<picture>BASS 5 game scene

-It is emerging as an optimal sport for school athletics, with female middle school students also participating-

-The exciting game is so safe that there's no need for dieting-

A sport that is likely to become the most popular activity in physical education classes is showing potential for activation in Korea. 'BASS 5,' developed as a new form of baseball with the goal of entering the Olympics, is showing growth potential.

BASS 5 has low requirements for equipment and space, making it suitable for school physical education classes and community sports. Additionally, it has been adopted as an official event for the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games, attracting increasing international attention.

Last weekend, I visited the 'Peace Unification BASS 5 Tournament' held in Inje, Gangwon Province, and experienced the passion of the players firsthand by watching the games. The sight of male and female players forming a team in the indoor gymnasium showcased that this sport could be loved by both genders in the future. It is especially an ideal sport for growing adolescents and young adults. The relentless running, akin to a short-distance round trip, was the epitome of excitement. It was a workout where dieting was unnecessary.

Though it is a type of baseball, it is a sport that does not use bats or gloves, which reduces risks while enhancing interest through athleticism and strategy. It is a fast-paced, simple sport designed to be enjoyed anywhere. Unlike traditional baseball, it is played barehanded, with two teams consisting of five players competing over five innings.

<picture>Female middle school student Park So-jung, who is captivated by the charm of BASS 5

In this tournament, a third-year middle school student formed a team with adults, drawing more attention. Park So-jung (15), who was selected for the Gyeonggi-do representative team, is the protagonist. Park So-jung, a third-year student at Mokwoon Middle School in Mokdong, Seoul, became a topic of interest after discovering BASS 5 through Instagram and visiting the Gyeonggi-do Association to register as a player.

Park So-jung noted, “I started last December. I learned that the team in Seoul does not practice much, so I go to Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, for training. The game progresses quickly, which keeps me focused and thrilled,” expressing her ambitious goal of becoming a national team player even as she enters high school.

A representative from the Korea Baseball Softball Association stated, “It is preferred by physical education teachers because it is safer compared to other sports. Just drawing lines in the gym and forming teams allows students to play independently, making it the best school sports activity. These days, traditional sports are often avoided due to their associated risks. In contrast, BASS 5 is very popular because it only involves hitting a soft ball with bare hands and running. The quick transitions between offense and defense and the short game duration are also advantages.”

Additionally, in a mixed team (four males and four females, totaling eight members), at least two female players must participate in an inning, introducing a strategic element to enhance competitiveness regarding when to deploy female players.

The baseball association is also planning to prepare various tournaments to promote BASS 5 and is committed to increasing the number of registered players and teams.

<picture>Defense scene of player Park So-jung, who participated in the game with adults

Next are the basic rules of BASS 5.

▲Team composition

=Each team can consist of five starting players and a maximum of three reserve players, allowing for a total registration of eight members.

=In mixed games, at least two male and female players must always be present on the field during defense.

▲Field and equipment

=The playing field is a square shape with sides measuring 18 to 21 meters, and the distance between bases is approximately 13 meters.

=For official games, a WBSC-certified rubber ball is used, and no bats or gloves are utilized.

▲Game progress

=The game consists of five innings, with each team alternating between offense and defense in each inning.

=The defensive team switches to offense after recording three outs.

=The offensive team scores by having the batter hit the ball with their palm or fist so it lands in fair territory, then touches the bases in order from first to home plate.

▲Out rules

=If the ball hit by the batter lands in the no-hit zone (within 4.5 meters from home plate).

=If the batter steps out of the box or touches the lines while swinging.

=If a fielder catches the ball and touches the base before a runner or tags the runner.

=If a runner leaves the base or overtakes a leading runner.

▲Game ending conditions

=The team with the most points at the end of five innings wins.

=If there is a 15-point difference after three innings or a 10-point difference after four innings, a cold game is applied.

=In the case of a tie, extra innings are played, and a tiebreaker method is applied, where runners are pre-placed on the bases as the innings extend.

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