How to Play

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The sport of roundnet, aka "that yellow trampoline game" aka "if volleyball and foursquare had a baby" aka "enough with the wit I'd like to read the rules," is played 2 vs 2.

A player starts a point by serving the ball down onto the Spikeball net so it ricochets up at his opponents. The returning team has up to 3 hits between them (think bump, set, spike) to return the ball back onto the net. The rally continues until a team can't return the ball onto the net within their three touches.

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2v2

Team 1 serves to Team 2 to start a point

3 Touches

Players have up to three alternating touches to return the ball to the net

360º Play

After the serve, players can move or hit in any direction around the net

Scoring

Score when the opposing team hits the rim, the ground, or bounces the ball more than once on the net

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Basics

Before play

The ball should be inflated to 12 in circumerence.
The tension of the net should be consistent throughout. A ball dropped from 3 feet above the net should bounce up approximately 12-18 in.

During play

All players except the receiver must begin the point at least 6 feet from the net.
- The receiver may stand at any desired distance
Once the server strikes the ball, players may go any where they choose.
Possession changes when the ball contacts the net.
Each team has up to 3 touches per possession.
Determine a serving order which alternates players from the two teams (e.g. Player 3 follows Player 1, etc.).
To equalize sun and wind effects, rotate starting positions 90 degrees counter-clockwise every 5 points if desired.

Serving

Roundnet is played using rally scoring; points can be won by the serving or receiving team.
Games are typically played to 11, 15 or 21. In tournament play, the tournament director specifies the winning score.
Games must be won by two points unless otherwise agreed upon or specified.
The rally ends and a point is awarded when:
- The ball contacts the ground or otherwise isn't returned onto the net within 3 touches.
- The ball is hit directly into the rim at any time, unless it's the first serve.
- The ball bounces and falls back onto the net or rim.
- The ball clearly rolls across the net

Scoring

If the receiving team wins the point, the next designated player serves according to the initial sequence. Otherwise, the server switches places with his/her partner and serves to the other receiving team member.
The receiving team sets their position first. The server stands 180 degrees across the designated receiver--the only player allowed to field the serve.
Serves may be struck with any amount of force; short serves are allowed.
If a server serves two faults, the receiving team wins the point. Violation of ANY of the following rules is a fault:
- The server must toss the ball upward at least 4 inches.
- If the server tosses the ball, he/she must hit it. Dropping, catching, or swinging at and missing a toss all count as a fault.

Rallies

Touches must alternate between teammates. Consecutive touches by one player result in a loss of a point.
The ball must be contacted cleanly, not caught, lifted, or thrown. Players may not hit the ball with two hands, even if placed together "volleyball style".
Players may use any individual part of their body to hit the ball.
After the serve, any unusual bounce (i.e. pocket) that does not contact the rim is legal and playable.
A shot which lands on the net, rolls into the rim and then off the net (i.e. roll-up) is played as a pocket, not a direct rim hit.
If teams cannot determine the legality of a hit, replay the point.

HINDERS

Remember: Player safety is paramount
Defending players must make an effort not to impede the offending team's possession or play on the ball.
If an offender collides with a defender, or a defender's position prevents a markeable offensive play on the ball, the infracted player may call "hinder" to force a replay of the point.