Gaga Ball

Gaga Ball is a game that requires quick thinking, agility, jumping, dodging, running, and striking to become the last player standing. The game of Gaga Ball started up in Israel in the 1970's and is also known as Israeli dodgeball. Gaga directly translates to "Hit-Hit" or "Touch-Touch" in Hebrew.

Grades 3 - 6

Game Rules:

• Players start with one hand touching the wall of the Gaga Pit. The ball is thrown upwards in the middle and must bounce 3 times for the ball to be in play and before players are allowed to move. Have the players say "Ga!" at the first bounce, "Ga!" at the second bounce, and "Ball!" on the third bounce. Consider using the following saying as a reminder of how to start the game: "One hand on the wall, until you hear ball!"

• If a ball touches a player at or below the knees (even if it has bounced off another person or the wall), they're out. Also, If players hit themselves with the ball, at or below the knees (even if it has bounced off another person or the wall), they're out.

• Play continues if the ball hits a player above the knees and if the ball stays in the pit.

• Players are only allowed to hit the ball with one hand. They can hit the ball with an open or closed hand and can use either hand throughout the game. If players use both hands at the same time, they're out.

• Players are only allowed to hit the ball once, but can hit it again after it has touched the wall, another player, or if the ball has been put back into play. If a player touches the ball twice in a row before it touches the wall or another player, they're out.

• If a player hits the ball out of bounds, or if the ball bounces off their hand and goes out of bounds, they're out. If a ball goes out of bounds after bouncing off a player above their knees or wrists, that player stays in.

• Players are not allowed to throw or hold the ball, if they do, they're out. However, players are allowed to try and catch a ball before it has touched the ground. If a player catches a ball before it touches the ground, the player who hit the ball or had the last contact with the ball before it was caught, is out.

• Players are allowed to dribble off the wall as many times as they want. However, if a player is dribbling for longer than 10 seconds without attempting a shot, the game should be paused and the ball thrown back into play.

• Players must stay on their feet, if they lose balance, fall over or have to support themselves with their hand, knee, etc., they're out.

• Players can use their hands and arms to guard themselves, but are not allowed to have their pockets lower than their knees (otherwise known as turtling).

• Players are not allowed to team up, unless playing a variation of the game.

Variations:

• If needed, a second ball can be thrown in the pit to speed things up.

• If the ball hits you, step of to the side and do 5 jumping jacks and then continue playing.

• If you get out and end up catching a ball that is hit outside the Gaga Pit and hasn't yet touched anyone or the floor, you get to come back in!

• If the player that got you out, ends up getting out, you get to come back in! This is called Revenge Gaga Ball.