Game rules
Banana Ball rules
Banana Ball uses 11 rules for inning points, time limits, batting, challenges, and the Showdown tiebreaker.
2026 rules
The 11 Banana Ball rules
Banana Ball awards inning points, uses a two-hour limit, and sends tied games to Showdown.
- RULE 01
Win the inning
Every regulation inning is worth one point. The team that scores more runs in the inning earns that point; in the final inning, every run counts toward the team’s total.
- RULE 02
Two-hour limit
The game cannot start a new inning after two hours. If the teams are tied when the time limit ends, the game moves to the Showdown tiebreaker.
- RULE 03
Stay in the box
If the hitter steps out of the batter’s box, the umpire calls a strike.
- RULE 04
No bunting
A bunt is not allowed. A hitter who bunts is ejected from the game.
- RULE 05
First base can be stolen
A hitter may attempt to steal first base on any pitch, including a passed ball or wild pitch.
- RULE 06
No walks
Ball four starts a sprint instead of a walk. The hitter runs while every defensive player touches the ball and can advance as many bases as possible before the ball becomes live.
- RULE 07
No mound visits
A coach, catcher, or other player may not visit the pitcher on the mound at any time during the game.
- RULE 08
A fan foul catch is an out
A clean catch by a fan on a foul ball counts as an out for the hitter. A bobble or juggle is not a clean catch.
- RULE 09
Showdown tiebreaker
A tied game moves into Showdown rounds. The hitter must score, an out earns no point and is called a Showdown Shutdown, and the defensive setup changes as the rounds continue.
- RULE 10
Challenges
Each team may challenge one on-field ruling before the next pitch. A successful overturned challenge is retained, while an upheld or inconclusive challenge is used; fans also receive one challenge opportunity.
- RULE 11
Golden Batter
Once per game, a team may send any hitter in its lineup to bat in any lineup spot. The rule lets a team choose when its best hitter enters the order.
Quick answers
What happens when the game is tied?
A tied game enters the Showdown tiebreaker. Each round gives the hitter and defense a different setup, and the rounds continue until one team earns the win.
How are points earned?
Most innings award one point to the team with more runs. The final inning uses run scoring rather than the regular inning-point limit.
Can a batter reach first without a hit?
Yes. The no-walk rule turns ball four into a live sprint, and the batter can also try to steal first on a pitch that gets away.
What do the 11 Banana Ball rules control?
The 11 Banana Ball rules control inning points, the two-hour limit, ball-four sprints, first-base steals, fan-catch outs, challenges, lineup roles, trick pitches, and Showdown.