history of kickball essay

The Evolution of Kickball: From Schoolyard Game to Competitive Sport

Kickball has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a schoolyard game. Over the years, this beloved pastime has evolved into a competitive sport that attracts players of all ages and skill levels. In this article, we will explore the fascinating journey of kickball’s transformation, from its origins to its current status as a legitimate sport. Discover how rule modifications, organized leagues, and a growing community have contributed to the evolution of kickball into a thrilling and widely recognized activity. Join us as we delve into the history and development of kickball, uncovering the factors that have shaped it into the exciting sport it is today.

The Origins of Kickball

Kickball, a beloved schoolyard game and now a competitive sport, has a fascinating history that traces back to ancient times. The origins of kickball can be seen in various cultures around the world, each contributing to the evolution of this entertaining game.

The History of Kickball

Kickball has its roots in ancient Greek and Roman games, such as "Episkyros" and "Harpastum." These games involved kicking a ball and were played by both children and adults. The concept of kicking a ball for recreational purposes spread throughout Europe during the Middle Ages.

In the early 20th century, kickball gained popularity in the United States as a schoolyard game. It was an affordable and accessible activity that required minimal equipment, making it an ideal choice for physical education classes. Over time, the game evolved from a simple pastime to a more organized and competitive sport.

Kickball Rules and Gameplay

Kickball is played with a large inflated ball, similar to a soccer ball, on a field with bases and a pitcher’s mound. The objective of the game is for teams to score runs by kicking the ball and running around the bases without getting tagged out by the opposing team.

The rules of kickball are straightforward and easy to understand. Each team typically consists of 9-11 players, with an equal number of players from each team taking turns as kickers and fielders. The game follows a similar structure to baseball, with innings, outs, and runs.

To start the game, one team kicks the ball, and the opposing team fields the ball and attempts to tag out the runners. The kicker must try to kick the ball and reach one of the bases safely. If a player is tagged out or caught out, they are considered out and must leave the field until their next turn.

Kickball combines elements of soccer and baseball, creating an exciting and accessible sport for players of all ages. It promotes teamwork, physical activity, and strategic thinking.

In recent years, kickball has gained popularity as a competitive sport, with organized leagues and tournaments being held worldwide. This evolution from a simple schoolyard game to a competitive sport showcases the enduring appeal and adaptability of kickball.

Overall, the origins, history, and gameplay of kickball highlight its transformation from a casual pastime to a respected sport. Whether played in schoolyards or on professional fields, kickball continues to captivate players and spectators alike with its unique blend of athleticism and fun.

Kickball in Schools

Kickball as a popular schoolyard game.

Kickball has long been a beloved schoolyard game among children of all ages. The game’s simplicity and accessibility make it a favorite choice during recess and physical education classes. The evolution of kickball from a casual pastime to a competitive sport can be traced back to its roots in schools.

In schoolyards across the country, kickball has gained popularity due to its easy-to-understand rules and minimal equipment requirements. Children of all skill levels can participate, regardless of their athletic abilities. The game is played with a large rubber ball, similar to a playground ball, and bases are marked with cones or chalk.

One of the reasons why kickball has become a popular schoolyard game is because it promotes teamwork and social interaction. The game encourages cooperation among players, as they work together to achieve a common goal. Whether it’s strategizing on the field or cheering for their teammates, kickball fosters a sense of camaraderie among students.

Incorporation into Physical Education Programs

Recognizing the benefits of kickball, many schools have incorporated the game into their physical education programs. Physical education teachers often use kickball as a way to engage students in physical activity while teaching them fundamental skills such as running, kicking, and catching.

By introducing kickball in physical education classes, schools provide students with an opportunity to develop their motor skills and improve their overall fitness levels. The game involves a combination of running, kicking, and throwing, which helps students enhance their coordination, agility, and cardiovascular endurance.

Moreover, kickball offers a break from traditional sports such as basketball or soccer, adding variety to physical education classes. This variety allows students to explore different sports and find activities they enjoy, potentially sparking an interest in lifelong physical activity.

In conclusion, kickball’s popularity as a schoolyard game has paved the way for its incorporation into physical education programs. Its simplicity, inclusivity, and focus on teamwork make it an ideal choice for schools aiming to promote physical activity and social interaction among students. As kickball continues to evolve from a simple schoolyard game to a competitive sport, its roots in schools remain strong.

Kickball Leagues and Tournaments

The rise of organized kickball leagues.

In recent years, kickball has experienced a significant rise in popularity, transforming from a simple schoolyard game into a highly organized and competitive sport. One of the main reasons behind this evolution is the establishment of organized kickball leagues. These leagues provide players of all ages and skill levels with the opportunity to participate in regular kickball games and tournaments.

Organized kickball leagues offer a structured environment for players to showcase their skills and compete against other teams. They often have multiple divisions, catering to different skill levels, ensuring that players of all abilities can find a suitable level of competition. These leagues typically have a regular season, where teams play against each other in scheduled matches, followed by playoffs or championship games to determine the ultimate winner.

Joining an organized kickball league not only allows players to enjoy the thrill of competition but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and community. Teams often form lasting friendships and bonds through their shared love for the sport. Additionally, leagues often organize social events and gatherings, further enhancing the sense of community among players.

Competitive Kickball Tournaments

In addition to organized leagues, competitive kickball tournaments have become increasingly popular in the world of kickball. These tournaments gather teams from different leagues and regions to compete against each other in a high-stakes setting. The tournaments often have cash prizes, trophies, and other incentives for the winning teams.

Competitive kickball tournaments provide an opportunity for teams to test their skills against the best of the best. They attract highly skilled players and teams who are passionate about kickball and are eager to showcase their abilities on a larger stage. The level of competition in these tournaments is intense, with teams strategizing and refining their gameplay to gain an edge over their opponents.

Participating in competitive kickball tournaments not only allows teams to challenge themselves but also exposes them to different playing styles and strategies. This exposure can lead to the growth and development of kickball as a sport, as teams learn from each other and adapt their techniques accordingly.

Professional Kickball Teams

With the growing popularity of kickball, the concept of professional kickball teams has started to emerge. These teams consist of highly skilled and dedicated players who compete at the highest level of kickball. While professional kickball teams are still in the early stages of development, they hold the promise of further elevating the sport and attracting a wider audience.

Professional kickball teams would bring a new level of professionalism and competitiveness to the sport. They would have dedicated training facilities, coaching staff, and sponsorship deals, providing players with the resources they need to excel. The emergence of professional kickball teams would also create opportunities for players to pursue kickball as a career, further legitimizing the sport and attracting top talent.

In conclusion, kickball has evolved from a simple schoolyard game to a highly organized and competitive sport. The establishment of organized kickball leagues, the rise of competitive kickball tournaments, and the potential emergence of professional kickball teams all contribute to the growth and popularity of the sport. Whether playing for fun or competing at a professional level, kickball has undoubtedly come a long way.

Evolution of Kickball Equipment

Traditional kickball equipment.

In its early days as a schoolyard game, kickball required minimal equipment. All that was needed was a rubber ball and a flat surface, such as a playground or a street. The ball used in traditional kickball was typically a standard rubber playground ball, similar to the ones used in other sports like dodgeball or four square. These balls were durable and affordable, making them accessible to players of all ages and backgrounds.

Players participating in traditional kickball games would often wear regular athletic shoes or sneakers. There was no specific footwear required, as long as it provided enough grip to prevent slipping on the playing surface. Similarly, players would wear comfortable clothing suitable for physical activity, such as shorts and t-shirts.

Innovations in Kickball Gear

As kickball has gained popularity and evolved into a more competitive sport, there have been several innovations in kickball gear to enhance the playing experience and improve performance. These innovations have aimed to make the game safer, more enjoyable, and provide players with a competitive edge.

One significant innovation in kickball equipment is the development of specialized kickball balls. These balls are designed to optimize performance, offering better grip, durability, and control during gameplay. They often feature a textured surface or unique patterns that enhance the ball’s aerodynamics, allowing players to achieve more accurate kicks and throws.

In addition to improved balls, there have also been advancements in kickball footwear. Many players now opt for cleats, similar to those used in soccer or baseball, to maximize traction on the playing surface. Cleats provide enhanced grip, allowing players to make quick movements and change directions with ease. Some cleats specifically designed for kickball even have features like reinforced toe caps to withstand the repeated impact of kicking the ball.

The evolution of kickball equipment has also extended to protective gear. As the sport has become more competitive, players have started using knee pads and shin guards to minimize the risk of injuries during intense gameplay. These protective gears provide cushioning and support, particularly for players who frequently slide or dive during kickball matches.

In summary, kickball has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a simple schoolyard game. The evolution of kickball equipment has played a significant role in transforming it into a competitive sport. From the traditional rubber playground ball to specialized kickball balls, from regular athletic shoes to specialized cleats, and from no protective gear to knee pads and shin guards, the advancements in kickball gear have enhanced the game’s overall experience for players of all skill levels.

Kickball as a Social Activity

Kickball, once a simple schoolyard game, has evolved into a popular sport that not only provides physical activity and competition but also serves as a social activity. This classic game brings people together, promoting interaction, cooperation, and camaraderie among participants. Whether played among friends or as part of organized leagues, kickball has become a go-to option for individuals looking to engage in a fun and social activity.

Kickball as a Team-Building Activity

One of the main reasons kickball has gained popularity as a social activity is its ability to foster teamwork and build strong relationships among players. When playing kickball, individuals must work together to achieve a common goal – winning the game. This requires effective communication, coordination, and cooperation among team members. As players strategize, encourage one another, and celebrate successes together, they develop a sense of unity and solidarity that extends beyond the field.

Kickball offers a unique opportunity for team building, allowing individuals from different backgrounds and skill levels to come together and form lasting connections. Whether in a corporate setting or among groups of friends, participating in kickball as a team-building activity can enhance problem-solving skills, improve communication, and strengthen bonds among participants. By working together towards a shared objective, players learn to trust and rely on one another, building a supportive and cohesive team environment.

Kickball as a Social Sport

In addition to team building, kickball is a social sport that encourages interaction and fosters a sense of community. Unlike traditional sports that may require specialized skills or intense competition, kickball is accessible to individuals of all ages and abilities. Its simplicity and easy-to-understand rules make it an inclusive game that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Kickball leagues and tournaments provide an opportunity for people to come together, socialize, and have fun while engaging in friendly competition. Participants not only enjoy the thrill of the game but also the chance to meet new people, make friends, and expand their social networks. Whether cheering on teammates, celebrating victories, or simply enjoying the company of others, kickball as a social sport creates a sense of belonging and camaraderie that extends beyond the game itself.

In conclusion, kickball has transformed from a schoolyard game to a competitive sport that offers a wide range of social benefits. It serves as a team-building activity, promoting cooperation and unity among players, while also providing a platform for social interaction and community building. Whether played casually among friends or as part of organized leagues, kickball continues to evolve as a popular social activity that brings people together, fosters friendships, and creates lasting memories.

In conclusion, the evolution of kickball from a simple schoolyard game to a competitive sport has been remarkable. With its origins dating back to the early 20th century, kickball has undergone significant changes in rules, gameplay, and level of competitiveness. Today, it is not only played by children during recess but also by adults in organized leagues and tournaments. The inclusion of strategy, skill, and teamwork has transformed it into a sport that demands athleticism and sportsmanship. As kickball continues to gain popularity and recognition, it is clear that its evolution is far from over. The future holds exciting possibilities for the growth and development of kickball as a competitive sport.

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Lang Ball: Forgotten Nineteenth-Century Baseball Derivative and Peculiar Kickball Ancestor

This article was written by  Chad Moody

This article was published in Fall 2021 Baseball Research Journal

T he researchers at Protoball — the de facto authorities on baseball’s ancestral and descendant games — unsurprisingly categorize the popular recreational sport of kickball as a baseball derivative. 1 But how did kickball originate?

In On the Origins of Sports: The Early History and Original Rules of Everybody’s Favorite Games , authors Gary Belsky and Neil Fine contend that kickball was invented around 1917 by Nicholas Seuss, a Cincinnati Park Board playgrounds director. 2 The World Kickball Association (WKA) disputes this commonly held belief, and instead posits this theory: “Emmett D. Angell is credited with the earliest known rules and diagrams describing a game very close to modern kickball in 1910 is his book Play . We believe the accreditation of Nicholas C. Seuss as the creator to be incorrect, he described the game seven years after Angell in 1917.” 3

The WKA is probably on the right track with its claim, but the truth might be found in a long-forgotten baseball offshoot known as Lang ball. Before we endeavor to probe this curious game, we should explore other kickball precursors.

Research indicates that Seuss brainstormed his creation earlier than commonly believed. “Prof. Suess [ sic ] of the North Cincinnati Turners has brought a new [kickball-type] game to Cincinnati,” reported the Dayton Herald on January 29, 1907 — some 10 years prior to the oft-credited origination date. 4 Called “kick base ball” in The Playground Book in 1917, Seuss’s game resembled today’s kickball with a notable difference of the ball being kicked either from a stationary position off the ground or via a drop or bounce kick; there was no pitching of the ball. 5 Additionally, fielders had no specific positional assignments and were all irregularly arranged within the diamond. And curiously, multiple baserunners could occupy the same base simultaneously. Rules specified the use of a basketball or volleyball.

As in Seuss’s case, references to Angell’s version of the game can also be found several years earlier than the typically cited creation date. Indeed, the University of Wisconsin physical education professor did formally document his game’s rules in Play: Comprising Games for the Kindergarten Playground, Schoolroom and College (1910). 6 But six years earlier on April 25, 1904, the Minneapolis Journal reported that Angell was the inventor of “kicking baseball,” which had been “tried and proved eminently successful in Wisconsin, Michigan and elsewhere.” 7

Despite preceding Seuss’s kick base ball by at least three years, Angell’s game much more closely resembled today’s kickball, and was “played just the same as baseball, with a few exceptions.” 8 As with baseball, the game featured typical fielding positions, including a battery, with the pitcher delivering the ball (a basketball) to the kicker.

Mystery solved? Well, not quite. In 1901, an organized game of “kickball” was played by youngsters in Chattanooga, Tennessee. “The game of kickball between the teams of the junior department of the YMCA and the First district school resulted in a victory for the First district with a score of 10 to 9,” reported the Chattanooga Sunday Times on December 15, 1901. “This sport is creating much interest among the boys.” 9 a few months later, a five-inning game was exhibited again by the junior members of the Chattanooga YMCA that featured “as much excitement as if it had been a professional game.” 10 Pitchers were listed on the rosters, but catchers were not; therefore, it is inconclusive whether the ball was delivered to the kicker as in the modern game. Because the rosters featured typical baseball fielding positions, the game seems to most closely align with Angell’s creation. However, the avid participation of members of the YMCA possibly suggests it to be a different game that stemmed from that same influential organization.

Over a decade before Angell’s kicking baseball game was first referenced, physical education instructor R.A. Clark documented the basic description and rules of “Lang ball” in an 1892 edition of Physical Education , a journal affiliated with the YMCA. According to Clark, the game “was probably invented by Mr. C.G. Lang, who [at the time was] the physical director of the Y.M.C.A. gymnasium at St. Joseph, Mo.” 11 Although no conclusive proof has been found to confirm Clark’s assertion, evidence beyond the game’s moniker does point to the validity of his claim.

Certainly, the Y itself was a veritable sports incubator in the late nineteenth century; basketball and volleyball were invented under its auspices at nearly the same time as Lang ball. And more specifically, Charles Gregory Lang is confirmed to have worked at the St. Joseph’s Y in the early 1890s, and numerous newspapers across the country also credited him as Lang ball’s inventor in subsequent years. 12 The highly educated and well-traveled Lang possessed the pedigree to invent and promote a novel game. “He was a thorough master of physical training in its every form, being a graduate in medicine and having had a two-year hospital experience,” reported the Trenton Evening Times . “He was an all-around [YMCA] man, having been a physical director in large associations.… Dr. Lang had considerable experience in coaching and training athletic teams and his assistance in that line was of immense value.” 13 And the Trenton Sunday Advertiser said: “In the opinion of leading association men over the country Dr. Lang belongs in the front rank of physical directors.” 14

Despite containing the earliest known reference to Lang ball, Clark’s March 1892 article provides one of the most detailed descriptions found to date of the unusual game, complete with an artist’s rendering of players in action. Conversely, on October 13, 1894, the York (PA) Gazette provided this concise — but proficient — summarization of Lang ball: “The ball used in this game is a round inflated foot ball [soccer ball]. It is batted with the soles of the feet, the batter at the time hanging from a bar [such as a horizontal bar utilized in gymnastics]. When the ball is served by the pitcher, he shoots out his legs and kicks it with both feet. Otherwise the game is base ball, the bases, runs, rules and scoring being just as in that game.” 15

One important fact missing in the brevity of the Gazette ’s description was that as in modern kickball, baserunners could be put out when struck by thrown balls in a practice known as “plugging.” Additionally, Clark’s published guidelines allowed a light medicine ball to be substituted for the soccer ball and offered some gameplay flexibility: “Any number can play the game. One side may play against another, or the players may rotate as in ‘one old cat.’ “ 16

Clark did not exactly offer a glowing review of Lang ball in his article. “This game has not as many points of excellence as basket ball,” he wrote. “In the latter, all the players are in brisk action at once, and during the entire game. In Lang ball it is mainly the runners who are active. Still, one game cannot be played all the time, and the game we have described makes a very pleasing variation from class work. In some places it has been played a great deal.” 17

Despite Clark’s lukewarm attitude toward the game, newspaper reports in early 1893 indicated that Lang ball was avidly being played from New York to Seattle and many places in between. Originally conceived as an indoor game but soon also played outdoors, it was particularly “in great favor” inside YMCA gymnasiums, perhaps unsurprisingly due to its purported invention and promotion by that organization. 18 Not only played by children, the game also attracted more mature participants. “Lang Ball has been pushed with business men’s class, more so than Basket Ball,” reported physical educator W.T. Owen of his New Bedford, Massachusetts, gymnasium in an 1895 issue of Physical Education . “The abdominal work in Lang Ball has been found to be very beneficial.” 19

And in the mid-1890s, it became a well-received pastime among “fashionable” women attending the prestigious East Coast colleges of Cornell, Vassar, and Wellesley. “Moreover, it is just the game for women, for, while it includes all the health-giving features of baseball, it does away with the roughness and danger,” opined the New Orleans Daily Picayune on April 12, 1896. “The batter runs no risk of being knocked senseless by having a hard ball crash against her skull, and the catcher does not fear for the safety of her pretty fingers.” 20 In a perhaps humorous sign of the times, the women competitors were prohibited from wearing skirts because the long, flowing garments had increasingly been used to capture fly balls.

Lang ball as played in 1892 as shown in Physical Education 1, No. 2, April 1892, page 32. (AUTHOR’S COLLECTION)

Regardless of participants’ sexes, the Daily Picayune story documented some of the most vivid accounts of Lang ball game play uncovered to date:

The home plate in lang would vex the heart of the professional ballplayer with doubt. Reared above it is an ordinary horizontal bar attached to side standards, the same as in use in all gymnasiums. The girl at the bat leaps up from the ground and catches hold of the bar with her hands. The pitcher uses a big rubber ball, about six inches in diameter and as elastic as a tennis ball. She tosses the ball with the hope of hitting the girl at the bat. If she succeeds, it is counted a strike. If the batter kicks at it and misses, it is also counted as a strike.… No balls are counted against the pitcher, it having been found unnecessary, as even the poorest kind of a thrower is able to toss the ball somewhere in the vicinity of the plate.… A clever batter or kicker is seldom counted out on strikes. The ball offers a good target, and by swinging back the body at the right instant, and giving the ball a hearty kick, the sphere can be sent flying into the far field.… Home runs are of frequent occurrence, for on a very little kick a clever base runner can make the round of the diamond. The ball is awkward to handle, and cannot be thrown any great distance. 21

Curiously, the article is accompanied by an illustration of a kicker striking the ball with the top of her foot and/or toe, which differs from the typical description of the ball being kicked with the soles of the feet.

The popularity of Lang ball — or “hang ball” or “hang base ball” as it also was occasionally known — continued throughout the decade of the 1900s, but its luster quickly wore off. Exemplifying the larger trend, hundreds of University of Idaho students were surveyed in 1910 to select their favorite of 18 different sports; only Lang ball failed to receive a single vote. 22 Around the same time as Lang’s sudden and untimely death from Bright’s disease (nephritis) in the mid-1910s, his creation began to vanish. 23

Scant evidence of the game’s existence can be found in the 1920s, and its swan song appears to be a brief mention in Play Games and Other Play Activities (1930) by physical educator Albert B. Wegener. 24 It might not be a coincidence that Lang ball’s demise coincided with the rise of the kickball forerunners formulated by Angell and Seuss; however, it is not known for certain whether there existed a causal connection between the events. In any case, it is not inconceivable that these scholars consciously attempted to emulate or even supplant Lang ball when devising their rival games. The formal study of physical education and an associated exchange of ideas among its academic community in the United States flourished in the early twentieth century. 25

Lang ball was a popular alternative to baseball among women on East Coast college campuses in the mid-1890s. (New Orleans Daily Picayune, April 12, 1896, 28.)

Lang ball itself may have been influenced by another baseball derivative. Numerous publications of the day described it as strongly resembling the more popular sport of indoor baseball. The rules of the two games were nearly identical, although importantly, plugging was not allowed in indoor baseball. Born around four years prior to Lang ball at Chicago’s Farragut Boat Club on Thanksgiving Day, 1887, indoor baseball, under its founder, George Hancock, quickly had official rules published and prominent leagues organized that drew many participants — and even big crowds.

On March 12, 1893, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer bluntly called Lang ball “an adaptation of indoor baseball.” 26 Indeed, at their inceptions both games were baseball derivatives rooted in the central idea of requiring larger and heavier balls to enable game play in confined indoor spaces. Indoor baseball later moved from gymnasiums to the outdoors and evolved into modern softball, thereby suggesting a surprisingly close familial relationship between the latter and kickball.

Some newspapers also alleged that Lang ball originated from old or even “ancient” games with a decidedly European bent. 27 But no obvious evidence to substantiate this claim can be found when consulting Protoball’s comprehensive kickball family of games, which are defined as “safe-haven games featuring running among bases, pitching, and two distinct teams (but no batting).” 28 All currently known European games in this family predating Lang ball initiated play through actions like throwing the ball or striking the ball with the hand; no actual kicking was involved.

However, a clue to finding Lang ball’s purported European roots can possibly be found in examining a key rule difference between it and baseball: plugging. The use of plugging (or “soaking”) to retire baserunners was outlawed in baseball decades before the birth of Lang ball, yet somehow found its way back into the latter game. Exploring an age-old European game in the baseball family might reveal Lang’s inspiration for resurrecting this bygone practice.

Played across Europe for centuries in different forms, a family of two-base, bat-and-ball baseball predecessor games known as “long ball” utilized plugging as an integral means by which to put runners out. 29 Not isolated only to Europe, long ball was heavily promoted by physical educators in the United States as a recreational activity in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries — the same timeframe that saw the advent of Lang ball. In fact, YMCA instructor James Naismith referenced long ball as one of the primary indoor games played in the early 1890s at the Massachusetts gymnasium in which he famously invented basketball. 30

Other physical educators of the day sang long ball’s praises, with Henry S. Curtis, a prominent American playground movement supporter, specifically singling out plugging as a key advantage of long ball. “This game has the added charm over baseball of throwing at the runner,” Curtis said. 31 And a Dallas school official called long ball “probably the best of all ball games for a large number of players in a limited space.” 32 Additionally, evidence of long ball’s possible influence on Lang may exist in another game promoted by the YMCA around the same time as Lang ball called “ling ball.” Also described as a two-base, bat-and-ball game with plugging, ling ball sounds suspiciously similar to long ball. 33

Aside from some minor popularity in West Michigan YMCAs in the early 1890s and an unremarkable reference to the game syndicated to a handful of 1896 newspapers, further mentions of ling ball seem nonexistent, so the game appears to have suffered a quick and unceremonious death. 34 In any case, Lang undoubtedly would have been familiar with long ball (and/or ling ball) in his professional capacity.

From a personal perspective, it is not beyond the realm of plausibility that knowledge of long ball was passed down within the Lang family. Three of Lang’s grandparents were natives of the heavily German-influenced Alsace region in France, where one-time German national pastime and long ball variant “das deutsche Ballspiel” (the German ballgame) was likely played. Now known as “Schlagball” in its more modern form, the venerable game is defined thusly on Protoball’s expansive website: “Schlagball is an ancient sport that was one of the usual team sports from the beginning of the German gymnastics and sports movement in the 19th century, and until well after the Second World War enjoyed great popularity in Germany.” 35

Lending some credence to the German-heritage long ball theory, while simultaneously deepening the mystery, the January 2, 1906, Hartford Daily Courant reported on local YMCA members playing an “amusing and vigorous” game of Lang ball, which “originated in Germany and is as old as our national game.” 36 However, this game was not exactly Lang ball, as evidenced by the Courant ’s gameplay description: “It is similar to indoor baseball, although the ball is as large as a football and the players bat with the palm of the hand instead of with a bat.” 37

The game appeared to closely mimic Lang ball — including plugging — aside from the method by which the batter struck the ball. But it’s unclear whether this was simply a case of mistaken identity or a deliberate alteration of Lang’s creation that possibly borrowed from a game known as “German bat ball.” A Schlagball variant in which the batter strikes the ball with an open hand and plugging is utilized, German bat ball was popularly promoted as a recreational activity for American children in the early twentieth century.

And adding to the intrigue, in The Practice of Organized Play: Play Activities Classified and Described , Michigan-based physical education professors Wilbur Bowen and Elmer Mitchell suggested this about German bat ball: “In the fall of the year it is especially fitting to play the game with the batsman kicking the ball instead of batting it.” 38 Although this was published in 1923, it opens the possibility that a kickball-type version of this long ball variant had been played in the United States and elsewhere much earlier.

Was long ball a key source of inspiration during the development of Lang ball? It would be speculative at best to say so, but it is worth considering when seeking to validate Lang ball’s alleged ties to European games of yore. Interestingly, the English word “long” translates to “lang” in German and in the languages of several other European countries in which long ball was played. One of these countries is Sweden, from which the “old Swedish game of ‘hang ball’ “ was revived as Lang ball according to the October 13, 1894, York Gazette . 39 It is possible that “hang” and “lang” were linguistically confounded in this case, or that there was confusion with another game of reported Swedish heritage involving participants hanging from a horizontal bar known as “hang tag.” 40 Between Lang ball, long ball, ling ball, and hang ball, the etymology here is curious to say the least.

Before proclaiming C.G. Lang the father of kickball, it should be mentioned that other baseball derivatives preceding Lang ball have been uncovered that feature kicking as a key element. In 1891, a Brooklyn street game called “kick the ball” was described by prominent ethnographer Stewart Culin. 41 Played on a typical baseball field layout, the game bore more than a passing resemblance to kickball, although there was no plugging of runners. Action began with the kicker booting either a small rubber ball or a baseball into the field of play from home plate; however, it is not documented whether the ball was delivered by a pitcher. 42 Minimal references to the game exist after this time.

And in the early 1880s, a new game, called “hildegarde,” marketed toward females due to its minimized “danger and laboriousness,” was described in several publications. 43 Stemming from England but quickly exported to the United States, hildegarde was described by the Minneapolis Daily Minnesota Tribune on September 23, 1883, as a “combination of football and cricket, [with] a big, soft ball being struck with a wide bat as well as kicked.” Reporting on the game as played in New York, the Tribune said: “It is the kicking that will subject a girl to condemnation, but she will be able to stand it if fully convinced that she looks well at the exercise.” 44

Oddly, no mention was made of kicking being allowed by rule in Leonora’s The New Out-Door Games of Hildegarde and Ladies’ Cricket , published in 1881. In the game described by the pseudonymous author as a “combination of the noble old English one of Cricket with the popular American one of Base-ball,” bats were used to strike the ball “as in Cricket.” 45 Some news reports in 1883 corroborated Leonora’s account of the game. “The latest thing in games is called hildegarde, and is a sort of cricket or rounders,” reported the Boston Daily Globe on July 22, 1883. “It is played with a ball, bats, and wickets, but the latter are circular and some feet off the ground.” 46 Other contemporaneous British accounts likened the game to a “curious hybrid of tennis, rounders, and cricket,” likewise with no mention of kicking. 47

As with many of the newly invented and promoted games from sports-crazed nineteenth-century England, hildegarde quickly “sank without a trace.” 48 So despite predating Lang’s creation, both kick the ball and the kicking variant of hildegarde appear to have only been games of limited shelf life isolated to the New York City area, thus leaving Lang ball as the likely progenitor of modern kickball — and arguably among the most peculiar of the baseball derivatives. 

CHAD MOODY is a nearly lifelong Detroit-area resident, where he has been a fan of the Detroit Tigers from birth. An alumnus of the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, he has spent 30 years working in the automotive industry. From his humble beginning of having a letter published in Baseball Digest as a teenager, Chad has since contributed to numerous SABR and Professional Football Researchers Association projects. He and his wife, Lisa, live in Northville, Michigan, with their dog, Daisy.

Acknowledgments

The author wishes to thank Alex Bentley of the Kautz Family YMCA Archives for her time and research assistance.

Ancestry.com , Archive.org , Chronicling America, GenealogyBank.com , NewspaperArchive.com , Newspapers.com , Paper of Record, and TheAncestorHunt.com .

   1. “Kickball,” Protoball, https://protoball.org/Kickball , accessed January 21, 2021.

   2. Gary Belsky and Neil Fine, On the Origins of Sports: The Early History and Original Rules of Everybody’s Favorite Games (New York: Artisan, 2016), 117.

   3. “Kickball FAQ,” World Kickball Association, https://kickball.com/faq , accessed January 19, 2021.

   4. “Chicago Man Introduces Kicking Base Ball to Reds,” Dayton Herald , January 29, 1907.

   5. Mary E. Gross, Carl Ziegler, and Randall J. Condon, The Playground Book (Cincinnati: Cincinnati Playgrounds, 1917), 82–83.

   6. Emmett Dunn Angell, Play: Comprising Games for the Kindergarten Playground, Schoolroom and College (Boston: Little, Brown, and Company, 1910), 71–72.

   7. “Autos Called Animals,” Minneapolis Journal , April 25, 1904.

   8. Angell, Play.

   9. “Game of Kickball,” Chattanooga Sunday Times , December 15, 1901.

10. “The Y.M.C.A. Exhibition,” Chattanooga News , March 4, 1902.

11. R.A. Clark. “Lang Ball.” Physical Education 1, no. 2 (April 1892): 31–32.

12. Year Book of the Young Men’s Christian Associations of the United States and Dominion of Canada for the Year 1891 (New York: International Committee of Young Men’s Christian Associations, 1891), 104; Year Book of the Young Men’s Christian Associations of North America for the Year 1892 (New York: International Committee of Young Men’s Christian Associations, 1892), 92; “Sabbath School Institute,” Albany (MO) Weekly Ledger , July 22, 1892; “A New Ball Game,” Buffalo Courier , May 30, 1894.

13. “Dr. C.D. Lang Dies at Home in Iowa,” Trenton Evening Times , January 30, 1915. The article uses an incorrect middle initial for Lang.

14. “Spicy Chat that Interests Athletes,” Trenton Sunday Advertiser , December 16, 1906.

15. “Y.M.C.A. Athletics,” Gazette (York, PA), October 13, 1894.

16. Clark. “Lang Ball.”

18. “Y.M.C.A. Athletic Notes,” Daily Standard-Union (Brooklyn), June 22, 1892.

19. “Personals.” Physical Education IV, no. 4 (June 1895): 62.

20. “Sports for College Girls,” Daily Picayune (New Orleans), April 12, 1896.

21. “Sports for College Girls.”

22. “Idaho Students Favor Basket Ball,” Spokane Chronicle , November 5, 1910.

23. “To Ship Remains of Dr. Lang Here,” Trenton Sunday Times-Advertiser , January 31, 1915. The article uses an incorrect middle initial for Lang.

24. Albert B. Wegener, Play Games and Other Play Activities (New York: Abingdon Press, 1930), 37.

25. Martha H. Verbrugge, Active Bodies: A History of Women’s Physical Education in Twentieth-Century America (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2012), 15–16.

26. “Y.M.C.A. Athletics,” Seattle Post-Intelligencer , March 13, 1893.

27. “Progress in Gym,” South Bend Tribune , December 14, 1907; “At the Y.M.C.A.,” Hartford Daily Courant , January 2, 1906; “Y.M.C.A. Athletics,” Gazette (York, PA), October 13, 1894.

28. “Kickball (Family of Games),” Protoball, https://protoball.org/Kickball_(Family_of_Games) , accessed January 21, 2021.

29. John Thorn, “Polish Workers Play Ball at Jamestown, Virginia in 1609,” Our Game, https://ourgame.mlblogs.com/polish-workers-play-ball-atjamestown-virginia-in-1609-a62de06c736 , June 19, 2011.

30. James Naismith, Basketball: Its Origin and Development (Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1996), 36.

31. Henry S. Curtis, Play and Recreation for the Open Country (Boston: Ginn and Company, 1914), 62–63.

32. “School Girl Officers Instructed in Games,” Dallas Morning News , January 30, 1910.

33. Frank Killam. “Games for the Young Men’s Christian Association Gymnasium.” Physical Education 4, no. 7 (September 1895): 91–92.

34. “Gymnasium Contest,” Evening Leader (Grand Rapids, MI), May 23, 1892; “The Y.M.C.A. Banquet,” Muskegon (MI) Daily Chronicle , April 26, 1893.

35. “Modern Rules of Schlagball,” Protoball, https://protoball.org/Modern_rules_of_Schlagball , accessed January 21, 2021.

36. “At the Y.M.C.A.,” Hartford Daily Courant , January 2, 1906.

37. “At the Y.M.C.A.”

38. Wilbur P. Bowen and Elmer D. Mitchell, The Practice of Organized Play: Play Activities Classified and Described (New York: A.S. Barnes and Company, 1923), 123.

39. “Y.M.C.A. Athletics,” Gazette (York, PA), October 13, 1894.

40. James Naismith. “Hang Tag.” Physical Education 1, no. 2 (April 1892): 30–31.

41. “Kick the Ball,” Protoball, https://protoball.org/Kick_the_Ball , accessed January 21, 2021.

42. Stewart Culin. “Street Games of Boys in Brooklyn, N.Y.,” The Journal of American Folklore 4, no. 14 (July–September 1891): 230–31.

43. Leonora [pseud.], The New Out-Door Games of Hildegarde and Ladies’ Cricket (Sheffield: A. Macdougall & Son, 1881), 4.

44. “Chat from Gotham,” Daily Minnesota Tribune (Minneapolis), September 23, 1883.

45. Leonora [pseud.], The New Out-Door Games , 3–5.

46. “General Notes,” Boston Daily Globe , July 22, 1883.

47. Peter Seddon, Tennis’s Strangest Matches: Extraordinary but True Stories from Over Five Centuries of Tennis (London: Robson Books, 2001), 55.

48. John Day, “Better on TV,” London Review of Books , https://lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v42/n19/jon-day/better-ontv , October 8, 2020; Seddon, Tennis’s Strangest Matches .

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Kickball Zone

Everything about kickball, a brief look at the history of kickball.

What do you actually know about kickball history? You probably played kickball as a child, or maybe you now enjoy the game with your friends, as an adult. Or perhaps, you have never played or heard about it. Like many other people, you most likely don’t know the history of this sport. In fact, it probably never crossed your mind how it all began. Truth is that this game is making a comeback. You will find both adults and children playing it in the park, field, and different social gatherings. Some are even taking it a step further and forming leagues to make the best of this recreational sport. But how did it all start?

A Brief Look at the Game

According to statistics, kickball also known as kick baseball is about a century old. Initially, it was mainly played by children but soldiers, during the Second World War, adopted it to keep themselves busy and entertained. After the WWII, its popularity started to decline but it started making a resurgence in the late 90’s. The activity has become part of the workout routines especially in the gyms and is popular with both adults and children. It follows similar rules to baseball or softball and uses a bouncy red rubber ball. However, instead of using a bat to hit the ball, the players use their feet to kick it. The kickball field is similar to that of baseball and comprises of a diamond, 2 teams, 4 bases, and home plate. Each team fields 10 or more players including a pitcher, baseman, outfielders, and catchers.

Early Kickball History

Initially, the game resembled baseball and comprised of basemen, pitchers, and a shortstop. In what is/was described as a “perfect pitch”, the ball, using an underhanded toss, is tossed and shouldn’t rise higher than the batter’s knee level. The batter kicks the ball and the runners move one position up. For each side, the kickers get 3 strikes, 4 balls, and the batters get 3 outs. Other than an additional shortstop, the early kickball was similar to baseball.

Modern Format

The modern form of kickball has slightly changed. 10 to 30 players are involved in this game and take positions outside a defined “Neutral Zone.” No player is allowed to leave this position until the ball is kicked from a 3-foot circle known as the home base. The kicked ball should move beyond the 5-foot line and the base runners move up one base from the ball. Unlike the traditional baseball or softball or early form of kickball, there are no outs and all the players get to kick the ball. For a comprehensive look at kickball today , you can check out our other articles.

Who Invented Kickball?

Adult Participation And WAKA Kickball

Initially, kick baseball was more of children’s game. However, it was documented that adults, especially World War II soldiers took up the game later on. The resurgence of this sport from the late 90s has seen more adults participating compared to children and many have formed organizations and leagues. The most notable is the World Adult Kickball Association (WAKA Kickball) that was formed in Washington, D.C. As of 2011. WAKA Kickball now has a presence in 30 states, and includes 200 divisions, 2,000 teams, and more than 40,000 players all over the over the country. Kickball leagues have sprung up in many States including St. Louis, San Francisco, and New York.

Spread Of The Sport

Kickball history shows us that the sport started in North America, and that is also where it’s most famous. However, the sport is spreading to other parts of the world. In South Korea, for instance, it’s referred to as “Balyagu” which basically means Foot-Baseball and has been incorporated into the Physical Education (PE) lessons in the elementary schools. Through the help of WAKA Kickball, Marines stationed at Falluja, Iraq were able to setup a kickball league there as well.

Having started from humble beginnings, kick baseball or simply kickball is gradually spreading to other parts of the globe. It is a popular recreational activity for adults and children and is played by both men and women. Other than for recreation, this activity is also an important part of PE in some regions. Now that you know about kickball history, why not try it yourself? We bet you’d have a blast! Here are the first few steps you need to understand if you want to find out how to play kickball or improve at it .

🦵⚽️ Kickball

⏳ kickball history.

• 1900s: Kickball is developed as a playground game by Nicholas C. Seuss .
• 1920s – 1930s: The sport becomes a staple in American schools and community programs, solidifying its place in youth culture. Women’s participation also grows.
• 1960s – 1970s: Kickball expands to countries like Japan, Korea, and Europe, where it is introduced as an international physical education activity. The first organized adult Kickball league is formed in the late 1970s.
• 1990s: Organizations like the World Adult Kickball Association are founded, leading to a resurgence in adult Kickball’s popularity.
• 2000s: Kickball continues to grow in popularity with the formation of organizations like the Founders Cup. Technology advancements facilitate the formation of adult Kickball leagues.
• 2010s: Kickball expands to Africa and Latin America, and sees increasing diversity among players. Recreational and competitive leagues continue to grow.
• 2020s: Kickball shows adaptability during the COVID-19 pandemic, continuing to grow in popularity as an outdoor activity promoting mental and physical well-being.

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