You’re at a family gathering, or maybe it’s just one of those casual Saturdays with friends; someone says, “Hey, let’s kickball around.” They could mean two different things, depending on which ball is lying around.
Is it a soccer ball or is it a kickball? You’d be amazed how many people refer to these two, or vice versa like they are the same thing.
They might seem somewhat similar in some superficial observation, but in fact, they are designed with very different goals. One is all about strategy and teamwork, while the other invites only pure and carefree playing.
Let’s get to it.
The Origins of Soccer and Kickball
Let’s trace their origins, for as it usually is with everything, knowledge about the history helps us understand better what we have at present.
Soccer, or football as known outside of North America, is one of the oldest team sports. Its antecedents can be traced back hundreds of years to various cultures: ancient China, medieval England, among others.
It was in England that soccer as we know it today began to take form.
In 1863, the Football Association was formed; the rules codified, and soccer became incredibly popular. The soccer ball became an elaborately designed object to move fast and far, suitable for a game where players use their feet to control and pass with precision.
Kickball on the other hand, traces its history closer to that of baseball.
For instance, in the United States, kickball was actually introduced as a tool for teaching young children the basics of baseball. Instead of bats and hardballs, they’d use their feet and a big, bouncy rubber ball.
It is easier for kids to learn running bases this way, and it quickly became a popular recess game at schools. The rules are like baseball, but it is much simpler and requires less equipment.
Although it’s played casually, kickball does have leagues and tournaments available to adults, especially in the United States, where people enjoy it as a no-pressure, fun way to stay active.
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Physical Characteristics Comparison
When you put a soccer ball and a kickball next to one another, it is evident that they are both rounded in shape-obviously-but that is close to where the similarities end.
Now, let’s take a closer look at how these balls are made and why they are designed the way they are.
Size and Weight
They are available in sizes 1 through 5, although the standard for professional matches is size 5. They are normally around 22 to 23 inches in circumference and weigh around 14 to 16 ounces.
They have just the right weight that they are controllable at certain speeds, bounciness, and the right reactions upon kicking, passing, or juggling the ball.
That weight helps make them stable in windy conditions, hence better for precise and accurate movements on the field.
Kickballs are normally larger and lighter than a soccer ball.
A regular kickball can be about 10 inches in diameter, with an average weight of about 10 to 13 ounces. They are lighter and larger, making them easy to kick over long distances, with the capacity to reach some pretty impressive loft when launched into the air.
Lighter in weight and bigger in size, this helps with visibility and makes it quite easy even for younger kids to connect with the ball when kicking.
Materials and Texture
Most soccer balls are made from synthetic leather or other synthetic materials, with an inner bladder that enables the holding of air and providing the ball with its shape.
The panels of a soccer ball are stitched together, making the outer surface of the ball slightly textured, hence giving the players just that tiny hold onto the ball with the feet in doing skillful moves or even dribbling.
That little bit of grip is all it takes to have more control over the ball, especially if you are to watch pros curl or manipulate the feet around the ball in such finesse.
Kickballs on the other hand, are traditionally made from rubber, and they have a textured, almost dimpled surface that reminds one somewhat of a basketball, although softer.
That rubber design makes them durable and super bouncy-perfect for schoolyards and playgrounds where they might be bouncing on asphalt, dirt, or grass.
It does to some degree, allow for grip when holding it in your hands, but nothing like that for soccer-ball-level foot control.
In kickball, it’s all about the power of the kick rather than finesse in terms of foot control.
Differences in Gameplay: Soccer versus Kickball
With such different designs, it’s no surprise these two balls lead to very different sports.
At most, soccer and kickball may involve kicking a ball; that is just about where the similarities end. An overview of how each game works, and why such ball design leads to such wide differences in game play, follows.
Field and Team Structure
Soccer is usually played on a large field with two teams of 11 players each.
The players are positioned at various places: forward, midfield, defense, and goalkeeper, who all have different roles to play.
The aim of the game is to score by kicking the ball into the net at the opponent’s side. These are usually two halves of 45 minutes, so there has to be plenty of stamina, strategic skills, and movement throughout.
Soccer is a highly team-oriented, passing, and play-action orientated sport where players try to maintain possessions with the ball to develop scoring chances.
Kickball is usually played on a diamond-shaped field, similar to a baseball field, where bases are set up that players run around after kicking the ball.
A typical kickball team consists of 8 to 11 players, with one team kicking and the other playing defense. Kickball isn’t strategically deep; it’s just one of those simple, you know, kick the ball, try to make it around before you get tagged out kinds of games.
It is lighter and more casual, played over fewer innings compared to a complete game of baseball. Kickball also is friendly to the amateur, and it’s not unheard of for people to jump in without prior experience and still have a blast.
Rules and Scoring
In soccer, the rules are strict, and there is much leeway concerning what you can and cannot do with the ball.
Only the goalkeeper can use his hands, and only within the penalty area.
The other players use only their feet, heads, and bodies to manage the ball. Dangerous plays and handballs are considered fouls and can be punished with free kicks or penalty shots. A goal is one point in soccer, and the team with the most goals at the end of the game wins.
In kickball, it is a lot simpler.
You mainly kick the ball and run the bases like you do in baseball. There is no fancy footwork involved, or passing to your teammates. It’s a lot about running, dodging, and outpacing the defense.
Scoring, well each time a player runs through all the bases and touches home, that team gets one point. There are no fouls and lost yards, as in football; rather, the significant struggles are an outsider getting tagged out or the fly ball being caught by the opposing team.
Kickball is a very easygoing game, and even adults who join leagues view their participation largely in a light, humorous manner.
Physical Demands: Endurance versus Burst Energy
Soccer is a highly demanding sport in terms of its physicality.
A player in one game can run as many as 7 to 10 miles! They are always on the move, sprinting, passing, and changing direction. Soccer demands endurance, cardiovascular fitness, agility, and strength in the legs.
They also have to be sharp during the length of the match, so conditioning and stamina are important.
Physical Demand of Kickball
Kickball is less demanding compared to soccer, and for this reason, it’s quite popular for parties, gatherings, and anything because people have different fitness levels.
You don’t have to do continuous running in this game. Instead, it is just spurts of energy-you run to a base, wait, then run again if you’re up to run or field the ball.
Kickball is amazing because it caters to those who have pleasure in running a short distance, having quick reactions, and a little light cardio-the kind that does not require being on one’s toes at all times.
Key Difference: High levels of endurance and stamina are required in soccer, while kickball involves short, intense bursts and allows for more downtime.
Age Appropriateness and Accessibility
Soccer: One of those sports which lots of kids get into when they are young; it really pays off in terms of athleticism, balance, and coordination.
However, the nature of this sport is such that, considering the rules, physical intensity, and level of skill involved, it may be a bit too challenging for very young children or those who are new to sports.
Generally speaking, older kids, teens, and adults enjoy playing soccer for the skill and competitiveness involved, which can be physically and mentally demanding in a positive sense.
Kickball: This game is way easier to jump into regardless of age.
Containing fewer rules and less physical demand upon the body, this has made it a popular family game or activity for those not into serious competitive games.
Younger children can quickly understand the gist of it, and it is often that one sees all age groups playing together from toddlers to grandparents.
Key Difference: Soccer is more challenging and takes a great amount of skills and is most targeted towards older kids, teens, and adults, whereas kickball is very friendly for beginners and people of any age can enjoy it easily.
Social and Cultural Aspects
The Soccer Culture: Soccer is undoubtedly the most popular sport in the world. It has a highly fanatic culture with international tournaments and proud players.
Football unites players and fans across continents: from professional leagues such as the English Premier League and La Liga to the FIFA World Cup. It is a sport that brings people together, often stirring friendly rivalries and much inclusiveness in team loyalty.
Kickball Culture: Kickball is more related to fun and recreation, especially in the U.S.
While kickball does not has an international following as soccer does, it is treasured for its schoolyard games, company team-building outings, and social leagues.
Adult kickball leagues have gained popularity over recent years; most of the time, they take a laid-back approach, focusing more on community than competition. It is something considered very nostalgic to their childhood and is an amazing avenue for people to come together.
Key Difference: Soccer is an internationally competitive sport with immense fan culture, whereas kickball is a nostalgic, recreational game that is immensely popular in all age groups and in social circles.
Skill Sets for Each Game
Another major difference between soccer and kickball concerns the skill set each game requires. Both are great cardio, but they develop different athletic abilities and styles.
Soccer Skills
To be good in soccer, one needs great foot-to-eye coordination, stamina, and the ability to think strategically on the field.
These are skills that require practice and technique to dribble, pass, shoot, and defend. The simple feet skills like ball manipulation with different parts of the foot take time to perfect.
There is also great emphasis on teamwork: knowing how to read the field, anticipate passes, and communicate with teammates is very important.
The professional soccer players spend years perfecting these soccer skills, and their athleticism can be witnessed through the way they handle and maneuver the ball, the precision passes, and the running up and down the field with ease.
Kickball Skills
Kickball is so much more accessible to your average Joe because it doesn’t require the same level of precision or technique.
The major skills in kickball are the distance of kicking, running speed, and a good sense of timing to know when to run the bases. While there is some tactics, such as deciding when to kick a grounder versus a pop fly or how to place your kick, it is mainly a straightforward game.
You don’t have to be an athlete to be good at kickball; that’s why it’s such a favorite at schools, picnics, and recreational leagues.
It’s all about the fun, getting a good runaround, and perhaps showing off your kicking power every now and then.
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Which Ball Wins for You?
Now, if you are still in two minds as to which of the two is a better fit for your casual game or a kickball party, let’s go with a wrap-up based on some key factors:
- Precision and Control: Soccer balls win. They are designed with skilled footwork in mind and for precise handling, perfect in case one wants to practice some moves or play a technical game.
- Power and Distance: Kickballs come in best. Big, light, and bouncy-the perfect combination when it comes to kicking as hard and far as possible.
- Serious Gameplay: Soccer is a highly organized game complete with rules and positions. If you enjoy team play and strategy, then soccer is going to keep you busy.
- Casual Fun: Kickball is casual and a crowd-pleaser for all ages; it is, therefore, always a hit at parties, in parks, and at playgrounds.
Wrapping it up
While the soccer ball and kickball could be cousins in appearance, they are actually engineered for radically different experiences. Soccer is a game of skill, precision, and endurance, its ball crafted to support those elements. Kickball is all about fun, power, and accessibility, with its ball designed to bounce and sail with ease.
