SPIKEBALL: ORIGINS
The game was first created in Japan in 1989 and enjoyed some success for about six years, but it didn't truly gain popularity again until around 2004/2005 when the current CEO ofSpikeballInc. acquired the patent for $800 and transformed the game into the version we know and cherish today.
HOW TO SET UP
Fit all of the rims togetherlegsuntil you have a complete circle with five rims and five legs, all connected and with the legs lying flat on the ground. Thenetcan now be stretched around the hoop and attached to the hooks on each of the five legs. If you have theSpikeball Rookie set ready, you should have an extra rim and leg to account for the 50% additional surface area, making it even more accessible for young or new players.
HOW TO PLAY
Once your spikeball net is assembled, the rules are quite similar to those of Volleyball. The main distinction is the downward pass for the horizontal net. You can play with 4 to 6 players in teams of two, aiming to serve in a way that makes it difficult for the opposing team to return the ball. Teams face each other with the net between them. The three primary rules are: players cannot carry the ball, players cannot hold the ball, and only one hand may be used to touch theball. The game continues until one team fails to return the ball, the ball bounces more than once on the net, or a player hits the ball twice in succession. If none of these occur, the game continues until one team reaches 21 points.
SCORE SYSTEM
At each serve, one team earns a point according to these rules:
- If the served ball hits the ground instead of the net, the opposing team earns 1 point.
- If the ball strikes the rim, the opposing team earns 1 point.
- If the ballbounces off the net more than once, the opposing team earns 1 point.
- When the ball rolls on the net instead of bouncing off, the opposing team earns 1 point.
- If a player catches, carries, or throws the ball, or handles it with two hands instead of hitting it, the opposing team earns 1 point.
- If a player touches the ball twice in a row, the opposing team earns 1 point.
- When a player makes the same mistake twice in a row, the opposing team earns 1 point.
FAULT MOVES
- While serving, the player must stand 6 feet away from the net. Failing to do so is considered a fault. Repeating this twice results in the opposing team scoring 1 point.
- The server cannot serve the spikeball directly from their hand. They must toss the ball at least 2 inches into the air before hitting it to serve.
- Catching, dropping, or missing a hit instead of striking the ball at any point during the game will be counted as a fault. Two such faults in a row give your opposing team a point.
- While serving, you may take one step forward, but you cannot move sideways, which would be considered a fault.
- Hitting the rim at any point during the game, whether serving or playing, counts as a fault. Repeating this will give your opposing team a point.
- Players from one team must not obstruct their opponents from reaching the ball. If this occurs, that part of the game must be replayed, allowing the ball to move freely.
When serving the ball, the server must ensure the ball can be reached by the opposing team without them needing to jump for it. If the server hits it higher than the opponent's outstretched arm, it results in a fault. - If the ball hits the net but then rolls to the rim during a serve, instead of bouncing off to the opposing team, it is called a pocket, which also counts as a fault.
ALTERNATIVE SET UPS
There are various setups for playing depending on the number of participants. If you're wondering if you can play spikeball with 2 or 3 players because you're short on people, don't let numbers stop you. Give it a try! However, be aware that when played one-on-one, it becomes more challenging to be competitive. Fortunately, you can adjust the rules to keep the game engaging. For instance, in 2-player games, each player is allowed 2 touches of the ball per possession instead of just one. In a 3-player spikeball game, each player competes individually against the other two, and you'll need to follow a rotation so each player has their turn.
TRAVEL FRIENDLY
The set's size makes it easy to disassemble and take with you wherever you go. It's entirely made of plastic, and when not assembled, it doesn't occupy much space, so you can definitely bring it along on your travels. It's perfectly safe for air travel—even with just hand luggage, it packs small enough to be manageable (though it's wise to check with your airline just in case!).
COMPATIBLE APP
If you're ever short a player or tired of competing with the same opponents, there's a Spikeball app available where you can create events, join local games, and participate in tournaments. There's also a useful Learn section for tips or instructions you might need, as well as a social feed where you can share action shots and video clips of your latest games. Safety and awareness are always a priority, including online. We recommend meeting online players with a friend and/or in a public setting!