Tetherball is one of the best backyard games to play for fun and a good form of exercise. Although this game is simple to set up, some players often need clarification about the correct dimensions of the game’s equipment. A simple error, such as failing to measure the height of tetherball pole correctly, can make the game difficult to play.
A tetherball pole should be tall enough to allow the attached ball to move freely. This article is for you if you need help with determining the correct dimensions for your tetherball pole or rope. In this post, we’ll discuss the proper dimensions of a tetherball pole when setting up a court both for kids and adults.
There is no official tetherball pole height or court size because the game doesn’t have an official governing or regulating body. We’ll examine the commonly used dimensions of a tetherball court and pole.
Height Of Tetherball Pole
The height of a tetherball pole is typically between 10 feet (3 m) and 12 feet (3.6 m), measured from top to bottom. When setting up a court for younger players, you can use a pole that’s 8-feet (2.4 m) high. You should lower the height to keep the ball within the kids’ reach. You might even come across 7-foot (2.1 m) tetherball poles for children.
Check out our reviews to find the best tetherball sets.
Tetherball Pole Length
Tetherball requires a pole that is 10 feet (3 m) long. Although most standard adult-size tetherball poles are 12 feet (3.6 m) long, you’ll have to bury 2 feet (60 cm) of this length in the ground.
Note: Some tetherball poles are designed to be installed above ground. Since you don’t have to bury any part of the length of such poles, their total length remains above ground.
Tetherball Pole Diameter
Most permanent tetherball poles have a diameter of about 2.4 inches (6 cm). However, some heavy-duty poles have diameters of up to 3 inches (7.6 cm). You’ll often find such large poles in parks and playgrounds. On the other hand, portable tetherball poles have a diameter of only 2 inches (5 cm) due to their thin construction.
Since portable poles are thinner, they weigh less and are more likely to tip over. Better quality tetherball poles have a larger diameter. They’re also made of thicker, more durable materials such as steel and aluminum.
Click here to learn how to play tetherball like a pro.
Tetherball Pole Ground Sleeve
You may find a ground sleeve in your tetherball set. You can put this ground sleeve in the hole meant for the tether ball pole before inserting the pole itself. The ground sleeve will remain permanently in the ground, even when you take the pole out. You can decide whether to use the ground sleeve or not, but it holds the pole in place better.
How Long Should The Rope Be On Tetherball?
The tetherball rope should be long enough that the ball attached to it hangs only two feet (60 cm) above the ground. The tetherball rope length is mainly dependent on the length of the pole. For example, if you have a pole that is 10 feet (3 m) long, you need a rope that is 8 feet (2.4 m) long.
Tip: If your tetherball rope is too long, you can tie a knot to adjust its length.
Tetherball Quick Guide | |
Court Layout | Circle with 2 playing zones and 2 neutral zones |
Court Diameter | 20 feet |
Pole Height | 10 feet (measured from the ground) |
Ball | Hangs 2 feet above ground |
Tetherball Court Dimensions
You must set up the court first before installing a tether ball pole. A standard tetherball court has a dimension of 20 feet (6 m) and is divided into four zones. The two playing zones take up more than two-thirds of the court, while the two neutral zones take up the remaining one-third.
Elements Of A Tetherball Court
Continue reading to learn about the different elements that make up a tetherball court.
Playing Zone (x2)
Every tetherball game involves two players on opposite sides of the court. You and your opponents will be based in separate playing zones from where you can hit the ball back and forth.
Note: You are not allowed to cross into your opponent’s playing zone at any point during the game.
Neutral Zone (x2)
A tetherball court also has two neutral or out-of-bound zones, which are smaller than the playing zones. The rules prevent players from straying out of their playing zones into neutral zones. However, you can modify the general rules to make the neutral zones accessible.
Ball
Your game set is not complete without a ball. You must attach your ball to the pole using the rope. Players will hit it back and forth, aiming to wrap the rope and ball around the pole.
Rope
You need a rope to attach the ball to the pole, so most tetherball sets come with one. You will attach one end of the rope to the ball and the other end to the pole.
Visit our blog post “What Is Tetherball” to read everything you need to know about the game.
How To Set Up A Tetherball Court
When constructing a tetherball court, you have two options. You can purchase a portable tetherball set or build a permanent court using cement and a metal pole.
1. Portable Tetherball Set
The easiest way to set up a tetherball court is by buying a portable tetherball set. Portable tetherball sets contain all the necessary pieces of game equipment and are easier to transport. However, before you start playing, you will need to draw the playing and neutral zones on the court.
Tip: You can divide the court into playing zones only to give players more space to move. This makes the game less difficult.
2. DIY Tetherball Set
You can make a DIY tetherball set if you’re up for the task. All you need is an old tire, a metal pole and cement. Fill the tire with cement and stick the pole so when the cement hardens, it holds it in place. You can set your DIY tetherball pole on a grassy patch in your backyard.
Note: Keep the pole level until the cement hardens to ensure the pole is straight.
How To Attach Rope To A Tetherball Pole
Follow these steps to attach a rope to a tetherball pole.
- Drill holes at the top of the pole.
- Install an eye bolt through the holes.
- Tie the tetherball rope to the eyelet on the bolt.
- Tie a knot near the top of the rope to adjust the length as needed.
Learn the rules of tetherball here.
How Much Space Do You Need For A Tetherball?
You need a space of about 100 square feet (9.2 square meters) for a tetherball. It doesn’t matter if the court is paved or grass-covered, as long as the ground is level. After deciding on a suitable location, draw a 20-foot (6-meter) diameter circle to create the court’s playing area and foul zones.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Low Should A Tether Ball Hang?
A tether ball should hang 2 feet (60 cm) above the ground. To achieve this, you must ensure that the rope is shorter than the pole by 2 feet precisely. If you’re setting up a court for children, you can make the ball hang slightly lower so it is within their reach.
How Long Should A Tether Ball Rope Be?
A tether ball rope should be long enough for the ball to hang 2 feet (60 cm) above the ground. This means that if you’re using a 10-foot (3 m) tetherball pole, you’ll need an 8-foot (2.4 m) rope. If your rope is too long, you can tie a knot at the top to adjust the height.
How Do You Attach A Tetherball To A Pole?
You can attach a tetherball to a pole by using a rope. First, drill a hole in the top of the pole and insert an eye bolt through it. Next, tie the tetherball rope to the eyelet on the bolt and attach the ball to the other end of the rope.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this guide has provided answers to any questions that you have about the correct height of tetherball pole. The most important thing to note is that no matter how long the pole is, only 10 feet (3 m) of its length must be above ground. You can modify the dimensions when setting up a court for children.
