Matball Kickball
A kickball variation where the bases are big gym mats that can hold several runners at once. Students practice kicking a rolled ball, running the bases, and deciding when to take a risk and when to stay put.
How to play
- Set 4 mats in a diamond 50–60 ft apart and cone off the kicking area; split the class into two teams of 12–13 with pinnies: one kicks, the other spreads out to field (2 min).
- A fielder rolls the soft ball to the kicking area; the kicker gets 3 tries and, after the kick, runs to the first mat or farther if it looks safe.
- Any number of runners can share a mat and nobody is forced to run: on every kick, each runner decides whether to go to the next mat or stay.
- A runner is out for that play if the kick is caught in the air or a fielder tags them with the ball in hand between mats; they go back to their team line and still get their turn to kick.
- Every runner who reaches the fourth mat scores 1 run; a full trip around on their own kick scores 2.
- The inning ends when the whole team has kicked; switch roles and play 2 innings per team (23 min).
Rules
- Safety: tag with the ball held in your hand, below the shoulders; never throw the ball at runners.
- Mats are safe zones: no jumping onto or pushing anyone already on a mat.
- Kicks are on a rolled ball; if it bounces too much, roll it again.
Variations
Easier
Kick a stationary ball set in a hoop and move the mats in to 40 ft.
Standard
Rolled ball, mats 50–60 ft apart, and unlimited runners on each base.
Harder
Only three runners may stay on a mat, so everyone else has to keep running.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: kick a stationary ball and have a buddy run for them, or count reaching the first mat as 1 run.
- Autism or shyness: post the kicking order where everyone can see it and pair them with a buddy who tells them when to go.
- Fitness level: students who tire quickly field the infield and take a turn as roller in the second inning.
Learning goals
- Kick a rolled ball toward open space.
- Decide when to run or stay based on where the fielders are.
- Follow safe-tag rules and the kicking order.
Equipment for a class of 25
- soft balls: 2
- mats: 4
- cones: 8
- pinnies: 13
Teacher tip
Keep at least 6 ft between the mats and the gym walls. If runners pile up and never leave a mat, remind them that a full trip on their own kick is worth double.
PatioLab has "Matball Kickball" and 2499 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More activities like this
More main activities for Elementary
1-on-1 Mini Volleyball Up and Down the River
One-on-one mini volleyball duels on 3 x 3 m courts under a rope 2 m high, using a receive, self-set and send rule.
1v1 Four-Gate Soccer Duels
In a square with a gate on each side, two players go head to head and score by dribbling through any of the four gates.
2-on-2 Mini Volleyball with a Neutral Setter
Two-on-two mini volleyball with a neutral setter under the rope who always plays for the team with the ball.
2v1 Attack Waves to Mini Goals
Two attackers take on one defender and try to score on a small goal in under 10 seconds.
3v1 Basketball Keep-Away Squares
In coned squares, three players pass the ball without dribbling while one defender in the middle tries to intercept.
3v3 Mini-Volleyball with Set Passes
Small-sided 3v3 mini-volleyball on small courts, with a bonus for building the play with a set.