What do you get when you mix soccer, volleyball, gymnastics, a trampoline and an inflatable court? You get Bossaball, the wackiest new sport!
The Basics
Bossaball was invented in Belgium earlier this decade. It is a sport that is creating a buzz in several countries around the world like Brazil, The Netherlands, Spain, Romania, Ecuador and Singapore. The sport centers around the use of a trampoline while combining elements of several sports like soccer and volleyball. Just looking at the pictures of bossaball, you can tell it is a very unique and out-there kind of sport. With the trampoline, you have guys flying all over the place spiking or kicking the ball!
The Rules
Bossaball is made up two teams, and can consist of either three, four or five players per squad. Each team is allowed up to eight touches before returning the ball. And players are allowed to use their hands, feet or head. This game is all about timing. Like volleyball, players on a team work to try and set up a spiker bouncing high on the trampoline for a big spike. If a team allows the ball to be fall on their own trampoline - they give up three points to the other team. If the ball falls anywhere else on the court, that is worth one point. But if the ball bounces off the bossawall it is still in play and the rally goes on. The first team to 30 or 25 points wins the set.
Salsa
The sport has a latin and salsa flavor to it also. The game is often played with salsa music in the background and that sets the tone or rhythm for the players. The referees are usually just as involved as the players. On top of blowing the whistle, the group of samba refs provide the backing track of each game with a combination of musical instruments that can include a microphone, drums and even turntables! What other sport can boast a ref who is also the DJ?
Fun Facts
Related Stories:
- A bossaball court can be assembled and inflated in around 45 minutes.
- The height of a bossaball net can be adjusted to make it suitable for children, adults or professionals.
- Bossaball is typically played at the beach, amusement parks, fairs, festivals and water parks.
