Kickball (aka Soccer Baseball)

Are you a fan of baseball? Do you enjoy soccer as well? Then why not mix up these two into one dynamic sport? Because that is exactly what kickball (or soccer baseball) is all about. In this article we talk about the basics (what it is, how it’s played, etc.), and what you need in order to play kickball.

Kickball is a modern day team sport and a league game that is gaining more and more popularity in the US and worldwide as well. However, you might be surprised to learn that its origins go back almost one hundred years ago. In kickball, just like in baseball, two teams face each other and try to score as many runs as they can. One of the teams will try to score by kicking the ball away from home base into the field, and then circling the bases. Meanwhile, the other team will try to stop them and take them out before they can reach the home base, by tagging them with the ball. The main difference between soccer baseball and regular baseball is that, in kickball (just like the name implies), rather than hitting a small hard ball with a bat, you will be trying to kick a rubber ball instead.

Similarly to baseball, teams will be alternating half-innings. The winner is the team who manages to score the most runs during these innings.

Since it is a bit safer than baseball due to the use of a softer rubber ball, rather than the small hard baseball, kickball has seen quite a lot of popularity among young school children. That is also mainly because it’s a more accessible playground game, and you do not need as much gear or protection as in baseball. In addition to this, soccer baseball doesn’t necessarily require highly skill-based positions (such as a pitcher for example).

Nonetheless, even if it’s relatively easy and really fun to play kickball at a non-professional level, that doesn’t mean the sport itself, is not taken seriously. On the contrary, there are a large number of leagues and tournaments all over the US and the world. The sport is mainly regulated by WAKA, or the World Adult Kickball Association.  But there are many other kickball leagues in most of the major cities in the US.

 

Differences Between Kickball And Baseball

There are obviously some differences between kickball and baseball. The field is one of them. Generally, soccer baseball is played on a softball diamond. The ball might vary in size (between 8.5-inch to 16-inch diameter) and it’s made of inflated rubber (unlike a soccer ball which is generally leather). The reason for this is straight forward. The rubber material and special texture of the kickball ball allows for a better grip for the catchers.

In addition, the game uses 3 bases, a home plate, and a pitcher’s mound. In some cases, when the game in less formal and non-pro, the field might be “open” and not bounded by a fence like in baseball or softball. This might result in some informal adjustments to the rules of the game, to accommodate the field. If lacking alternatives, the game can sometimes take place on a rectangular asphalt field with painted outlines.

 

Offensive Strategy In Soccer Baseball

The purpose of the game is winning by scoring more runs than the other team. That is why the offensive strategy, also called the kicking strategy, is very important. If you’re playing a game by rules that allow bunting, then you should place fast kickers near the top of the lineup. These kickers would be able to bond to the ball in specific directions. You should use a fast player who can bunts down the third base line first in your kicking line-up. A well-placed bunt of the kickball to the ground makes it very hard for the defense to catch it midair for an easy out, and will usually result in confusion between the catcher the pitcher and the third base man in the enemy team. This confusion will give the runner time to advance base and get closer to a home run. The kicker next in line would pick an advantageous base-direction to bunt the ball in order to create a good opportunity for both him and the first kicker to advance base.

Once a team has used 3 to 4 kickers that kicked the ball with this bunting strategy, and by doing so the team now has runners on base and fewer than two outs, it is time to adapt the strategy. It is now the moment to use your strongest kickers. These kickers will try to send the ball as far as possible into the outfield. By doing that, during the time it takes for the ball to be returned to field, the runners will ideally have time to score. But this strategy is just scratching the surface of kickball. We will be thoroughly discussing more strategies in this section.

 

What Equipment Do You Need To Play Kickball?

Kickball is not a very gear dependent sport. However, there are certain clothing and footwear apparel that can give you an edge whether you are playing kickball with your friends or in a pro league. After all the sport is about winning, and anything that can give you an advantage might help you get the win. As the old saying goes, “luck favors the prepared”. Check the link above for our list of items that will definitely improve your performance during your gameplay.