How To Play Spikeball

If you are with your 3 friends but cannot find the right game to play, then perhaps you should think about Spikeball. Spikeball is a great game that can be played in recess with your friends or in any public play area. It's more like our own mix between volleyball and four square, but still with its own distinctive feel. This is a very popular Thai sport which is played with the help of a small, round net that is settled on the ground at ankle level. The game is so exciting and the best part is that you will have fun even if you don't have access to a big field or a bunch of gear.

The target is to put them in an awkward situation when they receive the ball. And if they fail to do so in the first three tries, the other team will get a point! So, if you’re eager to become a Spikeball pro player, then you have come to just the right spot.

The Spikeball Setup

Setting up the Spikeball equipment is extremely easy. You don’t need any tools and can set up the equipment in just a matter of minutes. Here are the steps to help you set up a Spikeball set:

Step 1: Empty Out The Bag

Once you receive the bag or you have purchased one yourself from the market, bring it to the yard and empty out all the contents. Check to see if you have all the required contents in place. There will be 5 ring segments, 5 yellow legs, a black net, a user manual, and a yellow ball. Once you have counted these pieces, you can move on to the next step.

Step 2: Insert Ring Segments Into Leg Openings

The very first thing you should do when starting to set up the equipment is to place the ring segments inside the legs. The legs are yellow and stand with round holes in them for ring segments. Once you place all the ring segments and connect with each leg, you will get a 360-degree circle. Make sure that you have correctly positioned each ring segment and that the hooks for the net are in a downward direction.

Step 3: Spread Out & Install The Net

In the next step, you will have to spread out and install the net. Place the black net in the middle of the circle, on the ground, and then start spreading it out evenly. First, you should find some evenly distanced points on opposite ends of the ring to hook the net. Place the net over the top, take it over the rings to the bottom, and clip it on the hooks. Repeat the process for the whole net until you clip the net to every hook.

Step 4: Make Sure Your Net Is Evenly Pulled

You have to make sure that the net is evenly pulled. If you have followed the previous step strictly, then you won’t have any issues. If the net is not evenly tensioned, the Spikeball might not bounce evenly on all sides.

You might have to take it off the net and set it up again if you are setting it up for the first time. This is an important step, so make sure not to rush through it. As per the rules, the tension of the net must be adjusted so that a ball dropped from 3 feet will bounce back 12 to 18 inches.

Step 5: Inflate The Ball

Now that the base is ready, the next step is getting the ball ready. You will play with an inflatable ball, so inflating it to the right point is extremely important. You must not over-inflate the ball, as it will be difficult to control. Just inflate the ball enough that it will bounce from the net and give you control while playing. However, players should try not to block or interfere with the offending team's possession.

I personally like to keep the ball a little soft for semi-professional play. As a beginner, this softness will help you gain control of the ball. As a general rule, the ball should be inflated to a 12-inch circumference. With this, you are ready to play the game.

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Rules Of The Spikeball Game

The game is fairly new and doesn’t have many rules yet. As the game is very simple and only typically played between four players, the rules of the game are easy to understand. The rules have been categorized for your better understanding.

1- Basic Rules

There are common gameplay rules that should be followed during the game.

• Players should start the game at least 6 feet away from the net except the receiver. The receiver can stand wherever he or she wants.
• You don’t have to measure exactly six feet away. Just use your judgment to guess where you should stand.
• Once the game starts, the players can move around in any direction they want. There are no sides in this game, and players can rotate around the ring 360 degrees.
• Each time the ball comes in contact with the net, the possession changes. It means if Team A had the ball and they spiked it on the net, now the ball belongs to Team B.
• Each team will have 3 touches per possession. So, once your team receives the ball, you have 3 touches to get it back to the other team or score the point.
• The serving order will alternate players from two teams. The same and the only player won’t serve again and again, nor the two players from the same one team consecutively.
• If desired, you can rotate the position of the players 90 degrees after 5 points (or decided points). This is an optional rule, but it equalizes the sun and wind effect and makes sure that the positioning is not unfavorable to any team.

2- Spikeball Scoring Rules

Here are the rules for scoring in a Spikeball game:

• This game is played using rally scoring. It means points can be won by either team regardless of whether they are serving or receiving.
• As a general rule, the game is played for a score of 11, 15, or 21. You must specify the winning score before the start of the game.
• In tournaments, the winning score will be decided by the Tournament Director.
• As a general rule, the game must be won by two points. This rule is similar to volleyball. There is a breakpoint before winning, and if the other team catches up, there is a deuce.
• If the ball is not returned to the net within 3 touches by the team in possession, a point will be awarded to the other team.
• If the ball touches the ground, the team in possession of the ball loses the point.
• Except for the first serve, if the ball is directly spiked to the rim of the net, the spiking team loses the point.
• If there is a double-net touch, the ball bounces back onto the net and bounces again, and then the spiking team loses the point.
• If a player on the offensive collides with a defender or if the defender's positioning obstructs a reasonable offensive play on the ball, the affected player has the right to call "obstruction" to initiate a replay of the point.
• If the ball rolls across the net, then the spiking team will lose the point.
• Each point lost is awarded to the other team. The score flies up pretty fast, and even a 21-point game ends in just a matter of minutes.
• The scoring rules are not absolute. They might be changed, and even new rules can be included for a local game.

3- Spikeball Serving Rules

Here are the rules for serving in a Spikeball game:

• If the serving team wins the first point, then the partner of the first server will be the next server.
• If the serving team loses the point, the next designated player serves from the other team.
• An initial sequence of serving will be decided before the game begins in the form of alternating players from both teams.
• The receiving team wins and sets its position first in the game, and the server has to be 180 degrees across from the receiver. The receiver is the only one allowed to receive the service. The partner cannot intervene.
• The designated receiver can stand anywhere he or she wants. However, the rest of the players must stand at least 6 feet away from the net.
• You can serve as hard as you want. There is no limit to the force of the serve. Short serves are also allowed.
• If a server misses a serve twice, the receiving team will gain a point. If a server makes one mistake and then serves the ball a second time correctly, then no point is awarded to the receiving team, and it’s a reset. Next time serving, the server will again have two mistakes.
• The server must toss the ball at least 4 inches upwards before spiking. Failure to do so will be counted as a mistake.
• After tossing the ball, the server player hits the ball. Dropping, catching, or missing to spike the toss will be counted as a fault.

4- Rallies Rules

Rallies in Spikeball aren’t very long. Here are the rules for rallies:

• Consecutive touching is not allowed. The touching must alternate between two players of the team.
• You must hit the ball with one hand only. Using two hands is not allowed, even when both hands are placed together.
• You must not catch, lift, or throw the ball. The contact with the ball must be clean.
• You can use any part of your body to hit the ball.
• Any unusual bounce from the net is legal as long as the ball doesn’t touch the rim.
• If you spike a ball onto the net and the ball hits the net, rolls to the rim, and then bounces off; it is a legal shot.
• If you are confused about any shot, you can replay the point again.

5- Infractions

Spikeball is a strictly no-contact sport. There will be no pushing, shoving, hitting, or blocking in the game. Safety is paramount. Defending players cannot block, hinder, or impede the offending team. They must wait until the ball is spiked onto the net.

Under no circumstances are you allowed to touch or collide with the other receiving team member. If an infraction is intentional or is repeated, it can lead to losing a point and even disqualification in case of a tournament.

Pro-Tips For Playing

Here are some pro tips for playing the game that will really help you become a pro quickly:

• Never spike the ball straight down. It will just make it easier for the other team to receive the ball.
• Wait till the ball is lower to smack it across the net.
• Keep sliding around the net to make sure you get an opening. If your opponents are moving 360 degrees, make sure you are, too.
• Always set the ball close to the net, so your teammate has the option to either hit a softie or go for the kill. Setting it too far from the net limits the options.

Table Showcasing Methods To Play The Spikeball Game

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Rules For Spikeball?

The game has very simple rules. There are two teams of two players each; each team gets three hits, and they have to spike the ball on the net to pass to the other team and score the point. The rules are discussed in detail in the above post.

Can You Play Spikeball With 2 Players?

No, 2 players cannot play this game. You have to have 4 players for this game, and there are no alternatives. The game is set up in such a way that it can be played only between 4 players.

Is Spikeball Easy To Learn?

Yes, the game is really easy to learn. However, mastering the game is an entirely different story. You will have to master certain skills and perfect your coordination with your teammates to become a pro in this game.

How Long Does It Take To Play Spikeball?

A single set of the game usually lasts about a quarter of an hour. That means you will finish a 21-point game within 15 minutes. Even though the points seem too many, the game doesn’t last very long.

How Many Times Can You Hit A Spikeball?

A player is allowed to hit the ball once. You cannot make consecutive hits. There are two teams, and each team is allowed 3 hits per possession. You must score a point or return the ball to the net within 3 hits.

Is The Direct Rim Hit Allowed In Spikeball?

No, direct rim hits are not allowed as per the official rules, and the ball must be played cleanly off the net without contacting the rim during a rally.

What Age Is Appropriate For Spikeball?

The game is not restricted to any age. Usually, children older than 6 years of age can play the game. For fun, even adults can play this game. Every kid aged two years and above can play this game.

Conclusion

Spikeball isn’t just a game, it’s an exhilarating experience that brings friends together, encourages healthy competition, and tests your agility and strategy. It is a game for players of all ages with no restrictions whatsoever. As you delve into the world of Spikeball, remember to enjoy every moment, celebrate wins, and embrace the learning curve.

With the equipment properly set up, a thorough understanding of the rules, and a dash of strategy, you’re well on your way to becoming a Spikeball champion. So, gather your friends, set up the net, and let the Spikeball journey begin! Good Luck!