Instructions:​
​
-
The game begins when a chosen player holds the ball and yells, “Ga!” The other plays respond with, “Ga!” to indicate they are ready. Then the ball is thrown against the side of the playing area or up in the air. When the ball bounces once, it is considered “live” and play begins.
-
Players hit the ball at the other players while using their hands to block. If a player is hit, or just touched by the ball, they are out.
-
If a player “double hits” the ball, they are out. The ball may be hit twice by the same player if it bounces off the ball between the two hits. Just touching the ball counts as a hit.
-
Players removed from the game stand still on the sides or in the corners of the play area. They are treated as walls when balls bounce off them during play.
-
Continue removing eliminated players, until only two players remain. These two players have a showdown to see who wins the game. Holding the ball is still not allowed, although the final two players may touch the ball three times in a row.
​
​
Hints:
-
If you keep facing the ball, you are less likely to be eliminated.
-
Stand hunched over with your arms and fists in front of your legs, palms facing out.
-
Try jumping to avoid the ball.
-
Face the ball at all times, and you will be tough to eliminate.
-
If you are an older player, try hitting the ball with your fists. This is not suggested if playing with young children who might be hurt.
-
Play defensively as well as offensively, trying to stop the ball instead of just hitting it.
-
Don’t forget to use the walls to bounce the ball and hit the other players from behind.
-
Ask if it is okay to use the stance of putting the hands in front of the legs. This move, called “turtling,” is sometimes against the rules.
​
Variations:
-
If you have boards enclosing the playing area, have eliminated players crouch outside the boards. These players are allowed to hit the ball to get a still-participating player out of the game. If they manage to do so, they take the player’s place.
-
Players in some games are eliminated for hitting a ball out of bounds.
-
Rules may include that players are only eliminated if the ball hits them from the waist down.
-
Another variation allows catching the ball when it is in the air to eliminate the player who hit a pop-up.
-
Sometimes games are played with more than one ball.
-
Gaga Ball can also be played as a team game.
​
​
​
For more Information go to www.icebreakerideas.com.
​
