The general concepts of wallyball are very similar to indoor volleyball. The game is played in a racquetball court with a net strung across the short way at the mid-point of the court. The net height is the same as it is in volleyball and the ball is of similar size to volleyball, but is made of rubber. The pace of the game is quicker and it introduces a 3rd dimension of utilizing the sidewalls. Wallyball teams consist of 2 - 6 players. Probably the most famous wallyball player of all time is President George Bush. The Bushes played wallyball at Camp David with the elder Bush, credited as a wallyball ace, often stealing the show. However, supposedly the younger Bush has no less fun, as an author has written that W "used to spike like crazy" and even "hit you in the head." It seems that retreats at Camp David may be a lot more intense than they are made to look on TV!
It is a sport full of action, intensity and aerobic activity. The overall benefit of being active and fit is an improved quality of life-being able to do things you enjoy for longer periods of time. It also means having the energy and strength to feel as good as possible. Getting more fit, even a little bit, can improve your health. You don't have to be an athlete to be fit. Athletes reach a very high level of fitness. And people who take brisk half-hour walks every day reach a good level of fitness. Even people who can't do that much can work toward some level of fitness that helps them feel better and have more energy.
What level of player are you?
The level of play is determined by the following skills:
1) The ability to get to a ball and get it in the air.
2) Setting (bumping or hand setting..but do not need to do both) You can set to a specific spot.
3) Ball placement accuracy
4) Normal Serving
5) Advanced Serving (Spin)
6) Passing - you can pass the ball accurately.
7) Receiving the Serve
8) Receiving Spikes
The OPEN division has a 80% - 100% accuracy using the above skills.
The ADVANCED division has a 50% - 80% accuracy using the above skills.
The INTERMEDIATE division has a 25% - 50% accuracy using the above skills.
The RECREATIONAL division Players in this division have played the game, know some of the rules, but would rather not worry about the rules. Each player will do the best that they can. It is “Call your own”…..There's no performance pressure here it's all about experiencing the sport in a lifestyle-charged atmosphere.
Please note that it does not include blocking or how hard you can spike.
Any player can raise their arms and attempt to block. Any player can hit a ball hard and have no clue where it is going.
Use the following definitions:
Click here for a FREE wallyball rulebook. (A new Wallyball Rulebook is on the way wit the latest additions and changes for this great sport! )
A new Wallyball Division was released in 2018. It is called cross-over. This division is a combination of Volleyball/Wallyball rules. Click here for the official rules.
The OPEN division is the highest level of play. Players know and abide by all the game and ball handling rules of the sport. Players generally have many years of experience playing wallyball and/or volleyball. They are an all around consistent player. They have been acclimated to tournament play through years of tournament level competition. In addition to very strong wallyball skills, OPEN wallyball players generally have several years of volleyball experience as well. What often separates OPEN level wallyball players from ADVANCED level players with the same volleyball skill level is the amount of experience playing wallyball. The OPEN level requires a unique skill set that is not entirely transferable from volleyball. A level volleyball players, as a rule, DO NOT step onto a wallyball court the first several times and excel as wallyball players, but rather take months, if not years to develop into top caliber wallyball players.
The ADVANCED Division. These players know and abide by most of the game and ball handling rules of the sport. At this level, players exhibit good proficiency at bumping, setting, and spiking. Players often excel at one or even two of these skills but are not as skilled all around as the OPEN player. Normally, ADVANCED players do not have as much ball control as the OPEN players or cannot set consistently.
The INTERMEDIATE Division. Players know and try to abide by the game and ball handling rules of the sport. Their skills are still developing, but they are considered a pretty good player. An INTERMEDIATE player is just learning the ball handling techniques.
The RECREATIONAL Division is a great way to get involved with wallyball. Players in this division have played the game, know some of the rules, but would rather not worry about the rules. Each player will do the best that they can. It is “Call your own”…..There's no performance pressure here it's all about experiencing the sport in a lifestyle-charged atmosphere.
Types of Tournaments
By WIN!
King/Queen of the Court (Sometimes called Top of the Heap):
All players are ranked by how they play the game. They are all ranked using the same skills.
Determines the top male and female players.
A player signs up as an individual.
They will then play a round robin format with each player in their division (or as many rounds as time permits).
Divisions may be combined.
Triples format will be used whenever possible.
A player usually plays 20+ games.
The player with the highest average points scored per game claims the prize!
**NEW in 2016**
Seniors division.
Divisions specifically devoted to adults ages 50+ with 5 year intervals.
Seniors must compete in the same pools as all other players in their division.
They must complete the tournament.
Doubles/Triples:
Determines the top doubles teams.
Each team will then play a round robin format with other teams.
Teams will be placed/seated in their proper divisions and begin tournament play.
110+ Combined Age:
Basic Wallyball rules will apply to this event. Call your own. Do the best you can.
Teams will consist of two, three, or four players. Ages must add up to be 110 or greater.
Age is determined by calendar year, meaning that the player uses their age at the end of the year 2010.
Teams can be mixed, all men, or all women. Teams will be in one pool for round robin play.
Each team will play as many different teams as possible in the allotted time for round robin play.
Teams are then placed into divisions according to their record and/or playing ability.
Each division has awards. The number of divisions will be determined by the number of teams registered.
Iowa National/State Tournament:
Always the 1st full weekend in March.
Consists of a Womens/Mens triples, and Co-Ed triples tournament.
If a team continues to win they will remain in the upper division.
As a team loses they will will dop into another division until they are eliminated.
For examples of play, go to www.youtube.com and Search for Iowa Wallyball.
Minnesota State Tournament:
Always the last full weekend in March.
Consists of a King/Queen, Womens/Mens triples, and Co-Ed triples tournaments and are held over 2 weekends.
Consists of a Womens/Mens triples, and Co-Ed triples tournament.
All teams will play the same round robin followed by tournament play. WIN! uses the new format found here.
If a team continues to win they will remain in the upper division.
As a team loses they will will dop into another division until they are eliminated.
For examples of play, go to www.youtube.com and Search for Minnesota Wallyball.
Flurry Fest Co-Ed Doubles Wallyball Tournament:
Spring Formal Wallyball Tournament:
https://www.facebook.com/CRFCWallyball
Held and organized mid winter by Capital Racquet and Fitness in Bismarck, North Dakota
House rules apply to this tournament.
- Players can set the serve
- Players can go over center line if they do not touch the net ot interfer with an opposing player
- Pushing the ball over the net is allowed at all levels
- Overhead handsetting rotations are not called, but are excessive spin is called.
Turkey Triples Tournament:
A player signs up as an individual.
They will then play a round robin format with each player in their division (or as many rounds as time permits).
Triples format will be used whenever possible.
The 3 players with the highest average points scored per game claim a Turkey!
The 3 players with the lowest average points scored per game claim a Cornish Hen!
Other prizes given away.
America's Cup Tournament:
Mid to late April in Michigan.
Not hosted by WIN! Rules are close to AWA rulebook.
Consists of a King/Queen, Womens/Mens triples, and Co-Ed triples tournaments.
