Rounders is a game where 2 teams play against each other to get as many players from the opposite side out at the same time as trying to score as many rounders as they can. Simply decide on a suitable playing location and then set up your rounders pitch, changing the dimensions depending on the space available to play. Click here to view our guide for setting up a rounders pitch.
Rounders Teams
Each team can have 9 players on the field at 1 time but the team can be built up from a minimum of 6 players to a maximum of 15. If teams are mixed, the official rounder rules state that there should be a maximum of 5 male players on a team. Teams then take it in turn to bat whilst the other team field and bowl.Aim of Rounders
The bowler bowls the ball to the batter who will aim to hit the ball anywhere on the rounders pitch. The batter then needs to try and get all the way round the pitch making contact with each post before the fielders get the ball to the post that they are heading for. A rounders match normally consists of two innings which is over when all players are out. An inning is equal amount of turns both sides have to bat and score.Batting Rules
Whilst batting players are able to use two hands which allows them to have a better grip for taking a hit. Each player must also run with the bat whilst running around the pitch as well as having at least one good ball bowled to them.No Ball
There are several reasons why a no ball can be called. These include the ball bouncing before reaching the batter, being too wide or aimed straight at the body and if the bowler does not use a smooth underarm throwing action. If the bowlers foot is outside the square whilst bowling the ball or the ball is thrown above the head or below the knee when reaching the batter these can also be classed as no balls. Penalty rounders can be scored by the opposite team if two no balls are thrown one after the other to the same batter.Out
A batter is out if they have a foot over the batting square and either miss or hit a good ball. A batter is also out if a good ball is caught and has not bounced. Batters can also be out if they run inside a post, overtake another batter, obstruct a fielder, or lose contact with the post when the ball is in the bowlers square. Batters can be stumped out if the fielders stump the post they are running to.Scoring
Scoring points in rounders is simple. A rounder is scored if the ball is hit, even if a no ball was thrown, and the batter touches the 4th post before the post is stumped or the ball is back with the bowler in the bowlers square. A 1/2 rounder can be scored if a player reaches the 2nd or 3rd post in one hit. This score is not counted until the player has got to the 4th post without getting out. The batting team can also score 1/2 a rounder if the ball is not hit but the player reaches 4th base.If the ball is hit backwards the player must stay at the first post until the ball is thrown forwards. If the player then makes it to the 4th post before it is stumped a rounder is scored. Penalty 1/2 rounders can be scored if a fielder obstructs where the batter is running or if the bowler throws 2 consecutive no balls to the next player. Scoring can be adapted and simplified as required.