Create Your Own
Ball Game
The Mesoamerican civilizations were famous for their exciting (and sometimes deadly) ball games. The Maya played their own version of a ball game called “pitz,” a word that means “ball.” This game had one very important rule: don’t let the ball touch the ground. To play the game, the players split into two teams. Because the players weren’t allowed to use their hands, they had to hit the ball with their hips, thighs, or elbows.
In the spirit of the Maya, let’s design a ball game! Use the questions to create your very own rules.
The Maya played witha solid rubber ball.
Hitting these balls
could really hurt,
so players would often
wear padding, like
leather hip guards.
It wasn't all fun
and games. Pitz
was also played
for religious
reasons to please
the gods
Ball Game Rules
How many teams are there?
How many players are on each team?
Where is the game played?
What type of ball do you use?
What is the goal of the game?
Are there any moves that you’re not allowed to do?
Do you use any special equipment?
Do you score points? How?
Do you lose points? How?
How do you win the game?