Spikeball (Roundnet) Doubles Tournament
Officially Spikeball Roundnet Association (SRA) World Championship
Fast-paced 2v2 net sport played around a small circular ground-level trampoline-like net (~90 cm diameter); Spikeball Inc. + Roundnet Association crown national + world champions annually across USA + international series since 2015.
What is Spikeball (Roundnet) Doubles Tournament?
Spikeball (also called Roundnet) is a fast-paced 2v2 or 4v4 net sport invented by Jeff Knurek in 1989, revived + popularized by Chris Ruder + Spikeball Inc. from 2008 onwards. Played around a small circular ground-level trampoline-like net (~90 cm / 36" diameter) using a soft rubber ball similar in size to a lacrosse ball. Players stand around the net in 2v2 formation. Serving team hits ball down onto net; opposing team must return within 3 touches (like volleyball) by hitting ball back down onto net for opposing team to receive. Point continues until team fails to return ball onto net or ball hits net's rim/pocket. First team to 21 points wins (must win by 2). Modern game standardized as 'Roundnet' by International Federation for Roundnet (IFR, founded 2018) to allow trademark-neutral international sport growth. Governed by Spikeball Roundnet Association (SRA, founded 2015 by Spikeball Inc.). Signature events: SRA Nationals + World Championship (Chicago/Atlanta rotating), international Roundnet Federation series. Notable players: Peter Jon Showalter (USA), Tyler Cisek (USA), Skyler Boles (USA), Sunday LeBlanc (USA women's), John Roberts, Bogdan Kicaj (POL — European champion).
Quick facts
Category
Ball Sports
Type
Team sport
Players
2–4
Duration
~20 min
Where played
both
Country of origin
🇺🇸 United States
Estimated origin
Invented 1989 as toy; revived 2008 by Chris Ruder / Spikeball Inc.; competitive scene 2015+
Olympic
No
Popularity
regional
How it works
Objective
Reach 21 points first (must win by 2) by successfully returning ball onto opponent's net-side while opponent fails to return.
Match structure
Round-robin group play → single-elimination bracket; some tournaments best-of-3 sets.
Rules
Basic rules
3-touch return limit
Team may use max 3 touches to return ball onto net (like volleyball).
No consecutive touches (same player)
Same player cannot touch ball twice consecutively (except on 1-touch strike).
Net-rim = replay (let)
Ball hitting rim/pocket = replay (let).
360° play (no back-court boundary)
Play continues 360° around net; no out-of-bounds except on net-strike itself.
Scoring
1 point per rally; rally-scoring format (either team scores).
| Action | Points |
|---|---|
| Successful net-strike + opponent fails to return | +1 |
| Rim hit / pocket | let (replay) |
Win condition · First team to 21 points, win by 2.
Equipment
Spikeball / Roundnet set
Circular ~90 cm diameter net with rim + hard plastic support; portable + ground-level.
Spikeball ball (rubber, ~12 cm)
Slightly inflated soft rubber ball; specific tension.
Athletic shoes + comfortable clothing
Playable on grass/sand/court/hardwood.
Positions & roles
Doubles partner
×22 players per team; both alternate attack/defense.
Officiating
Casual: self-officiated; major events: 1 head referee per match.
- Referee (major events)
Major competitions
SRA Nationals
annual · USA (rotating) · since 2015
Roundnet World Championship
annual · USA / Europe (rotating) · since 2019
European Roundnet Championship
annual · Europe (rotating) · since 2018
Where it is played
Governing bodies
Spikeball Roundnet Association (SRA)
Founded 2015 · Chicago, USA
International Federation for Roundnet (IFR)
Founded 2018 · USA
Famous names & records
Famous athletes
- Peter Jon Showalter (USA)
- Tyler Cisek (USA)
- Skyler Boles (USA)
- Sunday LeBlanc (USA — women's)
- Bogdan Kicaj (POL — European champion)
Records
Spikeball Inc. revival 2008
Chris Ruder / Spikeball Inc. — Chris Ruder revived Spikeball toy from 1989; founded company 2008 (2008)
SRA founded 2015
Spikeball Roundnet Association — SRA founded 2015 to formalize competitive roundnet in USA (2015)
Sources & provenance
- Wikipedia — Roundnet— Wikipedia
- Spikeball official— Spikeball Inc.