Similar to baseball without bats, kickball features two teams competing to score runs. One team takes the field and pitches, while the other team attempts to kick the ball and run around the field's four bases. Kickball follows most baseball rules, except the pitcher must roll the ball to the plate and the kicker typically gets a limited number of foul balls per plate appearance. Kickball's rules governing fly balls also mimic those of baseball.
Flies
Kickball fielders can catch fly balls for an automatic out. The catch must be clean, without any portion of the ball touching the ground. If the ball strikes one fielder and bounces in the air, a second fielder still can catch the ball for an out as long as the ball never touches the ground. Runners may tag up and advance on caught fly balls.
Positioning
Fielders may not take position in front of the imaginary line stretching diagonally from first base to third base, nor can they advance into that forbidden area until the ball is kicked. This rule keeps fielders from distracting the kicker and gives even weak kickers a chance to get a hit. If a fielder breaks this rule and catches a fly ball, the out does not count and the kicker takes first base.
Pop Ups
Kickball doesn't utilize an infield fly rule for pop ups. All pop ups must be caught to record an out. However, common sportsmanship prohibits fielders from intentionally allowing a ball to drop in an attempt to record a double play. Violating the spirit of the game in such a manner results in the runner advancing one base and the kicker assuming first base.
Fouls
Kickball rules dictate that fly balls that are wide of third base or wide of first base count as foul balls. Fielders may still catch foul fly balls for an out, but once a fielder catches the foul ball, the play is dead and runners may not advance.
Indoor
Indoor kickball requires its own set of rules for handling fly balls. When playing inside a gymnasium or other large room, it's not uncommon for kicked balls to strike the ceiling or walls. Kicked balls remain in play until they touch the ground. Fielders still can record an out by catching a ball that has deflected off a wall or touched the ceiling.
Member Comments