How to Kick Bouncy Pitches in Kickball

One of the biggest challenges when it comes to being a batter or kicker playing kickball is keeping the ball on the ground. Fly balls and popups are too easy to catch on such a small field so the name of the game is kicking hard ground balls and low strong line drives. This is challenging under normal circumstances, but becomes even tougher when the pitcher you're facing is pitching bouncing pitches.

Now in most leagues there's a rule the ball can't bounce higher than six inches, though you will find some umps will allow balls to come in nearly knee high and still call strikes. So in this post we're going to talk strategy and technique regarding how to kick against a pitcher who's bouncing the ball at you. 

Move Back in the Box

Moving back in the box may be a strategy for kicking against a bouncy pitcher. This won't always work, at the field I play at the fence / backstop is only a couple feet behind home plate, however if you have the room move back a couple feet behind home plate and give the ball a chance to settle down a little before kicking it. 

Kick the Ball on the Way Down from a Bounce

This is easier said than done, especially if the pitcher is throwing the ball in hard or at a good speed, however try to time your approach and kick so that you're kicking the ball as it's falling towards the grond as opposed to up in the air. 

Kick Leaning Forward Over the Ball

Another strategy for dealing with a pitcher throwing bouncing pitches is to try to lean forward when kicking, some will refer to this as keeping your "t!ts over the ball". When players throw their foot forward and lean their backs backward it tends to send the ball high. The opposite will happen when you keep your chest over the ball or lean forward, it will force you to try to keep the ball on the ground.

Maintain Eye Contact with the Ball

Lastly, maintain eye contact with the ball. This should go without saying, however many players take the their eye off the ball, maintain eye contact with the ball so you can make sure you're kicking the bouncing ball, and also making contact on the area of the ball you want to be hitting ie the upper half of the kickball. 

Kicking with your Shin

This can be tough or challenging to do, however I will say when I make strong contact with my shin I get some of my strongest kicks. When a pitcher is throwing bouncing pitches at you and the umpire is allowing it to happen sometimes you're only option is to kick with your shin.