Fun Ball Sports: A Roundup of Ball-Based Play, Games, and Sports
When it comes to ball games, they’re classic sports like baseball and soccer to begin with, and they’re hugely popular with kids!
There’s a wide range—from games you can play with just a single ball, to ones like baseball and table tennis that use a bat or racket.
They help improve physical abilities too, whether it’s mastering how to use your body or learning to handle equipment.
In this article, we’ll introduce a variety of ball-based activities, from classic and popular ball sports to some that are a bit more niche!
We’ll also cover simplified versions of sports like basketball and rugby that even small children can enjoy, as well as DIY activities like homemade bowling and target-throw games!
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[Fun Ball Sports] Summary of Ball-Based Play, Games, and Sports (31–40)
Aim for the goal while moving multiple balls!
Move multiple balls to reach the goal! Here’s a variation of a ball-carry relay that’s perfect for building endurance.
Split into teams, and one by one, transfer all the balls into the arranged hoops.
You can adjust the number and layout of the hoops to match your team size, and try different goal positions and shapes for extra fun.
It’s also great for boosting team spirit.
Give it a try and creatively incorporate it into your sports day events!
cricket
Cricket, which originated in the UK, is a minor sport in Japan, but it’s hugely popular and a major global ball game in countries like the UK, Australia, India, and Pakistan.
Many people may have heard the name “cricket” but aren’t quite sure about the rules.
For example, there’s a unique rule where the pitcher—called a bowler—must keep their elbow straight and use shoulder rotation to deliver the ball.
Baseball actually traces its roots back to cricket, so once you learn it, you’ll definitely find it a fun sport!
soccer
One theory about the origins of soccer says people used to “kick skulls around.” It seems games involving kicking something back and forth have existed since ancient times.
Not only formal soccer, but casual versions played in tight spaces with a small ball can be exciting too.
Back in elementary and middle school, we used to kick a volleyball around in the corner of the gym for fun.
Speaking of soccer, the comedian Tsuchiya from the duo Knights has been popularizing something called “eraser soccer,” which seems to be catching on among kids!
Strikeout
“Strikeout,” which is hugely popular on TV shows and the like, is also one of the fun games you can play with a ball.
First, buy garden poles at a home improvement store and fasten them with vinyl tape to make a frame.
Then attach number-marked panels to the frame with vinyl tape as well, so they can come off easily.
Throw a soft ball, and the person who knocks off the most panels within the time limit wins.
Besides throwing directly, you can also use a racket or bat to hit a pitched ball and knock the panels off.
kemari (a traditional Japanese ball-kicking game)
It’s a classical sport that’s also performed at Japanese festivals.
One distinctive feature is the use of a leather ball (mari), but the rules themselves are very simple—essentially like doing keep-ups with multiple people.
In fact, you don’t even need the traditional ball to play, so why not try it with a soccer ball, for example?
[Fun Ball Sports] A Collection of Ball Games and Sports (41–50)
Flappy Ball Carrying Relay
Here’s an arranged version of a relay where you carry a ball using a uchiwa fan.
The rules are very simple: you fan a colored ball with the uchiwa and carry it to the goal.
Because colored balls are light, they don’t always go in the direction you expect.
It helps build concentration, and it’s fun for the whole team to celebrate when the ball makes it into the goal.
You might also try mixing in balls other than colored balls.
It’s a great idea to get creative and incorporate it into your sports day events!
Ball-passing game
It’s a game where each team lines up in a single vertical file and transports a ball.
The person at the front holds the ball, passes it to the person behind, then moves to the back of the line, causing the whole line to advance.
The first team to reach the goal wins! Adding rules for how to pass the ball—such as passing it under the legs or over the head—makes it even more fun.
Since it’s crucial not to drop the ball, teamwork becomes very important, helping players develop cooperation and communication skills.
