Spikeball Rules

Basics

• Minimum of 2 players per team
• 2 players from each team must be on the field at one time
• There are no gender requirements
• Games will be 30 minutes in length or best of 3 games to 21 points (win by 2)

 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 anywhere they choose.
• The ball must contact the net on the serve.
• 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.

Scoring

• Roundnet is played using rally scoring; points can be won by serving or receiving team.
• Games are played to 21. Games are best of 3.
• Games must be won by two points unless there isn’t enough time to finish the game. In this case, the team with the highest score will be awarded the win.
• The rally ends and a point is 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, including on a serve.
  • The ball bounces and falls back onto the net or rim.
  • The ball clearly rolls across the net

Serving

• 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 2 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.

Infractions

• 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.