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Ga-Ga is a popular game played with a ball in a wide space. It is a game that can be played by people of all ages and is a lot of fun.The object of the game is to use only your hands to hit the ball at the other players, while not being hit yourself. You are eliminated if the ball hits below your knees or some play below the hips. It is designed to be played by a large group of people.



  1. 1
    Choose a ball. It should be a good sized, ball that inflates. A kickball, volleyball or a soccer ball is perfect for this game though both have their faults. A kickball is soft and bounces well, but it is harder to hit and is almost too bouncy. A soccer ball is perfect, except that it can hurt if hit too hard. A smaller ball will work if nothing else is available, but be careful what size ball you choose. Too large, and it complicates things. Too small and it make the game almost too hard.
  2. 2
    Find a site. The site should be an enclosed space clear of debris. It could be a room clear of furniture or a squash court. Make sure it is as level as possible, or it will make the game a tad harder.
  3. 3
    Gather some friends. The game is intended to be for a large group, hopefully for 5 people or more. There should be no more than 30 people. Obviously, the number of people you can have is limited by your playing space.
  4. 4
    Start the game by having a designated person say "Ga" and everyone else say "Ga" back to say they are ready The designated person then throws the ball against the side of the playing area or throw it up in the air. When the ball has bounced once, it is live and the game begins.
  5. 5
    Hit the ball at the other players while using your hands to block. For the best stance, hunch over and hold your arms and fists in front of your legs, with your palms facing out. Face the ball at all times, and you will be tough to eliminate. Other tips in include hitting the ball with your fists (although this is not for everyone, as stronger players could hurt younger ones), being defensive as well as offensive, and try to stop the ball instead of trying to hit it.
  6. 6
    Don't hold the ball. You are allowed to hit the ball, but no more than once in a row. If you "double hit" the ball, you're out. You may, however, hit the ball twice if it has bounced off a wall in between hits. Also, even touching the ball counts as hitting it.
  7. 7
    Remove eliminated players. (1)They should stand off to the side or in a corner, and make sure they are stationary. If the ball bounces off these people by accident, treat them as walls. (2)Another way to do this, if you have boards enclosing the area, is to have them crouch outside the boards (they are free to move around the outside of the boards). In this version,the eliminated players can try to hit the ball and get a player still in the game out. If they do so, they take that players place.
  8. 8
    Continue to the final players. When two people are left, it becomes a showdown. Eliminated players can still try to get the final players out, however. In the showdown, players are allowed to touch the ball three times in a row, although still may not hold the ball.
  9. 9
    Ease the rules for younger players. Consider a rule where younger children have to be hit below the knees multiple times to be out.

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  • Use the walls! The walls can be your best friend in Ga-Ga, allowing you to bounce the ball and hit the opposing players from behind.
  • Play rough. When playing with older people, don't be afraid to throw your body around. Don't punch or kick, but "hip checks" and "box outs" are completely acceptable.
  • In some rules, keeping yourself in the stance of putting your hands in front of your legs can be called "Turtling" and is Illegal. Ask a fellow player if this is a rule or not in that game.
  • Also, feel free to jump to dodge the ball. It helps better.


  • Never play rough or purposely get head-shots on kids much younger than you. Ga-Ga can be played by people of all ages, but be careful.
  • Use common sense. Don't play Ga-Ga in rooms with fragile things or many windows.
  • Be careful. Ga-Ga isn't intended to hurt people.
  • Make sure to drink plenty of water if playing for extended periods.

Things You'll Need

  • Rubber ball, volleyball or soccer ball
  • Clear, enclosed space (try using joined boards)
  • A few people (5 or more) to play with

Sources and Citations

Article Info

Categories: Backyard Ball Games

In other languages:

Español: jugar Ga Ga

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