Gaga – literally meaning “touch-touch” in Hebrew – originated in Israel and quickly spread internationally. The goal is to become the last person standing as players are eliminated by being struck with the ball on our below the knee.
The game is part of an international games unit that Kling, an APW physical education teacher, has conducted for the last five years. Originally inspired by a longstanding tradition of playing cricket within the school, Kling wanted to expand into other exciting games from outside the US.
Now, cricket and gaga are joined by brannboll, a Scandinavian batt and ball game and – new to this year – Danish Longball. Typically the unit lasts for three weeks, with two days for each game. Though usually implemented for the seventh and eighth grade students, the unit has begun new favored traditions within the school.
“The high schoolers always want to play gaga ball because it’s such a hit,” said Kling. “Whenever it comes time for us to play, the kids get so excited.”
Boost Student Wellness with the IHT ZONE heart rate monitor:
