Kickball

Choose this exercise

Purpose: Complete an active, team-based field game adhering to shared base-running and fielding rules.

Use it when: Outdoor recreation breaks, sports sessions, or group physical activity where a large playing surface is available.

Skip it when: Indoor settings without gym clearance, small or obstructed spaces, or when group members require non-physical activity.

Group arrangement: Two equal teams, one kicking and one fielding. Extra players rotate into fielding or kicking orders.

Timing: Playworks documents 10 minutes or more. A standard 20-minute slot allows quick setup and two short half-innings.

Materials and tools

• 1 rubber playground ball or kickball
• 4 bases or throw-down markers (home, first, second, third)
• 1 clipboard with pen for scorekeeping (optional)

Before participants arrive

1. Mark a diamond roughly 60 feet by 60 feet between bases.
2. Establish home plate, first base, second base, and third base.
3. Designate a clear pitching stripe about midway between home plate and second base.
4. Define clear foul lines extending from home through first base and home through third base.

Say this to open

Today we are playing kickball. We will divide into two teams: one kicks and runs the bases, while the other fields. The pitcher rolls the ball smoothly to home plate. The kicker kicks from behind home and runs the bases in order: first, second, third, and home. Fielders make outs by catching a fly ball, tagging a runner with the ball, or stepping on a base during a force-out. For safety, no sliding and do not throw the ball at anyone. Teams switch sides after three outs or nine runs.

How to run it

1. Form teams and set positions 3 minutes

   Divide participants into two equal teams. If there is an odd number, one person may serve as permanent referee or base coach, or rotate in each inning. Have one team captain do rock-paper-scissors; the winner chooses to kick first or field first. The kicking team sets a fixed kicking order. The fielding team places players at pitcher, catcher, first, second, and third base, and outfield.

2. Play first half-inning 7 minutes

   The fielding pitcher rolls the ball smoothly toward home plate. The kicker kicks from behind home. If the ball rolls outside the first or third base line before passing the base, call a foul ball; three fouls equal an out. Kickers run bases in counterclockwise order and stop at any open base. Only one runner may occupy a base, and runners cannot pass each other. Play stops when the ball returns to the pitcher. Switch sides when the fielding team records three outs or the kicking team scores nine runs.

3. Play second half-inning 7 minutes

   Teams switch roles. The new kicking team kicks according to their set order. The new fielding team takes field positions. Runners advance one extra base on overthrows. Fly balls caught before hitting the ground require runners to tag up before advancing. Fielders make outs via caught fly ball, touching the base with the ball on a force play, or tagging a runner directly with the ball. End the half-inning at three outs or nine runs.

4. Conclude and reflect 3 minutes

   End active play. Gather both teams. Offer optional congratulations or high fives across lines. Facilitate a two-minute debrief with two or three volunteers answering questions about field communication.

Debrief questions

• What communication helped your team cover open field spaces?
• How did base runners decide when to advance or hold on a base?
• What rule or call required quick agreement during the game?

Finished output: A completed kickball game with recorded runs, outs, and team innings.

Remote

Kickball requires outdoor running, kicking, and physical fielding and cannot be played online. For a virtual team-strategy activity, run an online trivia or turn-based board challenge instead.

Hybrid

Kickball cannot be played in a hybrid format without altering the core physical mechanics. Remote participants cannot kick, field, or run on a physical diamond. If running a hybrid event, assign remote participants scorekeeping, officiating timer roles, or commentary via video stream, or choose a different activity entirely.

Access and participation choices

• Participants may elect non-running roles such as pitcher, catcher, scorekeeper, field coach, or umpire.
• Anyone may pass on kicking or running without giving a reason, passing their turn directly to the next person in line.
• For players with mobility differences, permit a designated proxy runner who starts from a designated point once the ball is kicked.

If the session gets stuck

Fielders argue over whether a runner was safe or tagged out.

Assign the facilitator as final umpire or adopt the Playworks guideline: quick rock-paper-scissors resolves disputed calls immediately.

Kickers kick balls too close to home plate or bunt repeatedly, stalling play.

State a simple rule before starting: kicks must pass a designated line 15 feet beyond home plate to count as fair.

Terms used here

• Force-out: An out made by a fielder holding the ball and touching a base when a runner is required to advance because another runner or the kicker is behind them.
• Tag-up: The rule requiring a runner to touch their current base after a fly ball is caught before attempting to run to the next base.
• Foul: A kicked ball that lands or rolls outside the first-base or third-base boundary lines before passing the base.