Among the park playground equipment in your area, perhaps you've seen an octagonal pit that's about waist high. If you have, that's GaGa Ball. If you've never heard of it, it's because it's only become relatively popular over the last 10 years.

About 83% of parents think using technology is important, but 90% of them would rather have their kids play outside. Park playground equipment has changed since the days of tube slides, tire swings, and your run of the mill commercial playsets. Which is why you should know about GaGa Ball.

What  Gaga Pitball?
In the 70's, this dodgeball variation became popular in Jewish summer camps. It's recently made a huge resurgence from camps to schools to playgrounds. People are even installing them in their backyards, which is pretty cool. The name of the game -- GaGa -- translates in Hebrew to touch-touch, and it's simple, addicting, and supremely fun.

The rules are easy
Being developed in environments dominated by youth, GaGa Ball became viral in popularity because of kids absolutely loving it. Here's how it works.

1. All players are inside an octagonal ring. There can be a few as two players and the only player limit is how many people the octagon can actually hold.


2. To begin the game the ball is bounced in the center. The players say "GA!" on the first bounce, "GA!" on the second bounce, and "GO!" on the third, then the game is in motion. More than one ball can be put into play to spice things up a little.


3. Players cannot hold the ball. To get other players out, you must swat the ball at them. If the ball touches them below the knees or waist, they're out and leave the ring (hence, touch-touch). Off-the-wall ricochets are absolutely in play and encouraged. Players cannot sit on the edge of the enclosure to avoid being touched by the ball.

GaGa Ball rules vary per location and every place can have its own riffs, but that's the gist of the game. It gets big groups of kids into fast-paced games that they can play a lot of. It eliminates choosing teams and is entirely inclusive. Even when you're out, spectating is just as action-packed and engaging as being in the ring. If you're looking to up your park playground equipment game, the Gaga Pit is one of the best uses of space you can ask for.