Not many playground sports are as exhilarating and competitive as dodgeball. But for those who need an equally fun and safer alternative, one sport stands out: gaga ball.
Gaga ball is an Israeli game that mimics dodgeball in many respects. Since its creation in the 1970s, Gaga ball has found itself in many a backyard and schoolyard.
Today, it’s one of the most popular games for children and adults alike. Its popularity is largely due to the game’s fast-paced action and its learning curve, which is as flat as the surface it’s played on.
Find out more about gaga ball, its similarities with dodgeball, and why it’s taking over.
Gaga ball vs. Dodgeball
In both gaga ball and dodgeball, the goal is to hit the opponent with the ball. Both games can also be team-based, with players competing as part of evenly distributed teams. (Gaga ball is typically played without teams, though.)
Beyond these similarities, the two ball sports have several key differences. Let’s start with the playing surface:
Playing Surface
In dodgeball, you’d play on a court that measures 18 meters x 9 meters. On the court are three lines. The line in the middle is the center line. Two other lines run parallel, from one side of the court to the other, and are each three meters from the center line. These are the “activation lines,” where players must retreat after grabbing the balls in the middle of the court.
In Gaga ball, players aren’t on a court but in a gaga pit. A gaga pit is an octagonal enclosure that can be made of anything from lined-up tables to wooden planks. There’s also no standard measurement for the gaga pit’s area; all that matters is that it’s spacious enough to allow all six players to move.
“Hitting” the Opponent
Another distinction between gaga ball and dodgeball is how players can hit their opponents with the ball.
In dodgeball, players pick up balls and throw them at their opponents. However, it’s a different story in gaga ball. In gaga ball, picking up a ball and throwing it is against the rules. The only way players can hit their opponents is by “tapping” the ball toward the opponent’s feet.
Legal Contact Areas
In dodgeball, you can hit the opponent on any body part except the head; the only time it’s legal for the ball to hit the head is when the opponent ducks.
By contrast, the only legal contact areas in gaga ball are the opponent’s legs. More specifically, any contact below the knees is legal.
Why Choose Gaga Ball?
Dodgeball may appeal to those who prefer a fast-paced, high-impact game that’s seriously competitive, but with the popularity of gaga ball in playgrounds, backyards, and rec centers, it’s clear that a large demographic wants something else.
So, why is gaga ball so popular? More importantly, why should you and your kids try this five-decade-old game? Let us count the ways.
You Don’t Need to Be on a Court
Unlike dodgeball, you don’t need to rent a court to experience the fun of Gaga ball. You can play this game in your basement or your backyard; just be sure that you’ve got surfaces to form the perimeter of the gaga pit.
There Aren’t 12 of You? No Problem
In dodgeball, you need 12 players divided into two teams. It’s not a good idea to play this game with less. Luckily, with gaga ball, you can.
In Gaga ball, you only need about six players to run a standard game. If you’re playing with teams, this means three players per team. This makes the game far easier to play; if you’re itching for a game, you won’t have to round up 11 other people. You and a few friends or your kids will more than suffice.
Safe
One of the problems with dodgeball is that it can lead to injuries, especially if people start really letting loose on their opponents. If you’re looking for a safer alternative, look no further than gaga ball.
Because it’s illegal to pick up the ball and throw it in gaga ball, it’s nearly impossible for anyone to get seriously injured during play. Plus, since the legs are the only legal points of contact, sustaining injuries to the head is unlikely. Learn how to build your own court here.
Go Gaga with Gaga Ball
Safe, fun, portable, and fun for everyone, gaga ball is taking over. Experience the time of your life brought to you by a few tables, a foam ball, and your friends and family!