Common questions about spikeball

In this post, I will be answering some of the most common questions about spikeball.

How long are spikeball games?

If you play spikeball to 15 points with a 21 point cap, the average game lasts around 12-15 minutes. If you play to 11 points, the average game lasts around 8-10 minutes. If you play to 21 points, the average game lasts 17-20 minutes.

How long spikeball games lasts depends mainly on the score limit you decide upon. The three main score limits are 11 points, 15 points and 21 points. Usually, the game is played with a 2 point difference. If you want to have a more predictable timing, it might help to have a max. point caps. Meaning that if you cap a game to 21 points, for example, the first team to reach that amount of points would win the game, even if they don’t have a 2 point difference.

This approach is often used in tournaments or places where timing is important.

The length of a spikeball game also depends upon the players. If you play with players that are able to play long rallies, the game will last longer. Games can be over in 5 minutes or last more than 30 minutes depending on the score limit and the players.

Can spikeball be played indoors?

Yes, spikeball can be played indoors. However, you would need enough space to move around and falling would be less fun than on a lawn or the beach. This is why the game is mainly played outdoors.

Make sure that the room/space is clear and that players cannot fall over anything. Also, the spikeball ball might bounce further than you expect, make sure that there isn’t anything that can break in the background.

You can play on any type of surface, but a surface that suits other sports ass well (indoor soccer, basket ball, volleyball…) are usually preferable. A gym floor is often one of the best options. Make sure that the spikeball set stands stable and balanced on the underground.

Also, if you are used to playing with soccer cleats, you might want to switch to a more indoor friendly shoe. Also, playing barefoot is more interesting outside than indoors. The Adidas Performance Mundial or the Diadora Women’s Capitano make great indoor options.

There are many variants in spikeball. With one of these variants, you are not allowed to cross the middle. So you end up with 2 fields. In narrow rooms/spaces where playing standard spikeball could be a bit cramped, this might be a solution.

Do you have to pass in spikeball?

No, you don’t have to pass in spikeball. There is a three pass maximum before the ball must be “spiked” to the other team. However, there is no minimum amount of passes required.

This means that spiking the ball without passing it to your teammate is allowed in a standard professional spikeball game.

Can you spike the ball off the serve?

Yes, spiking the ball off the serve is allowed according to the standard rules.

In a professional spikeball game, this will rarely occur, simply because it would be very hard to do so against a serve from a professional spikeball player.

In many friendly spikeball game, this is often frowned upon as players don’t like this. Some spikeball players even decide to make a rule out of this. However, it’s important to note that this is not an official rule.

Where can spikeball be played?

Spikeball can be played anywhere as long as you can set the spikeball set stable and balanced on the underground and you have enough room to move around. The most popular places are a lawn or the beach.

It’s also important that you can play unobstructed. Meaning that you don’t want anything lying around where players could fall over.

Because a spikeball ball can bounce pretty far, make sure that there is nothing that can break in the background. You should also pay attention when playing near water, as the ball might end up in the water and drifting off (bad for your wallet and for the environment).

What are the dimensions of the spikeball pro bag?

The dimensions of the spikeball pro bag are around 21.5″ x 9.5″ x 8″ (55cm x 24cm x20cm) – it depends a little bit on how you position the balls. However, the length is fixed because the leg pieces are around 21.5″ long.

Can you bring spikeball on a plane?

Yes, you can bring spikeball on a plane if it is within the allowed carry-on size for the airline you are flying with.

The spikeball set comes with a drawstring bag which makes it easy to carry the spikeball set around. However, the set is relatively large and might not be allowed as carry-on luggage on every airline.

For most airlines, the spikeball pro bag would be within the carry-on limits.

How much should a spikeball be inflated?

The ball should be inflated to 12 inches in circumference. Using the
Pro Set measuring device, the ball should touch the sides of the measuring device and
be able to pass through with light pressure.

What are the best shoes for spikeball?

Soccer cleats are the most optimal shoes for spikeball. They have great grip, are comfortable and lightweight. That said, many non-professional players prefer to play barefoot.

If you do go with soccer cleats, make sure that you don’t go with metal cleats.

If you want more information, or want to check out exact recommendations, take a look at my article about the best shoes for spikeball.

What is a roll up in spikeball?

We talk about a roll up when the ball bounces first, then hits some rim on the way up. Usually this results in a playable position.

Are roll ups legal in spikeball?

Yes, roll ups are officially legal in spikeball. However, you have to make sure that the ball only touches the rim on the way up and first hits the net. Otherwise, it’s not a roll up and it’s not legal.

The official statement: “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.”

How to set up spikeball?

I created a whole separate post about how to set up spikeball, this also answers the question “how tight should the spikeball net be”. Feel free to check it out: How to set up spikeball.