Wiffle Ball
Overview & Examples
Wiffle Ball is a variation of the sport of baseball designed for indoor or outdoor play in confined areas. The game is played using a perforated, light-weight, rubbery plastic ball and a long, plastic bat. The Wiffle® Ball is a registered trademark of Wiffle Ball Inc., Shelton, CT.
The game of Wiffle Ball was invented in the 1950s and became a popular backyard and sandlot game in the 1960s and 1970s. Leagues and tournaments are now played worldwide.
Traditional Formats
Wiffle Ball can be played both indoors and outdoors. Teams are typically comprised of between 3 and 6 players. While women’s and co-rec leagues are possible, men’s and mixed leagues are most prevalent.
Staffing
Wiffle Ball games can utilize up to two umpires. The two-umpire system often includes a plate umpire and base umpire. A single umpire may be used, positioned either near the plate or behind the pitcher in the center of the infield. Wiffle Ball may also be self-officiated by the participating teams.
Rules
As a traditionally unstructured backyard game, Wiffle Ball has few sets of standardized rules. However, the United States Perforated Plastic Baseball Association (USPPBA) has a thorough set of rules that are utilized in numerous leagues and tournaments. Many intramural programs have created their own rules, modeled off of traditional baseball/softball rules.
Notes & Variations
In place of a catcher and home plate umpire, a target is often set-up behind home plate to determine when a pitched ball is considered a strike.
The practice of pegging, throwing a Wiffle Ball at a runner to record an out, may be limited or prohibited for safety considerations.
Quickball (Ripken Quickball®) is similar to Wiffle Ball but utilizes a different ball and offers a variety of rule modifications to encourage different types of play.