No.335
KIN-BALL: An Introduction
Japanese name: キンボールスポーツ（入門）
Materials
- A large, lightweight KIN-BALL and pump
- 4 bibs in each of three colours
- Boundary markers and scoreboards for three teams
How to play
- Form three colour-coded teams of four on a large square court. Three members of one team support the ball at the centre; the fourth strikes it. Appoint a facilitator.
- The striker first calls the receiving colour, for example “Omnikin, blue!” The facilitator repeats it. With all four team members in contact with the ball, the striker sends it upwards.
- Only the called team works together to catch it before it touches the floor. The other teams give way. Send it at least about 1.8 m; do not smash downwards.
- The catching team supports the ball with three players, changes striker and calls the next colour. Once comfortable, call the highest-scoring opposing team; if leading, call the next-highest team.
- A drop, out-of-bounds ball or wrong call gives each of the other two teams one point. The team making the error restarts nearby. This version uses 3-minute rounds, with rests and role changes.
Ways to adapt
Younger primary: begin with four-person handovers without striking. Preschool: touch a ball supported by an instructor. This version uses 3-minute rotations rather than the full regulation timing and period system.