Kin-Ball Color Call Serve and Catch
A Kin-Ball lead-up game focused on its key skill: one team serves the giant ball after calling another team's color, and that team must catch it before it touches the floor. Students practice team organization, reaction time, and catching with the whole body.
How to play
- Use an area about 65 by 65 feet marked with cones. Three teams of 8 in three pinnie colors; 4 players per team are on the court each play while the other 4 wait to sub in.
- The serve: three players on the serving team hold the ball at waist height, and the fourth calls 'Omnikin' plus another team's color before striking it with both hands.
- The ball must travel at least 6 feet sideways or upward. The called team must catch it with any body part before it touches the floor.
- If they catch it, that team serves next from where it was caught. If it hits the floor, the other two teams each score 1 point.
- Every 2 plays, each team's 4 players swap with the 4 waiting. Play blocks of 5 minutes.
- After 3 blocks, take 2 minutes for each team to discuss how to set up on defense: in a square covering the court so they can reach any serve.
Rules
- The hitter must call 'Omnikin' and the color before striking; if not, the other teams score.
- No pushing other players to get to the ball.
- Strike with open hands or arms, never with the foot.
- All four team members must touch the ball on the serve.
Variations
Easier
Allow one bounce before the catch and shorter serves.
Standard
Serve with a color call and catch with no bounce.
Harder
The team must serve within 5 seconds after catching the ball.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: help hold the ball on the serve or strike it seated, and a catch counts if it touches the student's body.
- Hearing impairment: along with calling the color, the server holds up a pinnie in that color.
- Shyness: let the student be a holder first and strike only when ready.
Learning goals
- Serve and receive the Kin-Ball as a coordinated team.
- React quickly to a verbal signal.
- Organize the team in space to defend.
Equipment for a class of 25
- giant ball: 1
- colored pinnies: 24
- cones: 8
Teacher tip
Check that the ball isn't overinflated and remind students to serve with moderate force. Rotating four at a time is key so nobody stands and watches for long.
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