What is Gaga Ball?
How to Play:
1. Set up the Pit:
A Gaga pit is a low, octagonal pit. Each wall of the pit measures 9' long and 4' tall.
2. To Start:
The Gaga Ball ball is thrown up in the center of the pit. Once the ball has bounced a third time the game begins. (GA-GA-GO!)
3. The Opening:
To begin, all players must start by touching the wall of the pit with at least one hand. Upon the ball bouncing a third time, players may rush towards the center and strike the ball.
4. Game Objective:
The primary objective is to avoid getting hit by the ball below the waist. Players may strike the ball to eliminate other players but the ball cannot be carried or thrown. Last person standing wins the game.
5. Eliminating Players:
- Players are eliminated if the ball hits them below the waist. If the ball strikes their legs, feet, or any part of the body below the waist, they must exit the pit.
- Players are eliminated if they touch the ball twice in a row or with both hands, without letting the ball bounce off another player or wall.
- Players are eliminated if they hit the ball and it is caught by an opposing player.
- Players can also be eliminated if they hit the ball out of bounds (i.e., outside the pit)
6. Rules of Play:
Bounce Rule: If the ball is hit directly at a player (without bouncing), it is still considered in play.
Catching: Players can catch the ball to eliminate another player but if they are unsuccessful they themselves will be eliminated.
Out-of-Bounds Rule: If the ball goes out of the pit, the player who touched it last is out unless the referee says otherwise and then the ball is returned to the center of play to resume.
7. Rule Exception:
- Once there are only two players left in the pit (1v1), players are allowed to touch the ball twice before needing to dribble the ball off the wall to maintain control.
Winning the Game:
The game continues until there is only one player remaining in the pit. This player is declared the winner.
