Social media app TikTok continues to dominate our culture, producing everything from hit pop songs to dance challenges to social movements. The emergence of a new trend now has TikTok users taking part in a unique backyard sport: slip and slide kickball.
The hashtag #slipandslidekickball — which currently has more than 11 million views — provides several examples of the wet and wild sport. The game functions the same way as kickball: after kicking, players round a diamond of three bases to reach home base and score.
The big twist, of course, is that this version of the classic game uses small wading pools as bases, with slippery plastic tarps in between ensuring a dramatic slide every time.
The game has been popular on TikTok for some time, and was especially popular during the lockdowns of Summer 2020. However, Distractify reports that the game has gone viral once again in 2021, possibly thanks to higher temperatures and lingering lockdown fatigue.
Not only does the game look like a lot of fun, but the videos are hilarious — especially the big wipeouts.
A Mature Twist
While the game is great for kids, older TikTokers have inevitably added their own mature, alcohol-aided twist to it. For example, one variation of the trend requires players to round the bases with drink in hand, spilling as little as possible.
In another adult twist, one version of the game asks players to play a round of “flip cup” at each base. Each player must drink an entire cup and flip the cup over before advancing.
Of course, as Distractify notes, these can easily be played with non-alcoholic drinks, making them fun ways to mix up family matches as well.
Only time will tell if more backyard sports originate from TikTok. For now, though, slip and slide kickball is an excellent new game for the whole family.