Kickball World Series

Name and Purpose

Kickball World Series takes the familiar flow of baseball and replaces the bat with a well-placed kick, making it accessible for all skill levels.
The non-dominant foot rule adds a fun challenge that levels the playing field across skill levels.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 12-30 players | 25-40 minutes | Large outdoor field; 4 bases set in a diamond, approximately 15-20m between bases

Materials

Quick-Run Card

Set up a 4-base diamond; split into two teams.
Pitcher rolls the ball toward the batter at home plate.
Batter kicks with their non-dominant foot (2 attempts allowed).
Runner sprints the bases; fielders throw ball base-to-base in sequence to earn an out.
Three outs: teams switch. Play 9 innings or to a time limit.

Setup and Boundaries

Place bases in a diamond, 15-20m between each base.
Mark the pitcher’s spot (approximately 5m from home plate).
Outfield boundary marked with cones or use a natural edge (fence, path).
Signal: 1 short whistle = dead ball, hold all runners; 2 whistles = full stop and gather.
Check field for holes, wet ground, or uneven patches before play.

How to Play

Divide players into two equal teams. One team bats, one team fields.
Fielding team takes positions: pitcher, players at each base, and remaining players as outfielders.
Pitcher rolls the ball along the ground toward the batter at home plate.
Batter kicks the ball with their non-dominant foot. Each batter has two attempts.
On a kick, the batter runs toward first base. Teammates already on bases advance at their own risk.
The fielder who collects the ball throws it to first base. The first baseman touches the base marker and throws to second, who touches and throws to third, who touches and throws to home plate.
If the ball reaches home plate before the runner completes the circuit, the batter is out. If the runner reaches home first, the batting team scores a run.
Three outs retire the batting team. Teams switch roles.
Play 9 innings or set a time limit agreed before the game starts.
Players called out serve as base coaches or scorekeepers until the next inning.

I-OPt Options

Start: A Take your turn at bat or play a key fielding position. S Serve as a base coach, calling runners home or holding them. Q Play deep outfield where there is more space and less pressure. O Keep score or track outs for both teams from the sideline.
Mid: A Sprint the bases on a well-kicked ball. S Be the relay thrower, keeping the ball moving efficiently between bases. Q Hold a steady fielding position and focus on clean catches. O Umpire a close call at a base.
Late: A Experiment with kicking direction to challenge the fielding team. S Encourage teammates waiting in the batting line. Q Focus on base running strategy, choosing when to advance and when to hold. O Track which inning has the most runs and share at the end.
End: A Take a final at-bat if time allows. S Help collect the ball and base markers. Q Name one thing you noticed about your own kicking or fielding. O Share one observation from your scorekeeper or umpire role.

Inclusion Adaptations

Players who prefer not to kick can roll the ball from home plate as an alternative; the same base-running rules apply.
A courtesy runner can run the bases for a player with mobility differences; the kicker remains at home plate and scores runs through their runner.

Stewardship Moment

After play, collect base markers and the ball. Inspect the ball for damage; store in a dry location.
Brief reflection: “This game uses minimal equipment. What makes a good game when you do not have much to work with?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “This game involves kicking, running bases, and some light competition. For those not comfortable with the full running version, coaching bases or keeping score is a full and important part of the game.”
Mid-game check: After the first inning, pause. “Quick check: thumbs up, sideways, or down. How is everyone feeling?”
Opt-out/re-entry: Any player can step to a coaching or scoring role at any time. Step back in as a batter or fielder at the start of any new inning.

Risks and Mitigation

Runner and fielder colliding at a base: remind fielders to move clear after making the throw; the base belongs to the runner once the ball is in the air.
Ball kicked hard into a fielder who is not ready: fielders must be in ready position before each pitch; pitcher waits for a “ready” signal.
Arguments over close calls: staff or designated umpire makes the final call immediately and without debate. Call stands.

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Base Jog”: all players jog the base path once together before the game starts to learn the layout.
“Roll and Receive”: partners stand 5m apart and roll the ball back and forth with one hand, warming up throwing and receiving.

Debrief Questions

What? “What happened when you used your non-dominant foot? What did that feel like?”
So What? “How did the non-dominant foot rule change who was able to do well?”
Now What? “When is it useful to do something the harder way on purpose?”

Cleanup and Reset