Striking with an Implement
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Striking with an implement (also referred to as the two handed strike) involves applying force to an object using an implement. This striking action is found in many sporting contexts such as tennis, hurling, cricket, baseball, rounders, hockey and golf. While the striking action in all of these sports differs in terms of performance and in the pattern/plane of the strike, the same mechanical principles apply. For this reason this resource focuses on the two handed horizontal strike from a large tee using a bat as seen in rounders and baseball. This is the most basic form of striking with an implement and may be built upon once proficiency is achieved. It puts in place the base technique necessary to apply the skill to other, more technically complex activities.
Things to consider
Striking with the hand is an important precursor to striking with an implement. Using the hand to strike objects like balloons and soft balls can helps to familiarise pupils with the movement pattern needed to be successful when using an implement.
While the T-stand is more often used for baseball and not as common in Irish schools, it is an extremely useful and inexpensive piece of equipment. It can be used to practise striking in isolation but also in games based activities such as rounders.
Safety is a major concern when using a bat, hurley or racket in a class. Make sure that there is an adequate ‘exclusion’ zone to strike from and the area directly in front of this zone is clear.
