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The objective of Kin-Ball is simple: Don’t let the giant, two-pound ball hit the ground.
Yet, it’s easier said than done. Controlling the inflated sphere — which is four feet in diameter — takes a ton of cooperation among teammates. Billed as the only organized cooperative sport in the world, Kin-Ball is gaining popularity in gym classes across America.
Athletic directors are turning to the sport as a way to help fight obesity and curb bullying in schools.
“The goal of our physical education department was to add a few more games and activities into our curriculum that all the students can enjoy and be a part of regardless of their athletic ability,” said Bayport-Blue Point High School physical education teacher Tricia Livingston, who is teaching the game in class this fall.
“Kin-Ball is just that! It’s fun, energetic and even a little silly!” she continued. “The students enjoy the challenge of a new game and work well within teams strategizing ways to succeed.”
A game of Kin-Ball involves three teams of four players. To score points, the team serving the ball must successfully hit it toward an area where their opponents have minimal chance of catching it. The players are in constant interaction with one another, devising game plans on the fly in order to accumulate points.
Kin-ball was developed by a school gym teacher in Quebec in 1987, according to the official Kin-Ball website.
Kin-Ball during their physical education classes.
