Wall Ball

An intense race to the finish.

• Set Up

  • Use a play area with a smooth, wide wall and marked boundaries are helpful.

• Equipment

  • ball

• Objective

  The goal of the game is for your team to gain the most points by successfully fielding the ball off the wall.

• Directions

  1. Divide the group into 2 teams. One team starts in the field, and one team is at bat. 

  2. The “batter” steps to home plate and throws the ball at the wall. (Determine where “home plate” will be according to players’ ability level and the group size.) The ball must hit the wall above a designated height (use a marker on the wall such as a chalk.) 

  3. The fielding team must catch the ball after it bounces off the wall. If the ball bounces once, the batter gets a single run; if it bounces twice; a double (and so on). If a fielder catches the ball before it bounces once, the batting team receives one out. 

  4. Boundaries can be designated according to the space accommodations. If a ball goes out of bounds, it can be a foul, a re-do, or an out. This is at the leader’s discretion. 

  5. Teams must keep track of where their runners are on base. If there are a lot of players, some can stand aside by cones and represent runners on bases.

• Variations

  • Tournament style Wall Ball with 2 players

  • For lower skilled players, allow them to catch and return the ball.

  • After play has advanced past this basic game, players can add special rules. For example, instead of requiring one bounce before returning the ball, a player could allow returns before the ball bounces as well as on a single bounce. (Playworks notes)

• Coaching Points

  • Demonstrate proper throwing technique

  • Point out the boundaries and how to hit the ball

Reflection: Self-Management

1. This game can be frustrating. What did you do to keep calm and focused?

2. What strategies did you use to be successful?

3. Who would like to shout out someone in the game?