Kickball Basics

First, remember that Kickball is about having fun and being a big kid. So if you're not having fun there's a problem. Below are some basic tips and strategies.

The strike zone is 1 foot to either side, or 1 foot above the plate. Balls outside or bouncing higher than 1 foot are balls.

When you kick the ball your plant foot (non kicking foot) must be behind the front edge of home plate but in front of the cones. Kicks behind the cones or in front of the plate are foul balls and if caught, result in an out.

Keep the ball on the ground when kicking if possible. Kicking with the top or side of your foot instead of your toes helps.

ALWAYS RUN LIKE HELL TO 1st base. You are allowed to overrun 1st base and cannot be tagged out for not being on the base unless you turned slightly to 2nd at which point the ref can call intent to run to 2nd.

Do not overrun 2nd or 3rd as you can be tagged out if at any time your foot is not on the base.

Bunting is a good strategy to get runners on 1st and 2nd. Bunting with a runner on 3rd is a bad idea. If there are runners on 1st and 2nd and NO outs a sacrifice bunt TOWARDS 1st will get those runners to 2nd and 3rd. Otherwise, bunting is not a good idea with runners on 1st and 2nd. Just kick away!

With a runner on 1st, your best bet is to kick it to left field between 2nd/3rd.

With a runner on 1st and 2nd kick towards right field between 1st/2nd. This gives the runner at 2nd a chance to get to 3rd and possibly score.

On a ball that is kicked high (pop up or fly ball), do not run to the next base (unless there are 2 outs) until the ball is touched and dropped, or caught. If you run immediately and the ball is caught you would have to return to the base you just left and possibly be tagged out. Let's say a ball is kicked deep into right field and a runner is on 3rd. As soon as someone touches and drops or even catches the ball, the 3rd base runner can run home.

If there are 2 outs, RUN ON ANY KICK, you have nothing to lose.

Fielding: CALL YOUR CATCHES! Outfield should play deep if in doubt. It's easier to run IN on a ball than chase one OUT into the field. Back eachother up outfielders! Outfield should back up folks working the bases to stop overthrows.

Listen to base coaches at 1st and 3rd telling you to stay/hold or run.

Sacrifice fly. With a fast runner on 3rd and 0 or 1 outs, a deep fly ball can get that runner home because the person on 3rd can run home as soon as the ball is touched/caught.

Throwing: Take the extra few seconds to get a steady stance and make a GOOD throw. It's much better to hold a runner at 2nd with a good throw as opposed to making a wild over-throw and that runner getting to 3rd or even home.

When fielding, ALWAYS get the ball to the pitcher as soon as possible. Play stops when the pitcher has the ball and runners must hold their bases.

Anything I missed? Post a comment.