How to: Play Benchball

What is Benchball ?

Benchball is a fun game played between teams. Each team has a coloured bib on (you can have a non-bib team if you’d like). The game Benchball is quite similar to Netball but it is unique in its own way. I will explain how as you read on.

Rules

1. No running/walking with the ball
2. You cannot smack the ball out of someone's hand
3. Only one person on the bench (for start)
4. If the ball goes out of court it’s handover to the other team
5. A goal is only made when the person on the bench has caught the ball

What you’ll need

1. A big space - usually indoors in a gym

2. 2 benches on each side of your courts (since there should be multiple teams playing at once you will also need multiple courts).

3. A ball

4. Colourful bibs (Please note that you have to properly have your bib on. No tucking in your pocket or hanging around your neck)

5. Teachers/Adults to control the game

How to get set up

You first choose your teams, this can be done through counting or you can choose who you want to be with, but remember 5-6 people in a team. After you have chosen your teams you should get assigned to your courts by the adult that is helping you. You should then go to your court to find your team bib that should already be there.

Starting to play

Well now that you should be in your court with your team bib on let’s play! The other team should also be ready with their gear on. Now 1 person from each team should be standing on the bend closest to their team. The ball is then but in the middle and the team exchange places. (For example - You move to the bench that the other team is closest to, and they do the same).

Now that the teams are in their places the teams have to decide what team is going to have the ball first. When you’re done with that the team who has been chosen to play first can pass it to any of their teammates.

People from the other team can defend the other players and try to catch the ball. When a teams ball gets close to their goal one of the players from the team must make a clean pass (ball does not touch the floor) in order to make a goal.

If someone is trying to make a goal you can also jump and try to get in front of them so the person on the bench doesn’t catch the ball.

When you finally have 1 remaining player still in court they can throw the ball up, step/run forward for it in order to catch it and then they can throw it to his/her peers on the bench.

(Note: The ball can only bounce 1 on the court)

At the end whichever team has most of their players on their bench wins! Have a fun time playing Benchball!