Most backyards lack the space to play a full game of baseball with regular bats and balls. To avoid broken windows and angry neighbors, variations of the classic sport give kids a chance to practice their skills without any damage. Backyard baseball games work well for birthday parties, neighborhood gatherings or as a way to avoid boredom.
Wiffle Ball
A Wiffle ball is a lightweight, hollow plastic ball with holes all over it. The design of the ball means it won't fly as far as a regular baseball, making it ideal for backyard play. Because it is so light, a Wiffle ball won't cause much damage if it does hit something. Set up a baseball field to fit within the backyard. Use pieces of cardboard or other items from around the house as makeshift bases. You can either pitch the Wiffle ball or use a batting tee, depending on the age and baseball skills of the players.
Stone Baseball
You need a large concrete area for this game. A patio or driveway works well. Draw a large baseball diamond shape with sidewalk chalk on the concrete. Mark the bases and base lines like a regular field. Use different colors of chalk to indicate different scoring areas on the field. You'll have areas for a hit to first base, second base, third base and home runs. The kids toss stones and try to land in a scoring zone. The zone where the stone lands indicates if the player scored a run to first, second, third or home base. For example, the bases might be squares in a specific color. If a player lands her stone on one of the bases, she scores that position. If her stone lands in a home run area, she scores a home run. If the stone doesn't land in one of the score areas, the player is out.
Home Run Competition
Instead of a full game of baseball, hold a backyard home run competition. For safety, use a Wiffle ball, tennis ball or another lighter ball unless you have a large open space. Identify the home run zone based on the amount of space you have available. Each player gets 10 pitches or hits off a batting tee. The goal is to hit as many home runs as possible. The player hitting the most home runs out of 10 chances wins.
Wacky Ball
This backyard game uses an assortment of bats and balls. Gather several different lightweight balls such as tennis balls, beach balls, Wiffle balls, foam balls and ping pong balls. Find different items as bats, such as plastic bats, kids' golf clubs and sticks. Play the game like you would a normal game of baseball by creating a makeshift field in the backyard. Switch the bats and balls used on each turn to keep the kids guessing.
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