Have you ever seen children playing a dodgeball-like sport in a pit at a school or summer camp? If you have, you’ve likely witnessed a game of gaga ball.
Gaga ball is a fun experience for the whole family. As long as you have a court and a lightweight, foam-filled ball, you can play it anywhere — even in your own backyard!
This article will discuss how to play gaga ball and dig into the rules of gaga ball in better detail. Keep reading to find your next favorite family activity.
What Is Gaga Ball?
Gaga ball is a fast-paced, high-energy game that likely originated from Israel, where “ga-ga” means “hit-hit” or “touch-touch”. It reached mainstream status in the U.S. in 2012; in fact, it was so popular that entrepreneurs have built facilities dedicated to the sport.
The Rules of Gaga Ball
Gaga ball is played in an octagonal pit. Players strike the ball toward one another with their hands, aiming to hit their opponents below the knees. If a player is hit below the knee, they need to leave the court.
People of all ages can participate, no matter their skill level.
Here are the rules of gaga ball:
- To begin, players stand inside the gaga ball pit with one hand on a side panel.
- A player or ref throws the ball into the air and lets it bounce three times. On the first and second bounce, the players yell “Ga”, and on the third they yell “Go”, signaling the start of play.
- Players can hit the ball with open hands or closed fists. They cannot throw, catch, or kick it.
- If the ball touches anyone below the knee, that player is eliminated.
- If the ball is knocked out of the pit, the last player to touch it is eliminated.
- If a player hits the ball twice in a row without it hitting the side panels or another player, they’re eliminated. However, players can “dribble” the ball against the wall of the pit for up to three seconds.
- If a participant hits another individual above the knee, they’re out.
- Eliminated players must exit the pit immediately.
- Participants outside the pit can re-enter the game by catching the ball as it flies out of the pit.
- The last player in the pit is the winner.
How Many Participants Can Play Gaga Ball?
Gaga ball is typically played with six to twelve players. Larger groups can play the game in a rotation where there are always eight players in the pit, though this leads to a never-ending game without a clear victor.
Learn How to Play Gaga Ball Like a Pro
Now that you know the rules of gaga ball, it’s time to [build a DIY gaga ball pit] to get some practice in your own yard. It’s the fastest, most affordable way to take your skills to the next level while enjoying quality time with the family outside.
Check out our other articles to learn more about this amazing sport.