Spikeball sometimes referred to as roundnet, is just around ten years since it started. However, it’s quickly becoming a popular sport in the United States, with tournaments springing up. In this post, you’ll learn how to play Spikeball.
Once you grasp it, you can play a new exciting game with your family and friends.
Introduction To Spikeball
Because newbies frequently get confused about how Spikeball is different from roundnet, let’s first go through the sport’s name.
Spikeball is a company that offers roundnet apparatus, while Roundnet is the sport itself. People commonly confuse the two names, resulting in misunderstandings.
This confusion has a rational explanation. Spikeball was the initial name given to the sport by its creators.
It wasn’t long before other companies started producing their own “Spikeball” gear. So the company thought of a new name for the game, which became roundnet, to protect their trademark.
If you’ve ever played “Spikeball,” you’ll know that it’s roundnet, not spikeball. We’ll use the name “Spikeball” to keep things consistent and prevent misunderstanding in this piece.
Related Reading: What The Heck Is Pickleball – Click Here To Learn More.
Spikeball Equipment
The only components you need are a net and a ball to play Spikeball. However, although Spikeball came from the concept of volleyball, the equipment is what sets it apart.
The ball used in Spikeball is a yellow plastic ball that is tinier and lighter in weight than a volleyball ball.
Ball
The ball must be 12 inches in circumference because it is the minimum requirement of Spikeball’s regulations. This size suggests it’s a tad larger than a softball in diameter.
There’s nothing worse than having a ball that’s too hard to handle for some players. Inflate it until it’s a little soft, then deflate it, so you’ll be able to modify it more effortlessly.
Net
In terms of netting, Spikeball and volleyball are entirely different.
Instead of being supported by poles, the net is like a trampoline. You can maybe use it like one.
It is 36 inches in diameter and extends 8 inches from the floor when used for two-on-two play. On the other hand, the company has developed a 45-inch-diameter extra-large net for three vs. three matches.
The tension of the net is the most significant factor influencing the quality of play. For an enjoyable game experience, the net must be taut.
You may tighten the net in places where it seems too loose. Test the net by dropping the ball from three feet. It should be able to spring back nearly 12 inches the least.
How To Play Spikeball – Basic Rules
With the concept of Spikeball built around the rules of volleyball, most Spikeball rules follow the same rules.
As a result, there is a lot in common between the two sports regarding strategy.
As previously stated, the primary differences are the equipment and the number of participants. In a standard four-person game, two players from each side face off against each other.
The four players will surround the net, with teammates positioning next to each other. Meanwhile, the other team will stand across the net much as volleyball.
You win the game by making it more difficult for your opponent to get the ball back. Because players cannot carry or keep the ball, it might not be easy to do, mainly with the one-handed regulations in the game.
One team sets up a ball for play and successfully lets it bounce off the net.
According to the guidelines, the server must be at least six feet from the net. The receiver, however, may be anywhere up to that distance.
Players may go nearer to the net whenever they choose after the server strikes the ball for service.
Once the ball makes contact with the net, it is no longer within the serving team’s possession.
Once the ball makes contact with the net, it is no longer within the serving team’s possession.
The players are also free to switch sides after the service. There is no limit on how far they may spread out over the net.
After receiving the ball, the opposing side has three chances to return it. The opposite side will get the point if they fail to do it.
Otherwise, the rally will proceed until one of the teams misses to return the ball, at which point the game will be over. Additionally, the volley comes to a halt when a ball strikes the net more than once or a player hits the ball twice.
Related Reading: How To Play Pickleball – Learn To Play Pickleball Here.
Spikeball Scoring
The scoring system for spikeball is relatively simple. It is common for Spikeball games to score up to 21 points; however, the two sides might decide to play 11 or 15 points.
It is up to the event director to decide on the final score limit for competitions.
To win in Spikeball, they must be ahead of two points from their opponents before the game ends, following the official regulations.
This regulation may change according to competition officials or previous discussions between teams.
Also, each serve results in a point for one side or the other team depending on if it was successful.
Based on the Spikeball official rules, the receiving team can earn a point if the serving team lands their ball on the ground.
Also, the opposing team gets a score if the playing team’s ball hits the net’s rim, hits the net twice and more, and doesn’t bounce and roll on the net.
Additionally, they lose a point when a player catches or tosses the ball instead of returning or hitting it. You cannot also touch the ball twice consecutively or score the other side.
Two calls of fault in a row result in the opposing team earning a point for service faults.
Faults In Spikeball
According to the Spikeball regulations, there are several movements that you should not do when playing.
Your opponent may get points when you commit “faults,” which you can get in gameplay. When learning the game, you must understand the rules of faulting completely.
- For instance, while serving, you must maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from the net. If you fail to do so two consecutive times, the other team gets one point.
- Also, if you are serving the ball, you should not do it directly from the hand. To make a good serve in Spikeball, you must throw it at least 2 inches in the air before hitting.
- Failing to strike the ball after releasing it, catching it, or dropping it becomes a call for “fault.”
- Another rule to follow when serving is always to keep your feet behind the service line. Even if you take a step while serving, you must not move in any direction other than forward or backward.
- Additionally, when the ball is finally in play, it should not hit the net’s rim, or else it will be a “fault.”
- A player cannot attempt to impede an opponent’s path to the ball in any way or form. They’ll have to start again if this occurs.
- Players need to serve the ball so that the other team may reach it without leaps. You will be penalized for striking it farther than your opponent’s extended hand.
- Lastly, when the ball lands on the net and rolls to the rim, it is a pocket and a “fault.”
Related Reading: Best Basketball Shoes For Ankle Sport – Check Out The Shoes Here.
Conclusion
Spikeball is not a complex challenge to play, and you’ll have the hang of everything after a few matches.
There are complexities in calling “faults, ” but you’ll discover them as you explore them like with any sport.
After all, what matters is having fun, so go out, gather your friends, and start playing Spikeball.