Rules and how to play
Gaga ball: the rules.
Strike with open hands. A hit on or below the knee ends your round; the last player in wins.
The ten rules.
These are the standard rules. Tell players which version you are using before the first game.
Hold the wall to start
One player throws the ball up
First bounce: “GA!” Second bounce: “GA!” Play begins
Hit the ball with an open hand
Ball hits you on or below the knee? You’re out
Hit the ball out of the pit? You’re out
Open hands only: no picking up, no kicking
Before hitting again, let the ball touch a wall or another player
You’re out? Step outside and join the next round
Last player in the pit wins
The out zone.
The standard rule is on or below the knee. For quicker rounds, raise the out zone to below the waist. A common extra rule: no crouching or kneeling to shield your legs from the ball.
- Standard: on or below the knee
- Quicker rounds: on or below the waist
Running it with a class.
Group size. Anywhere from 2 to 12 players per game. For bigger groups, use quick rotations so everyone gets back into the game.
Keep everyone moving. Games are short, often one to three minutes. Use a quick rotation so players whose round has ended can rejoin the next game, or play “winner stays, challenger in”.
Teach the bounce call. Have the class practise the “GA, GA” start once before the first real game. It sets the pace for everything that follows.
Soft ball. Use a soft foam ball, or a lightly inflated rubber ball, in size 4 or 5.
Want to change things up? See gaga ball games and variations.
Frequently asked questions.
How many players can play gaga ball?
Anywhere from 2 to 12 players can play at once. With a bigger group, run quick rotations so everyone gets plenty of turns. The standard octagon we supply is approximately 5.8 m across.
What ball do you use for gaga ball?
A soft foam ball, or a lightly inflated rubber ball, roughly the size of a playground ball (size 4 or 5). Schools usually keep a few spares.
Is gaga ball suitable for primary school children?
It is a low-contact game played with open hands and a soft ball. Choose the 60 cm or 80 cm kit to suit the age of your players.
Why play in a pit?
The walls keep the ball in play, so games stay fast and fewer stops are needed to fetch it.
How big does the play area need to be?
Allow approximately 9 × 9 m for the pit and room to move around it. See our pit size guide.
No pit yet?
Give your group a pit to play in.
gagapitkits.com.au/guides/gaga-ball-rules