Kickball·Playground Games
Kickball
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Playground Games
2–10 players
both
ball
10 essential rules
Kickball is a team sport that combines elements of baseball and soccer. Instead of hitting a pitched ball with a bat, players kick a large rubber ball that is rolled along the ground by a pitcher. The game follows the basic structure of baseball — teams alternate between kicking (offense) and fie...
Only use a regulation rubber kickball; never substitute with harder balls (soccer balls, basketballs, etc.); Ensure the ball is properly inflated — overinflated balls cause harder impacts and underinflated balls do not roll properly; Replace damaged or worn balls that have lost their smooth surface
Strike: A pitch that crosses over home plate at or below knee height and is not kicked, or a foul ball; Ball: A pitch that does not cross over home plate or is rolled improperly; 3 strikes: The kicker is out (strikeout)
Standard (adult): 60 feet (18.3 m) between bases; Youth/casual: 40 to 50 feet (12.2 to 15.2 m) between bases, adjusted to the age and ability of players; Pitching distance: Approximately 42 feet (12.8 m) from the pitching strip to home plate for adults; shorter for youth play
After kicking the ball into fair territory, the kicker becomes a runner and must advance to first base; Runners advance by touching each base in order: first, second, third, and home; No leading off: Runners may not leave their base until the ball is kicked
Leading off: Leaving the base before the ball is kicked results in the runner being called out; Stealing: Advancing on an unkicked pitch results in the runner being returned to their original base (or called out in some rule sets); Running out of the baseline: A runner who deviates more than 3 fe...
Number: 4 bases (first base, second base, third base, and home plate); Material: Rubber mats, flat cones, plates, chalk marks, or any clearly visible markers; Size: Approximately 15 inches (38 cm) square for standard play; any visible marker is acceptable for casual play
In hot weather, ensure water is available and take breaks between innings; Suspend play during lightning, heavy rain, or other severe weather; On wet fields, exercise caution as the ball and ground may be slippery
The kickball field is a diamond shape, identical in layout to a baseball or softball diamond. The field consists of an infield (the diamond area between the bases) and an outfield (the grassy area beyond the infield).
Inspect the playing field before the game for holes, rocks, broken glass, wet spots, or other hazards; Bases should be flat and secured to the ground to prevent sliding or tripping; Ensure adequate distance between the field and roads, parking lots, or other dangerous areas
Pitcher: Rolls the ball to the kicker from the pitching strip; Catcher: Stands behind home plate to receive pitches and guard home base; First baseman: Covers first base
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