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⚽ Ball Games
Gaga Ball
A fast dodgeball cousin played in a walled pit where kids slap the ball and try to hit each other below the knees.
AgesK–2nd, 3rd–5th, PreteenKids6-25Time15-20 minWhereIndoor or outdoorEnergyHigh energy
Get ready
- Set up a gaga pit, or make an octagon or circle out of tables tipped on their sides.
- Have all players stand inside, each with one hand touching the wall.
How to play
- Toss the ball into the middle. Everyone yells 'Ga!' on the first bounce, 'Ga!' on the second, and 'Go!' on the third, and then play starts.
- Hit the ball with an open hand. No throwing, kicking, or catching.
- If the ball touches you at or below the knee, you're out and step out of the pit.
- You're also out if you hit the ball out of the pit or if you hit it twice in a row.
- The last kid standing wins. Start a new round right away.
Tips & variations
- Use a soft ball and keep the 'knees and below' rule strict so nobody gets hit in the face.
- Play by age group so the big kids aren't playing with the little ones.
- To keep everyone playing, let kids who are out rejoin once three more players are out.
