Unless you’ve been a kid at camp yourself, or your little ones take sports classes or camps at LINX, you’ve probably never heard of Gaga Ball, a national favorite camp game with roots in Israel.
Kids are always asking for the game at LINX because it’s fun, fast-paced, silly and unpredictable. Parents and coaches love the sport because it fosters healthy competition and aids in skills development while including everyone. According to our own Chris Dumais, “It’s one of the few games you can be out first in one game, then be the champion a minute later in the next game!”
The game is played in an octagonal blowup pit, and is suitable for kids age 3 and up, with younger kids using a smaller, softer ball. It’s similar to dodgeball, but with distinct qualities that make it fun for kids of all ages and abilities. The rules are simple and easy to understand quickly, and it’s safer because players must aim the ball below the knees. Kids learn and practice skills such as agility, jumping, hand-eye coordination, striking and dodging, which are used across many team sports.
Here’s how to play:
At the start of the game, every player must have one hand touching the wall of the gaga pit.
The coach throws the ball into the center.
Players yell “GA” for the first 2 bounces of the ball, and then “GO” on the third bounce, putting the ball in play.
If the ball touches a player below the knee, the player touched must leave the pit and the game continues.
If a player catches the ball, the player who threw the ball is out and must leave the pit.
Players cannot hold the ball. They must hit the ball with an open or closed hand.
Sometimes the coach will throw a second ball into the pit to speed things up and increase the fun.
The last player in the pit is the winner of that round.
Game rounds are short, giving more chances for players to be the winner.
We all love the silliness, fun and unpredictability the kids take away from every game. Everyone is on an equal playing field because nobody knows who will win from one game to the next! To learn more about LINX Camps, visit www.linxcamps.com or email information@linx-usa.com
