perfect for elementary and middle school physical education classes. It develops children's motor skills, understanding of the game, and ability to cooperate – and most importantly, it brings the joy of exercise. When teachers have access to the right equipment and a clear lesson plan, teaching baseball becomes easy and fun.

Equipment – more than just a ball, racket and paddle

Basic equipment – a baseball bat, a bat and a paddle – are important, but additional equipment makes teaching safer and learning more meaningful. Here are some equipment tips for teachers:

Soft ball or bounce ball – a soft, lighter ball reduces fear and allows for experiences of success right from the start.
Hitting stand – allows you to practice hitting without a serve, allowing everyone to try their hand equally.
Cones and pins – for marking field boundaries and nests, and as targets for throwing exercises.
Feeding plate – helps teach the correct position and height of the feed.
Different balls – gradually moving from soft balls to real baseballs makes learning easier.
Videotaping or showing models makes it easier to learn the technique and motivates children.

The equipment can also be used indoors: lighter balls and shorter equipment make indoor nesting safe and fun. Order suitable equipment easily from the Suomipesis online store.

Lesson plan for elementary school nesting lesson – 45 min

Time	Contents	Target	Means
0–5 minutes	Introduction and rules	A brief introduction to the idea and basic rules of baseball. Appropriate rule applications will be agreed upon for the group (e.g. no blocks, shorter field).	Field map or pictures
5–10 minutes	Warm-up	Light, playful movement: running games and throwing with a partner. Activates the whole body and prepares for exercises.	Softballs, cones
10–17 minutes	Throwing technique	We practice basic throwing in groups of three: short throws and hitting the target.	Light balls, targets/cones
17–25 minutes	Batting practice	Hit from the rack, leaving the ball in place. Then with softball, then baseball. We focus on grip, position and hitting.	Batting stand, softball and baseball, bats
25–32 minutes	Nest spacing flow	We run through the nest spaces and get to know different parts of the field. We can have a small speed race or a chain run.	Cones or markers for nests
32–43 minutes	Elementary game	A small game on a shortened course. The rules are applied so that everyone can hit and progress.	Ball, rackets, flippers
43–45 minutes	Final warm-up and feedback	A short stretch and discussion about what was fun in class and what we want to practice next.	No special tools

Tips for different ages

7–9 year olds: use more games and soft balls, focus on experiences of success.
Ages 10–13: you can deepen your technique and include rules, shots, and fielding roles.

Lesson plan for middle school nesting lesson – 45 min

Time	Contents	Target	Means
0–5 minutes	Introduction and group division	Brief review: the idea of the game, key rules and safety instructions. Divide the group into indoor and outdoor games.	Field map, nests clearly marked
5–10 minutes	Dynamic warm-up	Warm-up using the field: light running, changes of direction and coordination movements.	Soft balls, cones
10–15 minutes	Throwing and catching technique	We practice accuracy and quick passing: a throwing ring or “a booth and the ball quickly to the next person”. The goal is agility and preparation for the game.	Baseballs, flippers
15–20 minutes	Batting practice	We hit from the rack or from the pass. We practice both the change-up and the hard hit. Everyone gets a few innings to hit.	Batting stand / serving plate, clubs
20–40 minutes	Minigame or applied game	Play on a shortened court or a full court if the group and time allow. Rules are applied according to skill level (e.g. one shot/player, limited running, no shots to the first base). Emphasis is placed on team play and quick turns so that everyone gets to play.	Baseball, bats, flippers
40–45 minutes	Final warm-up and feedback	Light jogging and stretching. Short discussion: what was learned, what worked in the game.	No special tools

Things to consider in middle school

The rules can be expanded upon: explain fires, rules of progression, and tactical situations, such as a counter-fire or a driving situation.
Group sizes: if the group is large, make two small fields or rotate shifts to keep everyone active. You can also play with three teams, with the third team practicing a specific part of the area. Or the third team can watch the game with the referee/teacher and review the rules of the game.
Motivation: give teams the opportunity to plan tactics and appoint their own captain – increase commitment.
More challenging exercises: you can add, for example, throwing game exercises where you have to quickly decide the direction of the pass (reaction ability and game intelligence develop).

With a well-planned lesson, everyone can participate and succeed. School basketball can be many children's first exposure to the sport - let's make it a positive experience!

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