Roundnet

A Spikeball roundnet net and ball

Roundnet is a net sport inspired primarily by concepts from volleyball. It was originally created in 1989 by Jeff Knurek[1][2] although the equipment he created for the game was superseded in the 1990s. Since 2008 Kankakee Spikeball Inc., a manufacturer of equipment for the sport, has promoted it (for which reason the game is also mentioned as spikeball).[3] There are multiple ways to play roundnet. Most games consist of four players, but there are also two- and six-player variants. Differences include where the players line up and infraction penalties, among others. The materials used in roundnet include a small trampoline-like object with string netting, a small bouncing ball 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.

Other names for roundnet

  • Revol (Used for a short period of time in 2015)
  • Spikeball™ - the brand name of the most popular equipment provider for roundnet (1989-1995, 2008–present)
  • Slammo™ - Another popular brand name for roundnet equipment

Rules of the sport

Setup

Materials needed for roundnet include a trampoline-like net, and a small ball with a 12-inch circumference. Players line up next to each other around the net, and teams line up across from each other around the 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 either a game of rock-paper-scissors or a rally serves first.

Prior to the serve, players who are not serving on the serving team (not receiving the serve) must stand at least 6 feet away from the 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 by the returning team. Once the ball is hit and returned by the non-serving team and hits the net, the possession is flipped. This continues throughout the turn, as possession changes whenever the ball hits the 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, such as slanted ground or the sun hindering vision, 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.

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 at least 4 inches in the air to begin the serve. The ball is not allowed to be interfered with during the serve. The server is not allowed any sort of mulligan once the serve has begun. If they catch, swing at and miss, or drop the tossed ball, it results in the loss of a point. Servers must be behind the six foot line away from the net to be eligible for the play. The server cannot lean over the line in order to get closer to the net, and their feet must be behind the line at all times during the serve. The server is allowed to take a pivot set or approach steps, but cannot move further than a pivot. The server can hit the ball at any speed and direction including drop shots. 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 fault before a second touch occurs or the ball hits the ground. The serving team will have one more try to serve it correctly, or they lose the point. When serving, if the ball hits what is known as a "pocket" (the area of the net that is right next to the rim) then the receiving team can call a fault and the server can attempt another serve. If a fault 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 two faults occur back to back, the receiving team is awarded the point and possession switches sides. If the ball is served onto the rim, the receiving team gets the point. If the serving team wins the point, the server much switch places with their teammate to serve to the other receiver. If the receiving team wins the point, they get to serve the next point.

Contacting the ball

Rules and regulations exist when the ball is in play. When a team has possession, they must alternate touches, 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. If the teams could not determine whether the ball hit the rim or a pocket, the play is replayed. When the ball hits the net, it must clear the rim for the play to be continued. If the ball hits the net again, a double bounce is called and point given to the assuming receiving team. If during a rally the ball hits pocket, the rally continues. Pockets are only a fault during serves. If the ball makes contact with the net and then proceeds to roll up into the rim, this is known as a "roll-up". If this occurs during a serve, the receiving team may call a fault and the serve is tried again. If a roll-up occurs during a rally, it is treated as a pocket, and the rally continues.

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 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 net and hits either themselves or their teammate, they lose the point. If a player makes contact with the set, it results in the loss of the point. Even if the player hit a "kill shot", you will lose the point if you touch the set until the ball makes contact with the ground.

Scoring

Scoring type in roundnet 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. Points can be scored in these ways:

  • When the ball doesn't hit the net within three hits during a possession
  • The ball hits the ground
  • The ball hits the rim. (This includes during serves)
  • 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 net completely.
  • There are two illegal serves in a row.
  • The player hits themselves or their teammate with the ball after it makes contact with the net.

Pro Format Rules

Serving

  • For the serve to be eligible, the ball must not go any higher than the receiver's raised hands

Points can be scored in these ways:

  • When the ball doesn't hit the net within three hits during a possession
  • The ball hits the rim. (This includes during serves)
  • 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 net completely.
  • There are two illegal serves in a row.

References

  1. ↑ "A Spike In Interest". Retrieved 2016-10-01.
  2. ↑ "Tribune Bio: Jeff Knurek". Retrieved 2016-10-01.
  3. ↑ "It's called spikeball, and it has a foothold here". Retrieved 2015-06-11.
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