Looking for an active game that can be played anywhere – in your backyard, at a park, or even on the beach? Spikeball just might be it. Think volleyball around a mini-trampoline and you get the idea. No mad skills are needed so anybody can play. And with only the roundnet and a ball, you’re all set.
Spikeball is a game played by four people divided into two teams of two. The object of the game is to hit the ball into the net alternately between teams using no more than three touches per possession.
Ready for some good ol’ family fun or to enjoy an energetic and competitive game with friends? This article serves up all you need to know about spikeball.
The Basics of Spikeball
So, what is Spikeball?
Spikeball, or roundnet as it’s sometimes known, only requires two pieces of equipment to get started: a ball (usually inflated to a 12” circumference) and the roundnet. The roundnet consists of five short legs and a net stretched over the circular frame.
For best results, tension on the roundnet should be adjusted to provide a 12 to 18-inch rebound for a ball dropped from a height of three feet. The game is best played on a level surface of grass or sand with plenty of room for players to move freely around the center containing the roundnet.
Spikeball is played with four players: two teams of two people each. The goal is to win by earning as many points as possible. Games are played until a team reaches 11, 15, or 21 points, and teams must win by 2 points.
Starting the Game
To start the game, players from the two teams face each other across the net. They then determine which team will serve first and which will receive. Teams have to stay on their side of the net until after the first serve.
Everyone except the receiver should stand at least six feet away from the net. The receiver can stand as close or far away as they like. The objective is to block the serve from the other team.
The server stands directly across from the receiver, who is the only person allowed to field the ball on that serve.
Serving the Ball
The serving team should choose one player to serve the ball. To serve, throw the ball up in the air at least 4 inches and hit/smash it down into the net. The intent is to hit the ball so that the receiving team doesn’t have a chance to return it to the net.
If the server fails to toss the ball at least 4 inches or fails to hit the ball after tossing it in the air, it is a fault. Two faults result in a point for the other team.
As the game is played, serves are alternated between team members.
Playing the Game
Once the ball is served, players can move around however they want to, and there are no sides anymore. If you’re on the receiving team, it’s a good idea to try to stay opposite the serving player to be in the best position to return the ball after it hits the net.
The receiving team has 3 chances to hit the ball back into the net. Just like in volleyball, players are encouraged to bump, set, and spike the ball, but in spikeball, players are allowed to use any body part.
There are a few things to keep in mind during play:
- Players cannot hit the ball twice in a row. Hits must alternate between team members.
- The ball can be hit with only one body part at a time.
- Contact with the ball must be swift and clean – no lifting, throwing, or catching.
- As a safety precaution, stepping in front of or blocking other players is not allowed.
- To account for sun and wind, teams can rotate their positions 90 degrees every five points if they choose.
- Short serves are allowed.
- Servers can use any amount of force they wish to launch the ball.
Now, let’s move on to scoring.
Scoring the Game
Spikeball uses rally play to award points. A rally begins with the serve, continues as the ball is hit back and forth, and ends when a point is won.
Rally play allows both the serving and receiving team to earn points at any time. Points are won when:
- The other team fails to hit the ball back into the net within three touches.
- The ball hits the ground.
- The ball makes contact with the rim at any time, including the serve.
- The ball bounces on the net and lands back on the net or rim.
- The ball rolls across the net.
Now you know everything about Spikeball, how to play, and how to score.
Game, Set, Match
Whether you play casually with family and friends or participate in tournament play (yes, some people play competitive spikeball!) Spikeball appeals to all ages with its fast pace and simple rules of play.
