How to Play Danish Ball Longball

Danish Longball, a two-team hybrid of baseball, dodgeball and cricket is sometimes referred to Swedish Longball, so perhaps it should just be known as Scandinavian Longball to prevent upset! In recent years, this bat-based sport has gained popularity in the US and UK. Perhaps it is because of the games ferocious speed or its need for highly strategized play. More likely though, it's probably because, as a kid, it allows you to throw a ball at someone and not get sent to detention!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Two teams
• Playing field
• Ball
• Bat
• Markers or cones

1. Decide how many innings you will play. Some players prefer timed innings to keep the game fast-paced. Many teams choose to play 5 innings.

2. Divide your group into two teams: batters and fielders.

3. Using markers, create a large rectangle.

4. Have your batters sit just outside of the field in line.

5. Choose a bowler among your group of fielders.

6. Position your first batter and his/her bat just outside of the field at one end. Near the middle of the field is best

7. The bowler should find a position near the middle of the field. Other fielders should position themselves both in and out of the marked areas.

8. The bowler should pitch underhanded to the batter.

9. The batter has three ‘bowls’ in which to hit the ball. After being struck, the ball must hit the ground at least once within the marked rectangle, but it can roll or bounce out of the field. If the player successfully hits the ball, they may run. However, on the third go, whether or not they have hit the ball, they must run.

10. As soon as the player runs, the fielders must try to get the batter/runner out. A player is out if:
    -- the ball does not touch the ground in the marked area.
    -- the ball touches the batter
    -- if he/she runs outside the ‘field’
    
    Fielders must not obstruct or touch runners. The only way to get them out is to hit them with the ball.
    
    If 'out', send the batter to sit on the sidelines and watch until it is their turn to be fielders.

11. The batter may stop at the other end of the field if they wish, but they are only able to score a 'run' if they can get back safely to the batting end. If the player opts to stop at the opposite end of the field, they must wait until the ball is bowled again before they can run back.

12. If the player makes it back, he/she may rejoin the line to bat again.

13. Play continues until there are no players left at the batting end to bat. With all of the batters out, the batters become fielders and vice versa and repeat steps 4 to 13.

14. At the end of innings, tally up your scores. Whichever team has the highest number of runs wins!

Tips & Warnings

• Instead of setting up a rectangle, some teams prefer to create a circle which is the field of play.