Suicide (game) facts for kids

Wall Ball, also known as Suicide, is a fun game often played by children and teenagers. The rules can be a bit different depending on where you play, but the main idea is always the same: have fun and be the last player standing!

How to Play Wall Ball

Getting Started

To play Wall Ball, you need at least two players. You can have many more if your playing area is big enough!

You will need:

• A hard, flat surface, like concrete.
• A large, flat wall. This is usually played outdoors.
• A rubber ball or a tennis ball.

You can play Wall Ball by yourself against others, or you can play in teams. Playing individually is the most common way.

The Goal of the Game

The main goal of Wall Ball is to be the last player left in the game. To stay in, players must avoid being "pegged" out. Being "pegged" means getting hit by the ball when you are "open."

Basic Gameplay

When the game starts, one player throws the ball against the wall.

• If the ball bounces off the wall and then hits the ground, other players can grab it and throw it back.
• If another player catches the ball before it hits the ground, the player who threw it must quickly run and touch the wall. Until they touch the wall, they are "open."
• If you are "open," another player can "peg" you by throwing the ball hard at you. If you get hit, you are out!
• If you touch the ball but don't catch it, you also become "open" and can be "pegged."

No-Pegging Rule

Sometimes, players might agree to a "no-pegging" rule before the game starts. This means players can't hit others with the ball to get them out. Instead, if a player is "open," the person who caught the ball must throw it at the wall before the "open" player touches the wall. If they miss the wall, it's like a regular miss.

Wall Ball Rules and Penalties

Fair Play Rules

Wall Ball can be a fast-paced game, and some pushing or blocking is usually okay. However, there are some things you cannot do:

• You cannot physically stop a player from throwing the ball.
• You cannot stand right against the wall to stop other players from touching it when they need to.
• Fighting or playing too roughly is also not allowed.

If you do any of these things, you get a "penalty." If the "no-pegging" rule is on, a penalty means you are automatically out.

Wall-Hugging Penalty

"Wall-hugging" is when a player tries to stay touching the wall all the time. They might think this keeps them safe because they are always touching the wall. But this is not fair!

If a player is "wall-hugging" (standing against the wall when the ball hits it, unless they are touching it to save themselves), they are considered "open." To become safe, the player must run to the other side of the playing area (or a special marker) and then run back to touch the wall.

Outs and Lives

Many games use a system of "outs." If a player gets three "outs," they are out of the game.

• Sometimes, instead of "outs," players have a certain number of "lives." If you lose all your "lives," you are out. You can lose lives the same way you get outs.

Consequences for Being Out

In some games where pegging is allowed, if a player gets three outs (or loses all their lives), they might face a "consequence." This often means they stand facing the wall with their hands on it. The player who got them out last then gets to throw the ball at them a certain number of times. Sometimes, other players also get a turn to throw the ball.

Winning Strategies in Wall Ball

Players who are good at running, throwing the ball fast, and catching it well often win Wall Ball games. Here are some strategies players use:

• Avoiding the Ball: Some players try to stay away from the ball as much as possible. They just want to avoid getting into trouble. This might mean letting the ball roll past them. Other players might notice this and start to target them! The safest spot is often far back from the wall, behind other players. From there, you might even be able to peg someone if the ball rolls back to you.

• "Striking" Others: A clever player might try to "strike" another player. This means deliberately pegging someone even when they are not "open." The player who strikes becomes "open" themselves, but their goal is to surprise the other player and touch the wall before the victim can. Hopefully, the victim will then be the target of whoever catches the ball.

• Playing Close to the Wall: Some players stand very close to the wall without "wall-hugging." Their goal is to grab the ball quickly and throw it back into play. If they become "open," they can touch the wall right away to be safe. These players might "sky" the ball, meaning they throw it very hard and high against the wall. This gives them plenty of time to run to the wall and become safe before anyone can catch the ball. However, this strategy is less effective if the "no-pegging" rule is in place.

In general, it's best to throw the ball so it's hard to catch. Balls that roll or fly low are often easier to catch. Balls that fly very high can be caught in the air, which can be risky for the thrower.

Special Wall Ball Rules

Some Wall Ball games have extra rules called "calling out" phrases.

• "Watermelon" Rule: If you are playing near a fence and using a "lives" system, you might use "watermelon" rules. If the ball looks like it's going to go over the fence, any player can shout "watermelon!" If the ball does go over the fence, those players gain a "life." If it doesn't, they lose a "life." You must call "watermelon" before the ball gets too close to the fence.

• "Freeze" Rule: In some games, if a player catches the ball far from the wall, another player can shout "freeze!" This means the player who caught the ball must stop right where they are and throw the ball from that spot. If they are too far from the wall to hit it, some games let them call "relay" and pass the ball to a teammate closer to the wall. In some places, a "frozen" player can either throw the ball and risk a life if it misses the wall, or drop it and run for the wall.