Kids everywhere are going gaga for gaga ball. This game is sweeping the nation in playgrounds, camps, and daycares. It’s a fairly competitive game played in an octagonal shaped pit. The game is a combination between four square and dodgeball. The game starts with all players having at least one hand on the wall. Someone throws the ball into the pit, and on the first two bounces, players say “ga”, on the third bounce, players say, “ball.” Then, every player has to look out for themselves. The object of the game is to hit the ball with an open hand to get all other players out. To accomplish this, the ball must hit the other player’s knee or below. Once a player is hit, they must leave the pit. The ball can’t be hit by the same player twice in a row, unless the ball bounces off the wall or off of another player. The game usually lasts about five to ten minutes, with the last person in the pit as the winner. As soon as the game ends, everyone jumps back into the pit, and the game starts all over again.
Being out of the game can still be fun, though. Once out, players can stand along the outside of the pit and watch the game unfold. It gets more fun when they start cheering. I usually play at camp, and my campers always chant to get me out. It’s fun for both the people cheering, and keeps the players motivated to stay in the game.
Kids sometimes get creative and form alliances or gang up on the super good players. There are many different variations on rules and gameplay. It is not meant to be a contact sport, but sometimes people, *cough* me *cough*, get super into it and wind up with sand burns on their knees. That was in the summer, though. Playing in the winter is a whole different ball game. That’s funny because ball game…gaga ball is a game…get it? I digress. Anyway, smacking around that playground ball in the cold winter air will leave palms sore and red. And, once the snow gets in the pit, it’s a slippery mess. The new challenge is to stay on your feet while trying to get everyone else out.
When I first heard about gaga ball, I thought I would not like it at all. But, boy was I wrong! Gaga ball is great for all ages! From kindergarteners to adults, the game is safe enough for everyone to play together! It is simple enough to understand, and no real skill or strategy is needed in order to win. The game is definitely a workout, and I would suggest stretching before playing. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a sore back, legs, and arms. Not that I’m speaking from experience or anything… I hope you all get the chance to experience this magnificent game at least once. And, I’m sure you will as more and more places begin to go gaga for gaga ball.
