500 (ball game) facts for kids

500 is a fun ball game for kids, sometimes called jackpot. It's a game where one person throws a ball, and others try to catch it to earn points. It's a simple game that doesn't need a lot of rules written down, making it easy to learn and play anywhere.

How to Play 500

500 is played with one thrower and several catchers. The thrower decides how points are earned for each throw.

Earning Points

The thrower can choose one of three ways for players to get points:

• Alive: Players get points if they catch the ball directly in the air.
• Dead: Players get points if they pick up the ball after it bounces on the ground.
• Either: Players get points if they catch it in the air or pick it up after it bounces.

Before throwing the ball, the thrower announces how many points the catch will be worth. For example, the thrower might shout, "100 points, dead!" Then, they throw the ball. If the ball hits the ground, the catchers can pick it up to earn 100 points.

Becoming the Thrower

The goal is to reach exactly 500 points. If a catcher's score goes over 500 points, their score resets to 0. That player then becomes the new thrower, and the old thrower joins the catchers. This keeps the game exciting and gives everyone a chance to throw!

Different Ways to Play

You can play 500 with a few fun twists! These variations change the game slightly to make it more interesting.

Playing with a Frisbee

Instead of using a ball, you can play 500 with a frisbee. The rules stay the same, but throwing and catching a frisbee adds a new challenge. It's a great way to practice your frisbee skills while having fun.

Mystery Ball

Mystery Ball is a variation where the thrower doesn't say the points right away. Instead, they call out "mystery ball!" and throw it. Once a player catches the ball, the thrower then announces how many points it was worth. This keeps everyone guessing!

Risky Mystery Ball

To make Mystery Ball even more exciting, the unknown points could be a negative number. This means a player might lose points instead of gaining them! It adds a fun risk to the game. Players trust the thrower to pick the points fairly after the ball is caught.

Kick Ball 300

Kick Ball 300 is another variation where players can kick the ball, not just throw and catch it. This version was created to help players work together better in team games. It encourages cooperation while still being competitive.