Mat-Ball: A Great Game for Physical Education Classes

During the dog days of winter, when I couldn't get my PE classes outside, we played a game called Mat-Ball. In someways, Mat-Ball resembles a form of Dodge ball. This article isn't to glorify Dodge ball. I know there is a lot of pro's and con's when it comes to that game.

Matt-Ball is similar to kick ball. The good thing about Matt-Ball is that it can be played both inside and outside. Grade School and High School students love it. At least my students loved it.

The Game; The game has four bases (large mats). I always used the one inch thick throw down mats. The distance between the mats should be equal but not necessary. You need one soft kick ball or in some cases a very old used Volleyball. The ball needs to be at least the size of a Volleyball. Anything smaller takes away from the game. Some students with large hands can palm the ball when they throw it others have to use both hands. Teams are evenly divided up. Players on defense, play anywhere. A pitcher rolls the ball on the floor to the kicker. The kicker kicks it hard and in the field of play. Outs are made by flies that are caught. Force outs only at first base. This can be done by hitting the mat with the thrown ball before the kicker gets there. Once a kicker becomes a base runner, the only way they get out is to be hit from the shoulders down with the ball. This can either be by a toss or throw. However, if a player is hit above the shoulders are in a private area of the body, they are automatically safe and advance two bases freely.

Once a player leaves a mat, they can't retrace their steps. They must continue on to the next base. So if you over run a base, keep going. While the ball is in the pitchers hand, nobody can run. Once it is on the floor rolling to the kicker, they can go at their own risk. The base runner keeps running until they or out or decide to quit. So it would be possible for a base runner to keep rounding the bases countless times until they are out or the inning is over. Base runners are allowed to dodge balls that are being thrown at them. (aka Dodge ball)