This week it's out to the backyard for some fun with the new game/sport Spikeball.
Spikeball is one of those simple ideas which make you wonder why no one else had created the game years ago.
"The concept of the game was originally developed in the 80's as a kids toy sold in Toys R' Us. The game didn't take off because it was marketed to the wrong client. Our founder Chris Ruder then created Spikeball as we know it today in 2008 after purchasing the rights," explained a company spokesperson via email.
The game comes with a tubular frame which you put together to form a circle which is about a yard across. The pieces used to hold the frame together act as legs which hold the frame about eight-inches off the ground.
A net is then stretched taut over the frame, creating the central part of Spikeball.
Two teams of two then use a ball provided to play the game.
"Standing at least five feet from the net, Team One serves by tossing the ball in the air, and spiking it down on the net towards Team Two. Team Two has up to three hits (ie, 'sets' in volleyball) between them before they have to spike it back to the net. (Note: You do not have to use all three hits). This continues as a volley until one team cannot return the ball. Use rally scoring to 21. To determine who serves first, teams should volley to serve," explains the rules.
"First team to 21 wins (must win by two). Use rally scoring. If your team served, and the other team cannot return your shot, you've won a point."
You can find the finer details of the rules at www.spikeball.com
Now it is interesting Spikeball has an apparent cousin out there too, with the sport 360Ball looking quite interesting.
In the case of 360Ball (http://www.360ball.net) it is very much like Spikeball with a larger net and players using racquets as opposed to their hands.
"When Knysna based company Cirxola Sports,cc submitted their concept for adjudication at an international Sports Business Awards, the ISPO Brand New Awards in Germany, they were not expecting to become the Overall Winner," details the sport's website.
"360ball, as the name of the game alludes to, is a racquet and ball game played in a circular court and was developed in the Garden Route, in South Africa. Although the game in a circle has its origins as a back yard contest between brothers Mark and John Collins who used to bounce a ball of a circular wooden disc, it is today hardly recognizable from its original format.
"Although a version of the game does come designed for backyard recreation or play on the beach, it is at the top end of the game, in the specially constructed "Pro Court," the real competitive sparks fly. Behind the high spec poly carbon walls, sporting action that rivals tennis, squash or volleyball in every aspect takes place. This fast paced game produces rallies that are as exciting to watch as they are in participating.
"Playing 360ball involves striking the ball off a centrally placed concave disc and it differs markedly from other ball games firstly, in that players of the same team may pass the ball to each other between strikes, and secondly and perhaps more revolutionary, in that there are no set sides to the court. Play rotates 360 degrees around the central disc."
Spikeball reps suggest the similarity was not intentional.
"There are many similarities to 360 ball, but as far as I know, all unintentional. The similarities are that it is a 2 vs. 2 team sport that allows play in 360 degrees with teams changing possession by hitting an object in the center with the ball," they offered.
"The significant differences are that Spikeball does not have an out of bounds or back wall to play off of. This means that there are many "digs" and "gets" that look a lot like beach volleyball. In this way, Spikeball is also completely portable and can be played absolutely anywhere. That is one of the ultimate appeals of the game. The Spikeball set can be torn down and set up in a minute or two, and doesn't require any special facility."
While 360Ball is a definite sport which could develop into something to rival badminton, squash and similar older racquet sports, Spikeball is more backyard and beach friendly.
The net and frame take down easily and back into a nylon bag for easy transport. It can go to the park for a Sunday afternoon, or be tossed in the RV for holiday fun.
Now to be good at Spikeball requires agility and athleticism and finesse, it can be played at a more basic fun level too.
Don't get me wrong, Spikeball can get competitive, as is the case with most backyard games which lie right on the edge of being sports, which is not a bad thing. It does mean though you might attempt a few shots and digs that the body will protest about the next day.
A great option for the backyard, with an eye to it being competitive enough to create interest in club play. I will add Spikeball will likely find many fans among high school and college students, as it's ideal for younger people.
"The primary base is not surprisingly California as a whole, but there is competition from all over the United States. College campuses have been a major supporter of Spikeball all across the Nation. "Spikeball is absolutely taking off as a competitive sport, and we see the athletic potential and requirements soaring beyond anything we could have expected. Even with the sports humble beginnings, I think Chris always had a vision for what is now becoming a reality.
