How to Play Omnikin (Kin‑Ball): A Complete Guide
Omnikin Kin‑Ball® is a three-team, large‑ball game that focuses on teamwork, coordination, and fun. It’s perfect for schools, camps, rec centers, or any group setting looking to shake things up with an inclusive, dynamic sport.
What You Need
- Omnikin Kin‑Ball (typically 33″ to 48″ diameter)
- 3 teams of 4 players each
- A flat playing surface (~65×65 ft / 20×20 m) – indoors or outdoors
Optional extras:
- Pinnies/colors to differentiate teams
- Cones or markers for boundaries
- A scoreboard and whistle
Game Setup
- Divide players into three teams, each with a distinct color.
- Spread evenly on the playing field.
- Nominate a server from Team A.
- Form a triangle: three Team A players gather under the ball; the server prepares to strike.
Objective & Scoring Basics
- Aim: For the offensive team (Team A) to hit the ball so the designated defender (Team B) can’t catch it before it touches the ground
- If Team B misses: Teams A & C each earn 1 point; Team B takes possession next.
- If Team B catches: No points awarded; Team B becomes the offensive team. They get 10 seconds to strike .
How to Play
- Serve: Server calls “Omnikin!” + opposing team’s color, then hits the ball upward with hand(s), ensuring it travels at least 6 ft / 2 m.
- Defense: The called team must catch/control the ball before it hits the floor.
- Next Move: If successful, they have 10 seconds to re-serve to any other team. If not, opponents score.
- Faults: Points are awarded to the other two teams if the serving team:
- Calls the wrong color or fails to call clearly
- Hits downward
- Doesn’t have 3 players touching the ball at serve
- Doesn’t wait 5 seconds after contact before hitting
Game Duration & Winning
- Typically played in 3 periods of ~10 minutes each, with short breaks.
- A team wins a period by hitting a set score, often 9 points, eliminating the lowest-scoring team and continuing with the remaining two till ~11 points .
- Play continues until a team wins 3 periods.
Common Fouls to Watch
- Ball touches ground before catch
- Serve too short or downward
- Incorrect team call
- Same player serving twice in a row
- Walking with ball (more than two players in contact)
When a foul occurs, the serving role passes to the faulted team.
Coaching Tips
- Teach the triangle hold and upward hit — key to control
- Emphasize clear calls and communication
- Rotate server roles to keep everyone involved
- Use shorter periods for younger groups
Game Variations
- Add a 5th player per team for larger groups
- Named adaptations: “Poison Game”, “Ultimate Rugby”, “Six‑Hoops Catch” — creative spin-offs detailed in Omnikin curricula
- Skill drills: Focus on catch timing, strategic passing, or controlled bouncing.
Why Omnikin Works for Groups
- Inclusive format: All teams stay in play; no elimination
- Team-oriented: Requires full-team interaction and support
- High engagement: Big ball + three-team format = constant involvement
- Accessible: Easy to learn, yet challenging to master
Omnikin Kin‑Ball combines physical activity, coordination, and strategy in a refreshing, inclusive way—making it a standout choice for group programs.