Spikeball

Spikeball is a popular modified version of 2v2 volleyball created in 1989 by Jeff Knurek^[1]^[2] and abandoned in the 1990s. From 2008 - present Kankakee Inc. (USA) and Spikeball Europe Sport, Marketing & Entertainment GmbH (Europe) made Spikeball popular.^[3]^[4] It was also featured on ABC's Shark Tank. There are multiple ways to play Spikeball. Most games consist of four players, but there are also two- and six-player variants. Differences include where the players line up, infraction penalties, among others. The materials used in Spikeball include a small trampoline-like object with string netting, a small bouncing ball (usually yellow) with a 12-inch circumference, and four players. In standard play, players line up next to each other around the trampoline; in other versions, they line up across from each other. In all versions, the game starts with a serve from one team to another, continues as long as the ball is being hit from players to trampoline, and ends when an infraction occurs between either the players or the ball.

Standard Play

Standard Play includes five components. In this game play, players line up next to each other along the Spikeball net, with the opposing team lined up directly across from them along the Spikeball net. The object of the game is to hit the ball against the net so that the other team is not able to return it, or return it to hit the Spikeball net. The play continues until the ball is not returned properly.

Setup

Materials needed for Spikeball include a trampoline-like Spikeball net and a small ball with a 12-inch circumference. Players line up next to each other around the Spikeball net, and teams line up across from each other along the Spikeball net. Each round begins with a serve, usually done by the team who won the previous round. For the first serve (as there is no previous round before the first), the team who wins a game of rock-paper-scissors serves first. Prior to the serve, players who are a) not serving on the serving team, or b) not receiving the serve, must stand at least 6 feet away from the Spikeball net until the ball is served. The returner can stand wherever they want prior to the serve. Once the ball is served, all players on both teams can move wherever they may like. After the ball is served, the possession is assumed to the returning team. Once the ball is hit and returned by the non-serving team and hits the Spikeball net, the possession is flipped. This continues throughout the turn, as possession changes whenever the ball hits the Spikeball net. During each possession, teams have three hits, but do not have to use all of their hits. If any advantages exist for either side, the teams should regularly switch sides during halftime. If any uniform or similar differences exist between the teams, regulations should be decided by a game of rock-paper-scissors.

Scoring

Scoring type in Spikeball is dictated by "rally scoring", meaning that a team may earn a point whether they are serving or not. Games are usually played to 21 points, but that can be regulated to any limit if teams agree prior to the first serve. As is common with similar games such as ping-pong, tennis, and volleyball, teams can only win by two points. This can lead to deuces and point-advantages until a team wins by 2 points. Halftime occurs when one team reaches 11 points, where the teams can switch sides if agreed upon prior to the first serve. Points are scored under more than one circumstance. They include:

When the ball doesn't hit the net in three hits during a possession
The ball hits the ground
The ball hits the rim, even if it barely touches it (If the ball hits the rim during a serve, as hitting the rim doesn't count as a let)
The ball does not bounce off the net on a single bounce, also known as a double hit. The ball must clear the rim of the Spikeball net before a second bounce may occur
There is an illegal serve or other infraction

Serving

The first serve starts the game, and the setup is dictated by the first receiver. The server then stands directly across from the receiver, and only the designated receiver may receive the serve. To serve, the server must throw the ball up in the air to begin the serve. The ball is not allowed to be interfered with during the serve. If the server does not like the toss, they may try again. They are only allowed 2 tries. Servers must be behind the six foot line away from the Spikeball net to be eligible for the play. The server may lean over the line, but their feet must be behind the line at all times during the serve. The server is also allowed to take a pivot set or approach steps, but cannot move further than a pivot. Serves have no dictated velocity, and drop shots are included. For the serve to be eligible, the ball must not go any higher than the receiver's raised hands. If the ball does this, the receivers must call let before they touch the ball. The serving team will have one more try to serve it correctly, or they lose the point. If the ball comes weirdly off of the Spikeball net, also known as a "pocket", the receiving team must call let. If they do, then they will have one more try to not lose the point. If let is not called, then the play continues. If the ball double-bounces on the serve, it is the receiving team's point and another round begins. If the ball is served onto the rim, the receiving gets the point. If the serving team wins the point, the much switch with their teammate to serve to the other receiver. The teams switch servers every time that they win as the receiving team.

Contacting the Ball

Rules and regulations exist when the ball is in play. When a team has possession, hits must be altered between teammates, so no double hits happen. The ball must be hit; it cannot be lifted, caught or thrown. Players must use one hand to hit the ball; two-hand hits result in an infraction and loss of point. Any part of the body may be used to hit the ball. However, if the ball hits any part of the body (even if not the hands), then it may not be hit a second time. In other words, you cannot hit the ball twice in a row no matter what part of the body the ball touches, including if the ball touches elsewhere than the hands. If the ball hits the ground or the rim at any point during the turn the play ends and a point given. There are no reserves. Automatic point for other team. If the teams could not determine whether the ball hit the rim or not, the play is replayed and a "pocket" called. When the ball hits the net, it must clear the rim for the play to be continued. If the ball hits the Spikeball net again, a double bounce is called and point given to the assuming receiving team

Fouls Infractions exist even if a team does not have assumed possession. These include if an instance occurs where a defensive player gets in the way of the team going for the ball. It is required that defensive players make an effort to get out of the way to avoid interference. If a player gets in the way of the play, the opposing team must call "hinder". They will then be able to replay the point. The offensive team must have a legitimate reason to call "hinder". If they illegally call "hinder", they lose the point. The same rules and regulations exist if the ball hits the defensive player. If the defensive player makes an attempt to play at the ball if they do not have possession, they lose the point. If a player hits a shot that hits off the Spikeball net and hits either themselves or their teammate, they lose the point. If the ball hits the Spikeball net and it alters the set in any way, they lose the point and the set is reset until the set is either a) in the previous position or b) in an agreed upon position

Competitive Play / Spikeball

Competitive Spikeball is facilitated through USA Spikeball, which is used to organize tournaments, record scores, and develop rankings. Teams earn a certain number of points based on their performance at each tournament and the tournament size. USA Spikeball divides the country up into four regions, East, Southeast, Midwest, and West. Each region has a 4-stop tournament tour and regional tournament hosted by USA Spikeball. USA Spikeball also hosts a national tournament in October.^[5] Within Europe several local tournaments were organized by Spikeball Europe.^[6]

USA Spikeball Nationals

Year	Location	Champion	2nd	3rd
2014	Santa Monica, CA	Chico Spikes	Handsome Beavers	Nashburgh
2015	Nashville, TN	Chico Spikes	Strange Embrace	Monkey Business
2016	Washington, D.C.	2 Guys	Chico Spikes	Strange Embrace

Other Names For Spikeball

Spikeball (1989-1995, 2008–Present)
Revol (Used for a short period of time in 2015)
Roundnet (2015–Present)

References

↑ "A Spike In Interest". Retrieved 2016-10-1. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
↑ "Tribune Bio: Jeff Knurek". Retrieved 2016-10-1. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
↑ "Spikeball: Der Schmetterball muss ins Netz". Retrieved 2015-06-24.
↑ "It's called spikeball, and it has a foothold here". Retrieved 2015-06-11.
↑ http://usaspikeball.com/2015-regionals-and-nationals
↑ https://www.spikeball.de/de/news

http://www.spikeball.com

https://www.spikeball.de

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