Spikeball is a brand name for roundnet, a volleyball-like sport involving two teams with two players. Many people in the U.S. and other parts of the world play this super fun game to keep themselves entertained. If you’d also like to play the game, you can start by learning the official Spikeball rules.
Even though Spikeball is regarded as a cross between volleyball and foursquare, it has its own unique set of rules that dictate setup, scoring and serving. These rules also stipulate when the game is over and who wins. Continue reading to learn more about the Spikeball rules.
We’ll go over the rules governing pro-level and friendly Spikeball games.
Equipment And Setup
Both teams need to provide their Spikeball sets. A Spikeball set consists of a Spikeball ball and a net. Spikeball balls are light and much smaller than volleyball balls. The ball should be 12 inches (30.4 cm) in diameter.
The Spikeball net resembles a miniature trampoline. It should be about 8 inches (20.3 cm) off the ground and have a diameter of 36 inches (91 cm). You have to ensure that the tension on the net is consistent all the way around. You can adjust the tension by pulling the net.
Top Tip: To check whether you’ve correctly set up the net, drop the ball from 5 feet (1.5 m) onto the center of the net. The ball should bounce back 1 foot (30 cm).
Team Rosters
Scoring
Here’s everything you need to know about scoring in Spikeball.
- Both the serving team and receiving team have a chance to win points in each round.
- A team needs 21 points to win and the winning team must have at least a two-point lead.
- Both teams must switch sides when one team gets 11 points.
In Spikeball, you can score points in different ways.
- Your team wins the point if the ball hits the ground after an opposing player touches it.
- One team scores a point if the opposing team fails to get the ball onto the net within three hits.
- You score a point if the ball hits the rim during an opponent’s serve or return.
- You score a point if the opposing team makes an illegal serve.
When was Spikeball invented? Check out our blog post for detailed information.
Serving
Here are the rules governing serving in Spikeball.
- The receiving team position themselves first. The server then stands directly across from the receiving player.
- The server must toss the ball in the air before hitting it.
- If you don’t like the toss, you can let the ball drop to the ground. The serving team will get another opportunity to toss and serve the ball.
- Your feet must be behind the serving line when hitting the ball.
Note: The service line is 6 ft (1.8 m) away from the net.
- The server may take a step forward but can’t move sideways.
- Serves may be powerful or soft and you can attempt drop shots.
- The serve must be within the receiver’s reach. The receiver must return the ball if it is within reach. However, if the ball is too high, the receiver must call “let” before a teammate hits the ball. The offensive team will have another opportunity to serve, but if they can’t pull off a legal serve, they lose a point.
- If the ball bounces unpredictably and lands back on the net or rim, the receiving team scores a point and possession switches.
- The other team scores a point and gains possession if you accidentally slam the ball into the rim at any point.
- The server changes each time a member of the receiving team wins a rally.
Contacting The Ball
Spikeball has a unique set of regulations regarding players’ contact with the ball.
- Hits must alternate between teammates.
- You must hit the ball, not catch, lift or throw it. You can’t hit the ball with both hands.
- You can use any part of your body to hit the ball.
- The other team wins a point if you let the ball hit the rim.
- If neither of the two teams can determine if the ball hit the rim, they must replay the point.
Check out our other post to learn how to set up Spikeball.
Infractions
We’ll go over various Spikeball infractions.
- Defensive players must try to get out of the offensive team’s way when attempting to hit the ball. If the defensive player obstructs the offensive player from hitting the ball, they can call “hinder” and replay the point.
Note: The offensive team must have a valid play on the ball to call “hinder”.
- If the ball hits the defensive team, call “hinder” and replay the point.
- If a defensive player attempts to play the ball when it is not their turn, the player’s team will lose the round.
- Your team loses a point if you hit the ball off the net and it touches you or your teammate.
Faults And Violations
The following activities will result in a player being ejected from the game.
- Use of profanity
- Abuse of facility and equipment
- Fighting
- Rough play
- Verbal and physical abuses
- Other cases of unsportsmanlike conduct
When The Game Ends
There is no clock in Spikeball, so the winner is determined based on the points scored. Typically, the first team to score 21 points wins. However, in some tournaments, the game ends when a team scores 11 or 15 points.
Terms Used In Spikeball
Here are some terms that people use when playing Spikeball.
Roll-Up Or Pocket – A roll-up or pocket occurs when the ball bounces on the net and rolls into the rim.
Note: If a roll-up occurs during a serve, it is a fault and the player must serve again. If it occurs during regular play, the rally must continue.
Rim Shot – Rim shot is a term that describes a player hitting the ball directly into the rim. If this occurs, the opposing team gets the point.
Near-Net Serve – A near-net serve is when the ball doesn’t bounce after a player hits it onto the receiver’s side of the net. This serve is legal in Spikeball.
Slammo vs Spikeball. Discover the differences between these two exciting sports.
What's The Difference Between Spikeball And Spikeball Pro?
The difference between Spikeball and Spikeball Pro is in the game sets. The Spikeball Pro has a 33% stronger frame than the regular Spikeball game set. The Pro also has an inverted color scheme, textured balls, non-skid pads on the legs, a ball pump and a carrying backpack. However, the rules of roundnet are the same for both Spikeball and Spikeball Pro.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Basic Rules Of Spikeball?
The basic rules of Spikeball stipulate that there should be two teams consisting of between two and four players and only two players per team can be on the court at one time. Any team that is unable to provide up to two players forfeits the game. In addition, both teams must provide their own Spikeball sets.
What Are 5 Rules Of Spikeball?
The 5 rules of Spikeball state that a team can score points if any of the following happens:
- The ball hits the ground after touching an opposing team’s player.
- The opponent slams the ball into the rim.
- The ball rolls back onto the net instead of bouncing after an opposing player hits it.
- The same player on the opposing team hits the ball two times in a row.
- A player on the opposing team catches or throws the ball instead of hitting it.
What Are 3 Rules Of Spikeball?
The 3 rules of Spikeball are:
- Hits must alternate between teammates. A player cannot hit the ball two consecutive times.
- You must hit the ball cleanly and not catch, lift or throw it.
- Players cannot hit the ball with both hands.
Violation of any of these rules results in the loss of points.
What Is An Illegal Hit In Spikeball?
In Spikeball, an illegal hit occurs when the serving team hits the ball toward the receiving team’s end, but the ball is beyond the receiver’s reach. If this happens, the receiver must call “let” before a teammate touches the ball. The serving player will have one more chance to serve correctly.
Conclusion
You’re ready to play the game now that you know all the official Spikeball rules. The rules listed in this article apply to all Spikeball tournament matches. You may follow the same rules when playing casual games with friends or modify them to make the game more entertaining. In the end, you only have to make sure you’re having fun.
