How to Play Kickball with Proper Rules

Learn the official kickball rules and setup to organize fun games for your family and friends.

1. What You'll Need. You'll need a playground ball (also called a kickball) - typically 8.5 to 10 inches in diameter and made of rubber. For bases, use anything from actual baseball bases to cones, towels, or even backpacks. You'll also need an open area about the size of a softball field, though you can adapt to smaller spaces. Gather at least 6 players total, but 8-20 players works even better for full teams.
2. Setting Up the Field. Arrange four bases in a diamond shape, just like baseball. Place home plate, first base, second base, and third base about 60 feet apart (closer for younger kids). The pitcher's mound should be about 42 feet from home plate. Create foul lines extending from home plate through first and third bases. If you're in a smaller space, just shrink all distances proportionally while keeping the diamond shape.
3. Basic Rules and Gameplay. Divide into two teams and decide who kicks first. The kicking team sends one player at a time to home plate, while the fielding team spreads out around the field with one player as pitcher. The pitcher rolls the ball toward home plate, and the kicker tries to kick it into fair territory (between the foul lines). After kicking, the player runs toward first base while the fielding team tries to get them out. Teams switch sides after three outs, just like baseball.
4. How to Get Players Out. There are several ways to get a runner out: catch a kicked ball in the air before it hits the ground (fly out), tag a runner with the ball while they're not on a base, throw the ball to a base before the runner reaches it (force out), or if the kicked ball is caught on a line drive. You cannot throw the ball directly at a runner to get them out - this isn't allowed and could cause injury.
5. Scoring and Winning. Players score by successfully running around all four bases and returning to home plate. Each time a player crosses home plate, their team gets one point. A complete game typically lasts 7 innings (each team gets 7 turns to kick), but you can adjust this based on time or age of players. The team with the most points at the end wins.
6. Common Variations for Families. For mixed ages, try these modifications: allow younger kids extra kicks or let them kick from a tee, reduce the number of outs needed to switch sides, make the bases closer together, or play with a softer foam ball. You can also play 'everyone kicks once' instead of three outs, or allow multiple kicks per turn for beginners.