Maybe you will remember as a child being told not to play in the streets, but street games are actually common children's games in urban areas. Playing a street game, also called a pickup game, is a great way for children to exercise and socialize with others. Street games are fun and have many different variations and styles depending on location. However, caution and monitoring are advisable to avoid injury from playing on the pavement, or playing where cars are moving.
Stickball
Stickball is the street version of baseball. A broom handle, mop handle or cut off hockey stick is used for the bat, and a hardball--typically a tennis ball, racquetball or high bouncer--is used for the ball. In typical stickball, the cars and sewer manholes of the street signify the foul lines and bases. The game varies according to the geographic area, but normally uses the three-strikes rule. The pitcher uses either a fast-pitch or slow-pitch method, the latter of which requires one bounce before reaching the batter. The batter will hit the ball and start running to the bases. If the batter is tagged or if the defensive player catches the ball in the air or touches the base, then the batter is out. There are three outs and then both teams will switch sides. The team with the most points wins the game after nine innings.
Jumping Rope
According to the Street Play website, boys were the first to use jump ropes, but girls added the games and rhymes that kids enjoy today. There are many different ways to jump rope, such as using a single rope or two ropes. The rules of jump rope are simple--jump over the rope without stopping it or getting tangled in the rope. In order to start a jump rope game, two “holders” will each hold an end and start twirling the rope simultaneously. If you are the “jumper,” you will jump into the rope and keep jumping until the song is over. If you step on the rope, you are out. Jumping rope is now a part of professional competitions and used in various exercise routines.
Handball
Street handball is an urban game played in alleys where you bounce the hardball, typically a racquetball or tennis ball, off the walls to play the game. According to the U.S. Handball Association website, handball’s history dates back to 2000 B.C. in Egypt. The game is suitable for singles or for teams of two players. The server will bounce the ball and hit it with his hand towards the wall while behind the service line, usually drawn with a piece of chalk or using a box as a marker. The receiver must hit the ball while in the air or, after the first bounce, toward the wall. You will earn a point when the ball does not reach the wall or is hit prior to the first bounce. The game is played to 21 points, with the player with the most points winning. In professional handball competition, there are three games to a match.
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