Baseball/Softball

• In both baseball and softball, each team has nine players. The field is set up with four bases in the shape of a diamond. On offense, one hitter at a time attempts to hit the ball and run and touch all four bases for a run. On defense, the pitcher throws the ball to the catcher, attempting to outsmart the hitter with three strikes. If the hitter does hit the ball, the outfielders attempt to catch it for an out. After three outs are achieved, offense and defense switch places. This game can be played in alternative fashions, such as using a bouncing ball for a kickball style fielding game.
  
  

Cricket

• In cricket, each team has 11 players. Like baseball, cricket involves innings throughout which teams switch between offense and defense. While on defense, all 11 players on a team go out to field the ball. While on offense, two team players bat. The other players on offense wait off-field for their turn to bat. Of the two batters, there is a striker and non-striker. The bowler on defense puts the ball in play, giving the striker the chance to hit it. If he does not, the defense will catch it, returning it to the bowler for the next delivery. After six balls have been delivered, that equates to an over. After six, a different bowler takes the previous bowlers place. Strikers and non-strikers exchange with the next two players up to bat.
  
  

Rounders

• Like baseball, rounders requires the use of a bat and a ball. A rounders bat and ball is specific to its sport, and is shorter and wider than those used in baseball. Each team must have at least six people but can have more if both teams remain equal in number. On offense, batters line up to bat one by one. The bowler is similar to the pitcher in baseball, and throws the ball to the current batter in an underarm motion. The batter gets one chance to hit the ball. She must run whether she hits the ball or not. If the ball is not hit beyond the batter's square, she can only run to first base. If she hits it outside of the square, she may run as far as she can before the other team tags her with the ball in hand. If she reaches the fourth post in the running sequence, she scores.
  
  

Alternative Games

• All striking and fielding games have certain aspects in common. If you follow the above requirements, you can create your own striking and fielding game for physical education classes, group games with young people at camp or lunch break, or even with your own children at home. In any fielding game, there must be an offense and defense. On offense, you attempt to hit a ball and run around bases or markers to score a point. On defense, you attempt to "field," or predict where the ball is going to catch it and tag out the runner. Bats, rubber balls, leather balls, kick balls, nets, rackets, and a multitude of other equipment can be employed for a fielding game.