The game of tetherball involves two players hitting a ball attached to a rope on a pole in an attempt to wind the rope all the way around the pole.Since the early 1900s, this game has been played on many school grounds and in backyards.With a little know-how and an understanding of the rules, you can soon enjoy playing tetherball yourself.
Step 1: Know your goal.
The equipment for tetherball is easy to use.Each court has a ball on a rope attached to a pole.The court is divided into two sides, one for each player, and the other for the pole.When playing tetherball, your goal is to hit the ball with your hand in a way that gets it past your opponent so that the rope winds completely around the pole.
Step 2: Don't let your guard down.
The tetherball court is marked off with chalk or a line in the cement.Ask other players if there aren't markers for the side boundaries.While facing your opponent, you will be expected to stay on your side of the court.The offending player will get a penalty if they go off-sides.
Step 3: You can use your hands.
tetherball requires you to touch the ball with your hands.Penalties can be incurred if you touch the ball with another part of your body.Double handed strikes are allowed, but use what works best for you.Beach tetherball is a popular house rule that allows the use of any part of the body.
Step 4: Do not touch the rope or pole.
The rope makes it hard for opposing players to return the ball.It is an illegal move to touch the rope.Touching the tetherball poleball is against the law and will result in a loss of the game for the player who touched it.A common house rule allows players to only hold the rope when serving.
Step 5: Return the ball to your opponent.
This might seem obvious, but it can be tempting to violate this rule.Carrying is illegal and can be avoided by holding the ball for a split second.If you make contact with the ball, it should bounce off your hands right away, which is considered a rule violation.Unless a house rule says otherwise, serves must be hit and not thrown.
Step 6: Make sure your hits count.
You are allowed a single hit if the ball crosses onto your side.The exception to this rule is the rebound off the pole.If the ball hits the pole and returns to the player, he can hit it again as if it were his first hit.juggling is hitting the ball more than once.The hit counter is reset to zero when the ball passes the boundary line or bounces off a pole.If you hit more the once it will result in a penalty.
Step 7: Ask other players about the rules.
Because of the informal nature of tetherball, there may be special rules that you need to take into account.If you ask for the house rules up front, you'll prevent yourself from getting an unnecessary penalty.
Step 8: Penalties for breaking the rules.
When a player breaks the rules, play should be stopped immediately and the ball returned to its position.The wraps around the pole gained from violations should be unwound.The player who did not break the rules will have possession of the ball.The player should serve the ball.Three rule violations result in an immediate loss for the player.An extra wrap can be given to the player who did not break the rules.
Step 9: Pole drop the tetherball.
A pole drop will decide play if both players violate the rules.The player holding the tetherball with a single hand is three feet away from the pole.After both players dropped the ball, game play resumed.
Step 10: Your boundaries should be marked.
Arguments as to whether or not someone stepped off-sides can result from poorly marked or unclear boundaries.Keep this from happening by marking the boundaries with clear lines drawn in the dirt, gravel, or on the cement with a piece of chalk.
Step 11: Take your opponent's position.
Which player will serve first will be up to you.If there was no previous game, you might choose the serving player with a coin toss.The player who returns the serve decides the direction of the first serve.
Step 12: Either serve or return the ball.
When one player serves the ball, they usually hold it in one hand and hit it with the other.The punching motion can pop the ball outside the reach of your opponent.
Step 13: The ball should be hit back and forth.
The player should hit the ball clockwise or counterclockwise.It is acceptable to hit the ball with either the fist or the open hand, but be sure you don't carry it.
Step 14: Strategy and variety can be used to fake out opponents.
tetherball does not have a rule stating that you must hit the ball in order to throw off your opponent.You can hit the ball in the same direction as your opponent, sometimes sneaking it by him and giving you a better position to strike it out of his reach.If you want to trick your opponent, you can pop slower balls over the head of them.If your opponent expects a harder return, hit the ball lightly.
Step 15: Play until the winner is decided.
The game ends when one player manages to wind the ball all the way around the pole.Depending on house rules, a match can consist of one, three, five, or more games.In some versions of the game, the ball must strike the pole with the final wrap above a height goal marked on the Pole, generally a five-foot (112 m) high mark.Younger players can use a height goal of less than five feet.Use colored electrical tape to mark a height goal for your tetherball set.