Rookie to Ringer
Zero experience needed. If you can kick a rolling ball and run, you already know most of what it takes. Here's the rest.
8–11 players per team on the field, with bigger rosters common for substitutions.
One rubber kickball, four bases, and a flat open field. That's genuinely it.
A diamond shape just like baseball or softball — home plate, first, second, third.
Kick, run the bases, and score more runs than the other team before time or innings run out.
The Basics
Split into two teams. One team kicks (offense), the other spreads out across the field to defend (defense). Teams switch roles after three outs.
The pitcher rolls the ball along the ground toward home plate — no bouncing it high, no throwing it hard. It should be an easy, catchable roll for the kicker.
The kicker kicks the ball at or behind home plate as it rolls by, then immediately takes off running toward first base. A kick that goes backward or way off to the side is usually called a foul, just like in baseball.
Runners move counter-clockwise: first, second, third, then home. You can stop safely at any base, but you're only truly safe once the play is over.
The defense can record an out three ways: catching a kicked ball in the air, tagging a base before a forced runner arrives, or throwing the ball to hit a runner directly below the shoulders. A throw that hits above the shoulders doesn't count as an out — player safety always comes first.
Every time a runner crosses home plate safely, that's one run. After the defense records three outs, the teams switch sides. Most adult recreational games run 7 innings, or until a set time limit is reached.
Free Download
Show up to game day ready. One clean sheet with a 7-inning scoreboard, a 16-player roster table, and space for game notes — free to print, copy, and share with your league.
Free, no email required. Letter size (8.5" × 11"), print-ready.
Common Questions
Most recreational leagues play with 8 to 11 players per team on the field at once, though rosters are often larger to allow substitutions throughout the game.
Most adult recreational kickball games run 7 innings, though this varies by league — some use time limits instead of a fixed inning count.
Yes — that's one of the things that makes kickball unique. A defender can get a runner out by hitting them with a thrown ball below the shoulders. Hits above the shoulders don't count as an out and are treated as a safety violation.
Absolutely — it's one of the most beginner-friendly team sports there is. If you can kick a rolling ball and run, you're ready to play. No special gear or experience required.
Ready to Play?
Now that you know the rules, go find a league near you and get in the game.
Find a League