How to Play Wall Ball

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Wall ball is a timeless game that you can play with just, you guessed it: a wall, a hard floor, and a ball. While there are many variations you can make to the rules, the most important thing to keep in mind is safety. Try to find a secluded wall or get the permission of the owner before using the wall of a house or building. No matter how many players or what rules you set, always be safe and have fun.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Knowing the Gameplay

PDF download Download Article
  1. Find a large, flat wall with a hard floor and no windows; and decide who will start the game. Establish the parameters of the court by either marking lines or using ready-made boundaries like bushes or lines on the concrete. The game starts once the first player serves the ball, or throws the ball, at the wall. Ensure that the ball must bounces once before it reaches the wall. [1]
    • You may play with just 2 players or with multiple players at once. Decide the order of players to keep things organized. Depending on the size of the court and the variations of the rules, players must determine how far they are allowed to stand from the wall prior to the serve. For example, some rules indicate that everyone must stand back behind the throwing line prior to the first serve, in line with the server. Other rules state that only the thrower must stand behind the line.
    • Do not choose a wall that you may damage or is close to items that you can damage like windows or cars. It also is ideal to find a wall where the ground has a slight decline towards the players.
  2. As a receiving player, allow the ball to bounce once after it has hit the wall and then return it. Return the ball by hitting it with your hand and letting it reach the wall directly, without bouncing on the ground. [2]
    • Follow your order. If you’re first, that means you're the server! Serve the ball. If your turn is second, third, or fourth, but you play the ball out of order, you are out.
    Advertisement
  3. The ball is out when it bounces on a boundary line or outside of the boundaries completely, hits the ground before it hits the wall, bounces twice before a player is able to return it, or if a receiving player doesn’t let the ball bounce after it has hit the wall. [3]
  4. If a receiving player fumbles the ball in an attempt to return it, she must run to the wall. Another player may then go for the ball in an attempt to throw it at the wall before the fumbling player reaches it. If the fumbling player does not touch the wall before the ball gets there, she is out of the game. [4]
    • If the fumbling player touches the wall before another player can throw the ball, she is still in the game. [5]
    • If the fumbling player reaches the wall first, she gets to serve again. If she is out, the next player takes her turn and serves to begin the game again.
  5. Depending on the rules, players may be eliminated in a variety of ways. Once someone is out, play is continued dependent on the rules that you and the other players have established. Common ways to continue play are:
    • If the thrower is out because another player catches the ball, play continues with the catcher as the new person serving the ball.
    • If the thrower is out because she has fumbled the ball and someone has thrown her out before she has had a chance to reach the wall, play continues with the person who threw her out as the new person serving the ball.
    • If a person who is not a thrower tries to field the ball but fumbles it, he must then try to reach the wall before someone throws him out. If he is thrown out, the same server still continues to serve.
    • For younger or less skilled players, play continues by establishing a throwing order at the beginning of the game. This gives everyone a chance to throw.
    6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Playing Variations

PDF download Download Article
  1. When a receiving player fumbles the ball, the player must still touch the wall before another player is able to throw the ball, however, if the ball gets to the wall before he does, he gets a strike and continues playing until he gets her third strike. Allowing each player to have 3 strikes extends the game if you play until everyone is out except for the winner. [6]
  2. When a person receives a strike, you may penalize him by making him place his hands on the wall while the other players each get a turn at throwing the ball at his butt. Only allow one throw per player and only allow players to throw at the butt because it’s very likely the player will get injured. [7]
  3. For advanced players, you can add bonus points or penalties for things like one handed catches, one footed catches, using your left hand to throw or catch, etc. If a rule is broken you can penalize a person or reward a player for pulling off a difficult trick.
    • For example, you can evoke the rule of only catching with your left hand. If your opponent uses his right hand to catch then he gets penalized with a strike or butts up.
  4. Speed up the game by removing any bounces. Players must move closer to the wall and be ready for the fast pace of back and forth. Be careful as the quickened play can become dangerous as players try to cover their ground.
    5. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Developing Strategies

PDF download Download Article
  1. Strategize ways to get your opponents out including using dodgeball rules to be able to direct the ball at an opponent instead of the wall so that she drops it and is then out. You may also distract your opponents before he tries to receive the ball so that he fumbles it and is penalized with a strike. [8]
    • You may throw at the direction of players you know are scared to catch the ball to build on the nerves and increase the likelihood that they will fumble and be out of the game.
    • Dare a bad thrower to throw in your direction if you know you can catch it and get him out.
  2. Use the rules to your advantage. For example, if you are playing with rules like “left handsies” where everyone must only catch with their left hand, aim at player’s right hand so that it makes it difficult for them to reach over and catch it with there left.
    • You may also throw the ball close to the end line so that a receiving player may be forced to step out of bounds if she attempts to catch it.
  3. The thrower has an automatic advantage because only she knows where the ball will go. If you have good aim and timing you will be able to continue your turn as the thrower as you get other players out. However, this may be difficult if you do not start as the thrower. Look to catch the ball if the server fumbles or for similar opportunities to establish yourself as the new thrower.
    4. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What ball do I need for wall ball?
    Antp2103
    Community Answer
    A rubber dodgeball.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 12 Helpful 11
  • Question
    My friends call this game handball. Is that another name for this game or are they confused?
    Community Answer
    The two are similar, but there are differences.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 15 Helpful 12
  • Question
    What are "babies" and "waterfalls" in wall ball?
    Community Answer
    A "waterfall" refers to a move where the ball slides down the wall. A baby is a small, difficult shot.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 15
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Read Video Transcript

      Tips

      • Make new rules according to the terrain and wall. For example, when the ball hits the wall but drops straight down and does not bounce farther than the bottom of the wall, then you can call it a "waterfall". Many players call it a "waterfall" because the ball acts like water coming down from a waterfall when it does that. Some rules dictate that a waterfall is an automatic out.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
      • Make sure you and the other players do not hit any windows on the wall you are using.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • A dodgeball is a good ball choice for an easy game. Once you’re skilled, move up to a tennis ball instead.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Be careful not to hit or run into any spectators or people passing by. It may be difficult to find a secluded wall to play on so always be wary of your surroundings.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • If you are playing on a wall of a business or home, make sure to get permission from the owner before playing.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • If someone falls down while trying to hit the ball back to the wall, pause the game and help them up and make sure they’re okay. Seek medical attention if it’s a serious injury.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Don't play too rough! Competition can easily escalate tempers.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Always be ready and know that injuries can happen, just like any other game. Wear proper shoes and stretch before and after playing.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • A Wall
      • A Rubber Ball that is bouncy, such as a tennis ball
      • At least 2 players to play the game

      You Might Also Like

      A Beginner’s Guide to Go: Setup, Rules, & Gameplay
      How to
      Play Jacks
      How to
      Hula Hoop
      How to
      Play Kickball
      How to
      Play Benchball
      How to
      Play Four Square
      How to
      Play Tetherball
      How to
      Play Paddleball
      How to
      Play Spikeball for Beginners (Official Rules) - wikiHow
      How to
      Clean Lawn Bowls
      How to
      Catch a Ball
      How to
      Make a Tether Ball Court
      How to
      Play Spud
      How to
      Play Downball
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://www.playworks.org/blog/game-week-wall-ball#sthash.8IghHu5j.dpuf
      2. ↑ http://www.playworks.org/blog/game-week-wall-ball#sthash.8IghHu5j.dpuf
      3. ↑ http://www.playworks.org/blog/game-week-wall-ball#sthash.8IghHu5j.dpuf
      4. ↑ http://www.gameskidsplay.net/games/ball_games/wall_ball.htm
      5. ↑ http://www.gameskidsplay.net/games/ball_games/wall_ball.htm
      6. ↑ http://www.gameskidsplay.net/games/ball_games/wall_ball.htm
      7. ↑ http://www.gameskidsplay.net/games/ball_games/wall_ball.htm
      8. ↑ http://www.gameskidsplay.net/games/ball_games/wall_ball.htm

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Wall Ball is a classic, easy game you can play with just 2 people or a big group of friends. The goal of the game is to throw a ball against a wall, let it bounce once on the ground, and then catch it before throwing it again. Players can catch the ball themselves after throwing it, or let another player catch it and have a turn throwing. This continues until one of two things happens: a player throws the ball at the wall but the ball doesn't make it and hits the ground first, or a player drops or fumbles the ball. When either of those things happens, the player who threw or fumbled the ball has to run and touch the wall before the other players are able to throw the ball at it. If the player reaches the wall first, they’re safe, but if another player throws the ball at the wall first, they get 1 strike. Once a player has 3 strikes, they’re out of the game. The last player standing wins the game!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 207,607 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement