Buying guide for best spikeball sets
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After watching the World Dodgeball Championships or the College Cornhole Championships, you may think you’ve seen it all on TV. There surely can’t be any additional crazy televised sports that you haven’t seen. Think again. If you haven’t seen a spikeball match yet, you’re going to want to set your DVR.
Spikeball is one of those sports that looks pretty easy to play, but once you give the game a try, you’ll realize there’s a lot of skill and strategy involved. Plus, you’ll receive a great workout. If you’re ready to learn about spikeball, we have plenty of advice for you. We’ll also help you figure out what equipment you need to enjoy this portable, play-anywhere game.
Our top choice is the Spikeball Pro Kit (Tournament Edition), which comes with a super durable net and everything you need to start playing.
Editors’ picks
Spikeball Pro Kit (Tournament Edition)
Editors’ Favorite
Net Height: 6”-8” | Net Diameter: 36” | Frame Legs: 4.4 lbs
The Spikeball Pro Kit (Tournament Edition) is one of the best nets for both casual and competitive play. It’s perfect for 2v2 matches, but you can also play 1v3.
The tightly woven playing net is designed for more consistent bounce and better ball control, and the included pro-style balls are engineered to add spin, making them suitable for both beginners and more advanced players.
The rubber feet keep it in place during rigorous play or on unstable surfaces, and the collapsible legs allow easy fold-down storage and convenient portability, along with the included travel bag.
GoSports Slammo Game Set
Great Value
Net Height: 10” | Net Diameter: 36” | Weight: 3.8 lb
The GoSports Slammo Game Set is suitable for younger children who want to learn the basics of spikeball. It’s an affordable yet versatile option that you can set up pretty much anywhere, including in your backyard or at the beach.
It features reinforced legs, high-tension netting and three high-performance balls for better bounce, improved control and longer rallies. In addition to the net, you’ll also get two competition balls, a training ball and a carry case so you can play on the go.
Although it’s a cheaper set, it’s a great choice for novice and intermediate players thanks to its net that provides 100% coverage and essentially eliminates pocket shots.
Spikeball Original Roundnet Game Set
Best Official Set for Casual Players:
Net Height: 6”-8” | Net Diameter: 36” | Weight: 1.6lbs
The Spikeball Original Roundnet Game Set comes with all the accessories you need, whether you want it for the kids or for competitive matches against friends and family.
You can set it up on any surface, including sand and grass, and it comes with three tournament-level balls. It’s lightweight and portable so that you can take it on beach or camping trips, and the drawstring bag fits everything perfectly for easy transport.
The playing surface is large enough for 3v3 matches, and its build quality is better than most cheaper options, making it a solid choice for beginners and experienced players.
Franklin Sports Spyderball Outdoor Game Set
Best for Beginners & Younger Players
Net Height: 6”-8” | Net Diameter: 36” | Weight: 3 lbs
This Franklin Sports Spyderball Outdoor Game Set offers surprisingly solid durability given its lower price point, so it’s a great value pick if you want something that’ll hold up over time.
With a 36-inch diameter, this net offers excellent coverage for 2v2 matches, and its advanced-engineered leg system keeps tension at its max for high-quality gameplay at all times. It comes with three balls and a carry bag, so you can pack it up and take it to the beach or park.
It’s an affordable spikeball set that comes with everything you need to play, so unless you want a more durable model, this one is more than enough to get hours of fun spikeball action.
Spikeball Titan Game Set
Best for Pros; Tournament Play
Net Height: 6-8” | Net Diameter: 36” | Weight: 9.3 lb
If durability and a true spikeball experience are your top priorities, the Spikeball Titan Game Set is absolutely worth a look. It’s regulation-size and tournament-ready so that you can play competitive matches right out of the box.
The triangular rim keeps the net flat on uneven ground and maintains consistent net tension, while the spring-loaded legs click into place for fast, hassle-free setup. The upgraded hooks provide superior tension to cheaper sets, and the net folds completely flat for portability.
Competitive players will love the net tension and sturdiness during intense rallies. It includes a pro ball and a newer Atlas ball for more advanced players.
How we analyzed
We looked for nets with excellent tension that provide smooth gameplay for beginners and experienced players. The best sets are easy to set up and include everything you need to play, including balls, legs and even a carry bag so you can take the entire set with you on the go.
What is spikeball?
Spikeball, also called roundnet, doesn’t require much equipment to play, and the rules are pretty simple.
Equipment
To play spikeball, you start with a round trampoline net that’s about the size of a hula hoop (36 inches in diameter). The net sits several inches off the ground, with four, five, or six tiny legs spread around the ring for support.
You play the game with a small inflatable ball. The ball measures about 12 inches in circumference and 3.5 inches in diameter, making it about the size of a softball.
That’s it. You don’t need to wear any special gear or clothing to play. You can adjust the way the game plays by tightening or loosening the net and by adjusting the inflation level of the ball.
Rules
The standard spikeball rules call for a game between teams of two players each. However, you can play the game with more or fewer players per team. Gameplay is similar to volleyball.
Play begins with a serve. One player tosses the ball into the air before spiking it into the net toward the other team, giving that team possession. The opposing player tips the serve into the air so his teammate can play it by either making another pass or spiking it into the net. (In official games, players cannot catch the ball; they must keep the ball moving.)
Like volleyball, each team can make three contacts with the ball per possession. On any of the three contacts, the team can spike the ball toward the trampoline net. Once it rebounds off the net, the other team takes possession, making up to three contacts with the ball before spiking it into the net again.
Possessions continue back and forth between the two teams until the ball hits the ground, the ring on the net, or the net’s support legs. If the ball hits the ground during the opposing team’s possession, the other team scores a point and vice versa. Standard games are played to 21 points, and the winning team must win by two points.
Key considerations
Most spikeball sets contain similar pieces of equipment. But there are a few key differences that you’ll want to consider when deciding which set to purchase.
Net size
A standard net in spikeball measures 36 inches in diameter. The net stretches across the entire interior area of the ring. However, some sets have a larger ring, usually 45 inches in diameter. The larger net surface is easier for beginning players to use. It also works nicely for three-on-three games.
Ball size
A standard spikeball set comes with balls about 3.5 inches in diameter. However, some sets contain larger balls, some as large as 6.5 inches in diameter. A larger ball is easier for beginners to use.
Carrying bag
Spikeball sets often include a backpack-style carrying bag. All of the components of the set should fold down to a small size and fit inside the bag.
Air pump
You’ll want a hand-operated air pump in your spikeball set. This allows you to inflate the ball as needed at any time.
Price
Spikeball sets all contain the basic equipment needed to play the game. They include a ring, net, support legs, and at least one ball. Sets typically cost between $25 and $100.
Low-price sets run from $25 to $50. These spikeball sets consist of standard equipment adhering to official sizes. The build quality of the equipment will probably be average. Expect to receive one to three balls in this type of set.
More expensive spikeball sets cost between $50 and $100. These sets have extra or non-standard equipment, like a couple of extra balls or a net that’s larger than the standard size. Some expensive spikeball sets are called “pro quality.” This means they’re made from tougher materials for a more stable playing surface.
You’ll typically pay more for Spikeball branded sets from the Spikeball company. Sets from other manufacturers that don’t carry the Spikeball brand name cost anywhere from 20% to 50% less.
Tips
Although spikeball does have official rules, many people simply enjoy playing with the net and ball.
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Bounce and catch the ball. When younger players are involved, simply catching the bouncing ball is a good confidence builder. Start by bouncing the ball off the net as softly as possible so the young player can catch it. See how many times in a row you can bounce the ball back and forth without it dropping.
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Pass and spike the ball. The next level skill set for young players involves spiking the ball. Throw the ball to the other player in a soft manner so she can spike the pass into the net. For an additional level of skill, have her attempt to control the spike so the ball travels directly to you.
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Hit the net from a long distance. Place marks on the ground around the net and award players points for hitting the net with the ball from farther away. Younger players can throw the ball, while older players can jump and spike the ball.
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Bounce the ball as far as possible. See who can spike or throw the ball off the net so that it travels the farthest distance in the air.
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Pass the ball to teammates. Split into teams of two to four players. Try to bounce the ball off the net to your teammates. It’ll take some practice to anticipate the moves of your teammates so you can complete a pass. The other team tries to intercept or bat the ball to the ground to take possession.
FAQ
Q. What sport is spikeball most like?
A. Spikeball is its own sport, but it has numerous rules that resemble volleyball. Rather than hitting the ball over a net, in spikeball you hit the ball into the trampoline net. The net propels the ball into the air where your opponent can play it.
Q. Where can I play spikeball?
A. Much like volleyball, spikeball works on nearly any surface. You can play on sand, grass, a gym floor, concrete, and other surfaces. You will want plenty of free space around the spikeball net so players can move around without colliding with objects or the net. Some players like to dive to the ground to try to save a possession. So if you’re going to play a competitive game, a softer playing surface is desirable to prevent scrapes and bruises.
Q. How durable are the parts of a spikeball set?
A. The spikeball balls and net should last for dozens of games under normal playing conditions. The biggest issues are usually things that happen outside of game play. If someone steps on the net inadvertently, the support legs could snap. Or if a ball strikes a sharp object, it could be punctured.
Q. Why wouldn’t I just play volleyball?
A. Certainly, spikeball isn’t for everyone, and some people will choose volleyball instead. But spikeball is a good alternative to volleyball in some cases. Spikeball requires minimal setup time, and you can play it in a smaller space than volleyball. It’s made for four people, whereas volleyball usually works better with more players. Besides, spikeball is a lot of fun!
