How to Play Kick Ball

Play kickball for a rousing game similar to baseball.

Mention kickball to an adult and she may instantly recall fond memories of playing this enjoyable and simple children’s game as a kid. Play kickball similarly to baseball with a pitcher, a kicker (instead of a batter), three bases and home plate. Because kickball doesn't require extensive skill, children of all ages can play the game of kickball together outside. Make sure everyone understands the rules and get ready to enjoy a rousing game of kickball.

Things You'll Need

• 3 bases
• Home plate
• Large rubber ball

Instructions

1. Set up the kickball field. Place first, second and third bases in the same general arrangement as you would for baseball--a diamond shape. Make home plate the last point of the diamond shape.

2. Divide the players into equal teams. Optimally, you need at least seven players on a team.

3. Decide which team will kick first and which team will field first. The fielding team needs a pitcher, catcher, first base player, second base player, third base player and two outfielders. The kicking team should line up off the field to prepare to take turns kicking.

4. Give the ball to the pitcher and have the first kicker approach home plate to kick the ball. The pitcher rolls the ball on the ground to the kicker and the kicker must kick the ball into the field. The kicker has three tries to kick the ball and if he fails to kick after three tries, he is out. After kicking the ball, the kicker runs to first base, trying to get there before the fielders get the ball to the first base player.

5. Use the same principals as baseball, with fielders trying to catch or field the ball and runners trying to advance around the bases without fielders tagging them. Fielders who catch pop flies can get the kicker out. Fielders who throw the ball to a base player before a kicker reaches the base can get the kicker out. When fielders achieve three outs, the teams switch places and the fielders kick and the kickers field.

6. Score runs when kickers advance around all the bases and get back safely to home plate.

Tips & Warnings

• Set a time limit for the game or play until one team reaches a specific score.

• Kickers get strikes, balls and fouls in the same way baseball batters do. Earning four fouls makes the kicker out.

References

• Fun Games Kids Play: Kickball Game