Known as soccer baseball in much of Canada and as football rounders in the United Kingdom, kickball is a team sport with elements of baseball and soccer.
Players take turns kicking a rubber ball, similar to a soccer ball, aiming to score runs by rounding bases while the opposing team tries to catch the ball or tag them out. Both kickball and baseball involve a ball, bases, and the goal of scoring runs by rounding the bases. However, the balls differ considerably, and baseballs are struck by a bat while kickballs are kicked.
Originally known as "kick baseball," kickball is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century as a recreational activity for children to learn teamwork and physical coordination. Nicholas C. Seuss, a supervisor of Cincinnati's Park Playgrounds, documented the first set of rules for kickball in 1917. The simplicity of the game and its reliance on minimal equipment made it an accessible pastime for schools and communities.
Kickball gained significant popularity during the 1920s and 1930s, particularly in American elementary schools. It was often played as part of physical education classes as an alternative to baseball or softball. In the following years, kickball became a social sport played by adults, and leagues began to emerge across the United States.
Kickball is typically played between two teams, each consisting of nine to eleven players. The game is similar to baseball, but instead of a bat and a baseball, players use their feet to kick a rubber ball that is softer and larger than a soccer ball. Kickball games usually consist of five to seven innings, with teams alternating between offense and defense. Players on the offensive team kick the ball from home plate, while the defensive team works to prevent runs by catching the ball or tagging out runners. Out can occur when the ball is caught mid-air, a runner is tagged with the ball, or when a defender throws the ball to hit a runner below the waist.
The primary equipment used in kickball includes a rubber ball, which is larger than a soccer ball but softer. Bases, which may be cones or flat markers, are arranged on a diamond-shaped field similar to a baseball field.
The kickball field shares many similarities with a baseball diamond. It consists of four bases (home plate, first base, second base, and third base) arranged in a square shape with equal distances between them. The pitcher's mound is centrally located in the field, and the foul lines extend from home plate to the outfield. While the field can vary in size, it is generally smaller than a traditional baseball field, accommodating players of all ages and skill levels.
Kickball has become increasingly organized in recent years, with leagues and associations established to foster competitive play and community engagement. The World Adult Kickball Association (WAKA), founded in 1998, is one of the most prominent organizations, hosting kickball leagues and tournaments across the United States. Other regional leagues and community-based groups have also contributed to the sport's growth.
Kickball remains most popular in the United States, where it is played recreationally by children, adolescents, and adults alike. The sport has also found a foothold in other countries, such as Japan, South Korea, and Australia, where its simplicity and inclusivity make it appealing to diverse communities. While it has not. yet achieved widespread international recognition, its popularity is expected to grow.
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Recommended Resources
Founded in 2005, GO Kickball is a social experience company that combines the sport of kickball with social networking for adults. Its first season was held in 2006, and it has since expanded to 40 cities across 16 states. GO Kickball provides leagues, bar experiences, tournaments, social events, and exclusive parties for its members. Cities in which it is active are featured on the website, which includes registration data, and instructions for starting a company team.
https://gokickball.com/
International Kickball Federation, The
The IKF is an organization that governs amateur adult kickball. It provides opportunities for kickball players worldwide to participate in organized league or tournament play. The IKF oversees tournaments through its affiliates and sanctions many others. The website features IKF tournament basics, schedules of upcoming tournaments, online tournament registration, rule books, activity locations, and standings, and affiliated host organizers are acknowledged.
http://www.theikf.com/
The KLOR is a co-educational adult kickball league based in Rochester, New York. Designed for anyone over the age of 21, it emphasizes social interaction, community involvement, and fun. The league is designed to mimic the rules of 4th-grade recess, with everyone given a chance to play. Team registrations, season information, schedules, fields, standings, rules, and league history are featured, along with a calendar of events, contacts, and an online store offering branded items.
https://www.rockickball.net/
The website provides comprehensive information about kickball, including tips, guides, game variations, and equipment recommendations. It covers topics such as the best shoes and balls, team names, strategies for playing the sport, improving player skill levels, starting a kickball league, the rules and regulations of the sport, the importance of maintaining a kickball roster, field dimensions, a history of kickball, and variations on the game, as well as reviews of kickball equipment.
https://kickballzone.com/
Kickball365 organizes national kickball tournaments and leagues, offering both coeducational and women's division adult kickball events. They produce "The Circuit," a professional tour of top-flight competitive kickball. The Circuit provides vacation experiences for teams competing for prizes and emphasizes inclusivity and diversity in its events and brand. The Circuit hosts tournaments on turf or grass fields, catering to all ages. Player resources are featured.
https://www.kickball365.com/
Kickball520 is an adult kickball league based in Tucson, Arizona. It offers a laid-back, social environment for adults aged 21 and older to meet new people, play kickball, and enjoy beverages. Each team is scheduled for eight 7-inning games plus playoffs, with games played on Friday nights at Todd Harris Park. The league's annual schedule, standings, and other relevant information are available on its website. Registration, fees, and an overview of other events are included.
https://www.kickball520.com/
RSAK is an adult kickball league based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Founded in 2005, it offers recreational and competitive coeducational kickball leagues in the spring, summer, and fall seasons. The leagues, tournament schedules and registrations, volunteer opportunities, and a profile of the RSAK are provided, along with sponsorship acknowledgments, sponsorship opportunities, RSAK rules, a Hall of Records, photographs, announcements, and contact information.
http://www.brkickball.com/
WREK is Orlando, Florida's recreational kickball league. It offers co-ed adults a social and competitive sports experience. The league is designed to provide affordable, high-quality kickball games in a fun and inclusive environment. It welcomes players of all skill levels, from seasoned players to newcomers. Open and completed leagues are featured, along with locations, facility status, schedules, and a list of reasons to join and participate in the league.
https://wrekfl.com/
