School administrators used to always see kids sit out during PE classes because they didn’t have the best athletic abilities. That was a long time ago. Now, with the rise of inclusiveness in classrooms, many physical education teachers are adding activities that meet the needs and abilities of all children. Meet gaga ball, the newest and best game kids will love. Let’s talk about why gaga ball is becoming popular in PE class.
What Is Gaga Ball?
For many reasons, gaga ball is a game that both challenges and includes kids of many abilities. However, some aren’t 100 percent sure what the game is or how it got its name. There’s a unique history behind gaga ball. It was brought over from Israel by counselors who sought to give American children games that challenged their skills.
The game involves using a pit, either on solid ground or sand. Two teams use their hands to tap the ball toward someone to tag them out. The only way to get someone out is to hit them anywhere below the waist—if it touches the arms, face, or stomach, it doesn’t count.
Things To Know About Gaga Ball
Gaga ball is a great PE activity for upper elementary to middle school children—kids between third and eighth grade. The game is fun, but no one should try to overpower other players.
Here’s what you can expect from playing a couple of rounds.
No Throwing
There is no running or throwing in this game, only swatting with the hands. Kicking also isn’t allowed because touching the ball below the waist is an automatic out until the next round.
For the most part, teachers will expect students to use their hands to aim at other opponents. Once an opponent is hit, the game stops, and that player leaves. Then, the round resumes until every player on one side is out.
Above the Waist Doesn’t Count
If a player gets hit above the waist, it’s not an out. Unlike dodgeball, players don’t get called out unless they get hit below the waist. This means hitting the knees or legs is an out, but not the elbows or hands. This game is much safer and more enjoyable for everyone playing or watching.
The Game Is Played in a Pit
Gaga ball is played in a pit. A circle is a better place to play as there are more ways for children to exit once they’re out. The pit also prevents children from walking across the gym to the other side to avoid being hit. Gaga pits come in many styles and sizes, allowing more individuals to participate.
When confined to a smaller area, children must find better ways to avoid getting hit with the ball, such as ducking and hitting the ball with their hands. Rebounds and ricochets help kids avoid elimination that round.
Why Gaga Ball Is the Playground Equalizer
Gaga ball has been around since the 1970s but didn’t grow in popularity until 2012. Now that it’s replacing dodge ball and other games involving direct contact with balls, many staff members consider it the playground equalizer. They call it this because it heavily involves testing every child’s athletic and mental abilities. Starting off playing in the third grade, students develop better coordination by observing the ball’s movements. They also learn how to aim properly and strategically move around to avoid being hit.
The game is so much fun, but some may worry about the noise coming from the gym. This is because of all the cheering, hollering, and screaming the players do to root everyone on. The game brings everyone together to make memories and teaches students how to work together.
How To Play Gaga Ball
Gaga ball is a strategic game with fair rules. The first rule is to have both teams inside the pit and away from the ball. Ensure they’re in a ready position. A chosen player from either team throws the ball up, and everyone shouts “ga” twice as it bounces on the ground. On the second bounce, that’s when you know the ball is in play.
Remember to have fun and play by the rules:
- When the ball hits anywhere below the waist, the player is out. Hands, arms, elbows, and anything above the waist doesn’t count.
- A player can’t catch the ball, but they can dribble for three seconds before hitting it into the wall to bring a player back into play.
- Every player that gets hit leaves the pit right away.
- After the last player is hit, the game ends, and a new round begins with the winning team.
What You Need To Play
There are a few things you need to play the game. The first thing you need is a plastic gaga ball pit that works for every player. Then, you need the ball. The game doesn’t require a specific ball, so a simple volleyball or beach ball is okay to use.
Now, you need players and the referee. The gym teacher can be the referee. Next, find a setting, preferably a school, gym, or park in an open area.
The Benefits of Gaga Ball
Gaga ball comes with exciting benefits like building better athletic and agility skills. The game builds better relationships between teammates and teaches kids to have fun without judgment. Here are some other benefits of adding gaga ball to your PE curriculum:
- It keeps kids interested
- Gaga ball skills are transferrable to other sports
- It’s easy to learn and play
- It’s perfect for all age groups
How To Have Fun Playing
When children are playing, ensure they have plenty of water to keep them hydrated. Also, ensure all kids follow the rules and practice good sportsmanship in and outside of the ball pit—this includes staff members too. To make it more fun, throw in an extra ball!
After learning about the rising popularity of gaga ball in PE class, consider investing in a gaga ball pit to see what all this talk of the “playground equalizer” is about. Every child learns to have fun and collaborate after playing a few rounds of gaga ball.
School administrators should learn about gaga ball and its advantages for students. Get together with your gym teachers to discuss installing a gaga ball pit to get kids more involved in PE class. Discount Playground Supply offers gaga ball materials to build pits and make the game available to students. Contact us for more insight on how gaga ball can make every child’s school day more fun.
