Kickball plays like baseball with a big rubber ball: the pitcher rolls it, the kicker kicks it, and runners circle four bases. Outs come from caught fly balls, force outs, tags, and in most leagues hitting a runner with the ball below the shoulders. Three outs end a half-inning, and most adult games run five to seven innings.
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The Ball and the Field
Adult leagues use a 10-inch red rubber ball, the size WAKA (the World Adult Kickball Association) specifies. The field is a baseball or softball diamond, and teams field at least eight players, with most social leagues fielding around ten.
Pitching and Kicking
- The pitcher rolls the ball underhand to home plate.
- The kicker must kick it with a foot or leg, from behind the plate, into fair territory.
- In many leagues, three foul kicks are an out. Bunting is allowed under WAKA rules, but plenty of local leagues ban it, so check yours.
- Runners can't lead off or steal; they leave the base when the ball is kicked.
Getting Outs
- Caught fly ball: the kicker is out.
- Force out: a fielder with the ball touches the base before a forced runner.
- Tag: a runner off the base is touched with the ball.
- Pegging: most leagues let fielders throw the ball at a runner who is off the base. A hit below the shoulders is an out; head shots usually don't count and can draw a penalty.
Innings and Game Length
Three outs end each half-inning. Most adult leagues play five to seven innings or to a time limit, and many add a mercy rule. Social leagues are known for house rules, so read your league's page before the first game.
FAQ
How many players are on a kickball team?
At least eight in the field under WAKA rules, and usually about ten in social leagues, with co-ed leagues setting a gender ratio.
Can you throw the ball at runners in kickball?
In most leagues, yes: hitting a runner below the shoulders while they're off base is an out. Head shots don't count.
Conclusion
Kickball takes baseball's rules and makes them easy for anyone to play: roll it, kick it, run, and peg a runner below the shoulders. Most leagues add their own twists, which is half the fun of a social league.
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