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!
- [Sports] Recreational games using a ball [Play]
- No worries even in the rain! Fun recreational activities you can do in the gym
- [2026] Easy sports anyone can do. Popular “yuru-sports” (casual/relaxed sports).
- [Play Right Away!] Exciting Recreation Games Recommended for Elementary School Students
- [For Junior High Students] A Summary of Sports You Can Do in the Gym
- [Sports] Play that gets you moving. A roundup of exercises perfect for adults.
- Recreation Ideas That Truly Excite High School Students! A Fun Collection of Activities
- [For University Students] A Roundup of Fun Games and Recreational Activities
- A roundup of recreational activities for having fun with colored balls
- Outdoor Recreation Popularity Rankings
- Sports that everyone can enjoy regardless of age. Including Yuru Sports.
- Recommended outdoor recreation for junior high school students: A roundup of fun outdoor activities
- A simple and fun co-op game that enhances teamwork
[Fun Ball Sports] A Collection of Ball Games and Sports (41–50)
Dodgeball tag
Ball Tag with a Throw is a high-energy indoor game that’s hugely popular in after-school programs.
The rules are simple: the “it” player chases with a ball and tries to tag the others by hitting them with it.
Despite its simplicity, the speed and thrill make it incredibly exciting! Whoever gets hit by the ball becomes the next “it,” so the game keeps changing rapidly and never gets boring.
Using a soft ball makes it safe for indoor play.
In smaller spaces, you can adjust by setting boundaries or requiring shorter strides.
It’s a perfect game to bring out lots of energy and create a lively, fun time.
Lacrosse
It’s an unusual sport where you carry the ball with a stick that has a cross-shaped head.
You use centrifugal force to keep hold of the ball, making it quite a technical and interesting sport.
There’s also a children’s version called “soft lacrosse.”
Dodge it, nimbly!
Split into two teams and play the game “Dodge and Deliver!” using small balls and a large ball.
The game uses the court both lengthwise and widthwise.
Place a bucket filled with balls and an empty bucket at opposite ends of the court.
Players carry the small balls and try to put them into the empty bucket.
However, if a player is hit by a large ball thrown by the opposing team, they’re out and must return to the starting bucket.
There is a safe zone around the buckets where getting hit doesn’t count.
The goal is to see which team can put the most balls into the empty bucket.
Ball-carrying relay with defense
Here’s an idea for a sports day activity: “Line Ball Carry with Defense.” The rules are very simple.
It’s a relay-style game where the team works together to carry a ball to the goal.
The basic rule is to transport the ball without dropping it and score by getting it into the goal while avoiding the opposing team’s defense.
More important than winning or losing is spending a fun time together.
It’s perfect for sports day because it encourages teamwork and communication.
Join forces with everyone and make wonderful memories!
futsal
Futsal looks similar to soccer, but its rules differ in many details.
People often imagine it as a scaled-down version of soccer, with a smaller court and fewer players, but having fewer players doesn’t make it easier—futsal has its own unique excitement and ways to enjoy it.
Soccer is played with eleven players, while futsal is played with five.
The position names also differ from those in soccer.
Both the first and second halves are 20 minutes long, and the clock stops when the ball goes out of play.
Because the playing time is shorter, it may be a ball sport that’s easier for children to enjoy.
ball toss (traditional Japanese beanbag/ball-throwing game)
Tamaire, the ball-toss game you often see at sports days and school athletic festivals.
The rules are very simple, and there’s no strict limit on the number of players, so it’s easy to play.
Preparing the baskets to throw the balls into might be a bit of work, but you could get creative and use laundry baskets, for example.
With the right ideas, it could become something special.
baseball
A traditional ball game loved by everyone from children to adult men—and in recent years, with the rise of the “Carp girls,” it’s been gaining popularity among women too.
The pitcher throws the ball, and the batter tries to hit it back against a variety of pitches and sheer power.
The mind games with every single pitch keep you on the edge of your seat! Of course, it’s also fun to watch the defense doing their best to prevent hits, and as a simple game of throwing and hitting a ball, it’s incredibly enjoyable.
It’s said that even Ichiro used to frequent batting cages when he was young to hone his skills.
The joy you feel when you connect with a pitch is something you’ll never forget!
