/pˈædəl bˈɔːl/
a game where a small rubber ball is attached to a wooden paddle with an elastic string, and players hit the ball with the paddle to keep it in motion
Paddleball is a simple game typically played with a wooden or plastic paddle and a small rubber ball. The goal is to hit the ball back and forth between two players, keeping it in the air as long as possible. The game can be played in different settings, such as on a beach or in a park. It can also be played solo, where the player tries to keep hitting the ball repeatedly without letting it touch the ground. Paddleball is often enjoyed casually, offering light exercise and fun.
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/wˈɔːl bˈɔːl/
a popular playground game where players throw a ball against a wall, and the other players must catch it on the rebound or face penalties
Wall ball is a game where players throw a ball against a wall and try to catch it on the rebound. The player stands a certain distance from the wall and throws the ball with enough force to make it bounce back. After the ball hits the wall, the player must catch it before it hits the ground. The game can be played individually or with multiple players, and the rules can vary, but it generally focuses on hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes. Wall ball is often played informally in parks or playgrounds.
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a game where players throw a ball to each other and try to catch it without letting it fall
Catch is a simple game where one player throws a ball or other object to another player, who tries to catch it without letting it drop. The goal is to catch the object cleanly and then throw it back or pass it to someone else. The game can be played with two or more people and is commonly played outdoors, such as in parks or backyards. Catch helps improve hand-eye coordination and is often enjoyed casually for fun and exercise. It can also be played in a variety of ways, such as using different objects or adding specific rules.
/kˈiːp ɐwˈeɪ/
a game where one player or a team tries to keep possession of an object, such as a ball, while other players or teams attempt to take it away
Keep away is a game where one player tries to prevent others from catching or touching a ball or object by keeping it away from them. The person with the ball moves around, passing or throwing it to avoid being tagged or having it taken. The other players try to steal the ball or tag the player holding it. The game is often played in teams, with the goal being to hold onto the ball for as long as possible. Keep away is a fun, active game that helps improve agility, coordination, and teamwork.
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/dˈɑːdʒbɔːl/
a game in which two teams of players form circles and aim to hit their opponents with a ball in order to eliminate them while avoiding getting hit themselves
Dodgeball is a team sport where players try to eliminate members of the opposing team by throwing soft balls at them. If a player is hit by a ball, they are out. Players can avoid being hit by dodging, catching the ball, or blocking it. The game is typically played with two teams, and the objective is to eliminate all players on the opposing team by either hitting them with the ball or catching their throws. Dodgeball is fast-paced and requires quick reflexes, teamwork, and strategy. It is commonly played in schools and recreational leagues.
/ɡˈɑːɡə bˈɔːl/
a fast-paced, dodgeball-like game played in an octagonal pit where players try to hit opponents below the knees while avoiding being hit themselves
Gaga ball is a fast-paced game played in an enclosed pit, typically with a soft rubber ball. Players use their hands to hit the ball and try to eliminate others by hitting them below the knees. When a player is hit, they are out of the game and must leave the pit. The ball must bounce at least once before it is hit, and players are not allowed to hold or carry the ball. The last player remaining in the pit is the winner. Gaga ball is often played by children in schools, parks, or camps, and it encourages quick movement and agility.
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/fˈʌnəl bˈɔːl/
a game where players throw a ball into a series of funnels, trying to get it through the smallest one to score points
Funnel ball is a game where players try to throw a ball into a funnel-shaped target. The funnel is typically placed at a certain height or distance, and players take turns throwing the ball with the goal of getting it through the narrow opening at the top. The game can be played individually or in teams, and the player or team that successfully lands the most balls in the funnel wins. Funnel ball helps improve hand-eye coordination and accuracy, and is often played in casual, recreational settings like playgrounds or parties.
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/bˈiːtʃ bˈɔːl ɹˈiːleɪ/
a game where teams or individuals compete in a relay race while passing a beach ball to one another
Beach ball relay is a fun team game where players pass a large beach ball from one person to the next, usually in a race format. The objective is to move the ball from the starting point to the finish line as quickly as possible, using only specific body parts, such as holding it between the knees or passing it without using hands. Teams can be made up of any number of players, and the first team to have all members successfully complete the task wins. This game encourages teamwork, coordination, and speed, and is often played at parties or in outdoor settings.
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/pˈuːl nˈuːdəl hˈɑːki/
a game that involves using pool noodles as hockey sticks to hit a ball or puck, played similarly to ice or floor hockey
Pool noodle hockey is a fun and active game played with pool noodles as sticks and a soft ball or puck as the target. The objective is for teams or individuals to use the pool noodles to hit the ball or puck into the opposing team's goal, much like traditional hockey. Players can use the noodle to block the ball, pass it, or try to score. The game is typically played in a large open area, either indoors or outdoors, and can be enjoyed by all ages. It encourages teamwork, coordination, and physical activity, making it a popular choice for parties, camps, and recreational events.
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/sˈɑːkɚ ɡˈɑːlf/
a game that combines elements of soccer and golf, where players kick a soccer ball into a series of holes on a course using the fewest number of kicks possible
Soccer golf is a game that combines elements of soccer and golf. Players kick a soccer ball toward a series of targets, which are typically large holes or markers placed at different distances and angles, much like holes on a golf course. The objective is to get the ball into each target using the fewest number of kicks. The game is played on a field or in a park, and the course layout can vary with obstacles like trees, sand traps, or hills. Soccer golf is often played in a relaxed, casual setting and helps improve soccer skills, such as accuracy and control.
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/dˈʌkpɪn bˈoʊlɪŋ/
a type of bowling game using smaller and lighter pins and balls compared to traditional tenpin bowling
Duckpin bowling is a variation of traditional ten-pin bowling, played with smaller, squatter pins and a smaller ball. The pins, which are called "duckpins" because of their shape, are shorter and thicker than standard pins, and the ball is smaller, making it easier to handle with one hand. In duckpin bowling, players bowl three times per turn, instead of the usual two in ten-pin bowling. The goal is to knock down as many pins as possible with each roll. The game is popular in some regions of the United States and offers a fun, challenging alternative to traditional bowling.
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a children's game in which players throw a ball in the air and must avoid being hit by it, or they receive a letter toward the word "spud"
Spud is a children's game where one player throws a ball into the air, and the others try to avoid being hit by it. When the ball lands, the person who is hit or fails to move away in time must stand still and shout "Spud!" The player who threw the ball then calls out a letter of the word "SPUD." As the game continues, players accumulate letters, and the first person to spell "SPUD" is out. The last player remaining who has not spelled the word is the winner. The game encourages quick reflexes and movement.
/tˈɛðɚbˌɔːl/
an outdoor game played with a tall pole and a ball attached to a rope, where players hit the ball in opposite directions to wrap the rope around the pole in their favor
Tetherball is a game played with two players and a ball attached to a tall pole by a rope or string. The goal is to hit the ball in such a way that it wraps around the pole in one direction, while the opponent tries to hit it in the opposite direction to untangle it. The game ends when the ball is fully wrapped around the pole in one direction, with the rope tightly wound, meaning one player has won. Tetherball is often played in parks or playgrounds and encourages hand-eye coordination and quick movement.
/kˈuːdʒuː/
an ancient Chinese ball game where players kick a ball into a goal without using their hands, considered a forerunner of modern soccer
Cuju is an ancient Chinese game that is considered one of the earliest forms of soccer. The game involves players using their feet to kick a ball through a small opening in a net or goal. The objective is to score by getting the ball past the opposing team’s defense. Cuju was played during the Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD, and was often used as a form of military training, as well as a popular sport for entertainment. The game helped lay the foundation for modern soccer, as it focused on ball control, teamwork, and strategy.
/hˌænɪtsˈuːki/
a traditional Japanese game similar to badminton, played with wooden paddles and a shuttlecock made of feathers or plastic
Hanetsuki is a traditional Japanese game similar to badminton, but without a net. The game is typically played with a wooden paddle called a "hagoita" and a shuttlecock, which is hit back and forth between two players. The goal is to keep the shuttlecock in the air for as long as possible, without letting it touch the ground. Hanetsuki is often played during the New Year's holiday in Japan and is considered a fun, seasonal activity. The game is known for its simple rules and its emphasis on skill and hand-eye coordination.
/kˈɛmɚɹi/
a traditional Japanese ball game in which players aim to keep a small ball in the air by kicking it without letting it touch the ground
Kemari is an ancient Japanese game that dates back to the Asuka period, 6th to 7th century. It is a ball game played by a group of people who work together to keep a ball in the air using only their feet. The objective is to pass the ball among players without letting it touch the ground. Kemari is typically played in a circle, and players try to maintain the ball's movement by gently kicking it to one another. The game was historically played by the nobility and is now considered a traditional and ceremonial activity, emphasizing balance, coordination, and cooperation.
/mˈætkɑːt/
a beach game played in Israel using wooden paddles to hit a small rubber ball back and forth between players without letting it touch the ground
Matkot is a popular beach game that originates from Israel. It is played with paddles and a rubber ball, and the goal is to keep the ball in the air by hitting it back and forth between players. The game does not involve any scoring or specific rules, making it more about maintaining a continuous rally. Matkot is often played in pairs, and players take turns hitting the ball, trying to avoid letting it fall to the ground. The game is enjoyed for its simplicity and is a great way to pass time while getting some exercise outdoors.
/pˈɪsɪdʒˌɪn/
a traditional ball game played in Croatia, typically on the beach, where players try to keep a small ball in the air using their hands and feet
Picigin is a traditional Croatian game played on the beach, typically in shallow water. The game is played with a small ball, and the objective is to keep the ball from touching the water by using hands, feet, or any other part of the body. Players stand in a circle and take turns hitting the ball back and forth, trying to prevent it from falling into the water. Picigin is a fun, social game that focuses on agility, coordination, and teamwork. It is usually played in groups and is enjoyed in warm, coastal areas, offering both exercise and entertainment.
/kˈoʊkənˌʌt ʃˈaɪ/
a traditional fairground game where players throw balls or objects at coconuts perched on stands in an attempt to knock them down
Coconut shy is a traditional fairground game where players try to knock down coconuts placed on stands by throwing wooden balls at them. The goal is to hit the coconuts off their stands with the balls, and each successful hit typically wins a prize. The game is often set up at carnivals or outdoor events, and players usually have a set number of throws. Coconut shy is popular for its simple rules, requiring accuracy and aim, and is often enjoyed as a fun, lighthearted challenge for people of all ages.
Grammatical Information:
/bˈɪɹ pˈɑːŋ/
a drinking game where players throw ping pong balls across a table with the aim of landing them in cups of beer, and the opposing team has to drink the beer from the cups where the balls land
Beer pong is a popular drinking game typically played at parties or gatherings. It involves two teams, each consisting of two players, who take turns throwing ping pong balls into cups of beer or other drinks arranged on a table. The cups are placed in a triangular formation at each end of the table. When a ball lands in a cup, the opposing team must drink the contents of the cup. The goal is to eliminate all of the other team's cups by landing ping pong balls in them.
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/kˈɪkbɔːl/
a ball game similar to baseball, where players kick a rubber ball instead of hitting it with a bat
Kickball is a playground game that is similar to baseball. It is played with a rubber ball, and the objective is for players to kick the ball and run around bases to score points. The game is usually played with two teams, with one team kicking and the other team fielding. A player kicks the ball, runs to first base, and continues around the bases to home plate, while the fielding team tries to catch the ball and get the runner out. Kickball is a fun, active game that encourages teamwork, coordination, and physical exercise, often played in parks or schoolyards.
a game played on a table with two players, in which the players use special sticks to hit 16 numbered balls into the holes at the edge of the table
Pool, also known as pocket billiards, is a game played on a rectangular table covered with cloth and marked with six pockets. Players use a cue stick to strike a white cue ball, which in turn hits other colored balls, aiming to sink them into the pockets. The game has various versions, such as eight-ball and nine-ball, with specific rules for each. The goal is to either pocket a set of balls or a specific ball, depending on the version being played. Pool is popular in bars, clubs, and homes, offering a fun challenge that involves skill, strategy, and precision.
/pˈɪnbɔːl məʃˈiːn/
an arcade game in which players use flippers to hit a metal ball around a playfield, aiming to score points by hitting various targets and obstacles
A pinball machine is an arcade game where players use flippers to keep a metal ball in play, aiming to score points by hitting various targets on the machine. The ball bounces off ramps, bumpers, and other obstacles, while players try to prevent it from falling into a drain at the bottom of the machine. Points are scored by hitting specific targets or completing tasks, and the game continues until the ball is lost. Pinball machines often feature flashing lights, sounds, and intricate designs, making them exciting and engaging for players.
Grammatical Information:
/lˈædɚ tˈɑːs/
a lawn game where players throw two balls connected by a string at a ladder-like structure with three horizontal bars, aiming to wrap the bolas around the bars to score points
Ladder toss, also known as ladder golf, is an outdoor game played with bolas, which are two balls connected by a string, and a ladder-like structure with three horizontal bars. The goal is to toss the bolas onto the bars, scoring points based on which bar the bola lands on. The top bar is worth the most points, and the bottom bar is worth the least. Players take turns throwing their bolas, aiming to land them on the bars while preventing their opponents from scoring. Ladder toss is often played in backyards or at picnics, offering a fun and competitive activity for all ages.
Grammatical Information:
/ɹˈaʊndɚz/
a bat-and-ball game where players hit a ball and run around four bases to score points while the opposing team tries to stop them
Rounders is a bat-and-ball game that is similar to baseball and is traditionally played in the UK and Ireland. The game is typically played with two teams, where one team bats while the other fields. The batter uses a bat to hit a ball and then runs around four bases, trying to reach home without being caught or tagged out by the fielding team. Points are scored when a player successfully completes a full circuit of the bases. Rounders is a fast-paced game that encourages teamwork, coordination, and strategy, and it is commonly played in schools and recreational settings.
a game that is played on grass and involves a series of hoops through which the players must roll wooden balls using hammer-like sticks called mallets
Croquet is a lawn game that involves hitting balls through a series of hoops, known as wickets, using a wooden mallet. The game is usually played on grass, either individually or in teams, with the goal of completing the course by passing the ball through all the hoops in the correct order and hitting a final target, often a peg. Players take turns and may use their turn to knock opponents' balls away to gain an advantage. Croquet is a game of strategy and precision, often enjoyed in gardens or parks as a relaxing outdoor activity.
/fˈoːɹ skwˈɛɹ/
a playground game where four players stand in four squares drawn on the ground and take turns hitting a ball into each other's squares while following specific rules and patterns
Four square is a playground game played on a square court divided into four equal sections. Each section is occupied by one player, and the goal is to eliminate other players to reach or remain in the highest-ranked square, often called "king." Players take turns bouncing a rubber ball into another player’s square, and the receiving player must hit the ball into another square without letting it bounce twice or go out of bounds. The game emphasizes quick reflexes and strategy and is commonly played by children in schoolyards or recreational spaces.
Grammatical Information:
/kˈʌpændbˈɔːl/
a traditional toy game where players attempt to catch a small ball with a cup attached to a string, testing hand-eye coordination and skill
Cup-and-ball is a traditional toy and game that involves catching a small ball attached to a string in a cup fixed to the end of a stick. The player holds the stick and swings the ball, trying to land it in the cup. Some versions include additional challenges, such as catching the ball on a pointed end or a smaller cup on the opposite side. The game requires focus, hand-eye coordination, and patience and has been enjoyed for centuries as a simple yet engaging activity in many cultures.
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