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Playground Games
1–2 players
both
ball, net
10 essential rules
Spikeball, also known as roundnet, is a fast-paced ball sport played by two teams of two players. A small trampoline-like net is placed at ankle height between the teams, and players hit a small ball down onto the net so that it bounces up toward their opponents. The opposing team then has up to ...
Purpose: The legs elevate the net to ankle height and provide stability on uneven surfaces; Adjustment: Some sets feature adjustable-length legs to accommodate different surfaces (grass, sand, indoor floors); Stability: Legs should be firmly seated and locked before play begins. On soft surfaces ...
Casual Play: Slightly softer inflation makes the ball easier to control and rallies longer, ideal for beginners; Competitive Play: Firmer inflation produces faster play and sharper angles; tournament balls are typically at maximum inflation; Testing: Squeeze the ball between thumb and forefinger....
The serving team begins by serving the ball onto the net toward the receiving team; The receiving team has up to three touches among its two players to control the ball and spike it back onto the net; Teams continue alternating net hits until a team fails to return the ball legally
Legal contact: The ball may be played with any part of the body, including hands, fists, arms, head, chest, legs, and feet; Unintentional contact: If the ball strikes a player unintentionally (e.g., a deflection off the body), it counts as a touch for that player's team; Below the net: If a playe...
Definition: A carry occurs when the ball visibly rests in a player's hand or on their body rather than being struck cleanly. The ball must be hit with a single, distinct contact; Ruling: The opposing team is awarded the point; Judgment: Carries can be subjective. In tournament play, the referee m...
The 360-degree nature of Spikeball means all four players frequently move through the same space.
Self-officiated games: If teams cannot agree on a call (rim shot, pocket, hinder, carry, double hit), the point is replayed; Refereed games: The referee's decision is final. Players may request a brief explanation but may not argue or delay the match; Video review: Some top-level tournaments allo...
Definition: A double hit occurs when the same player contacts the ball twice in succession without a teammate touching it in between; Ruling: The opposing team is awarded the point; Self-calling: In self-officiated games, players are expected to call their own double hits honestly. If a player is...
Before each session: Inspect the net for tears, loose legs, or damaged frame components. Replace any worn or damaged parts; Ball condition: Discard balls that are cracked, deflated, or have developed an irregular shape, as they may bounce unpredictably; Playing area sweep: Walk the playing area b...
Incidental contact: Minor, unavoidable contact during play is expected in a 360-degree sport. No penalty is assessed for incidental contact; Aggressive contact: Pushing, grabbing, tripping, or intentionally running into an opponent is a violation. The opposing team is awarded the point; Repeated ...
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