Outdoor sport enthusiasts know the struggle of trying to find space to play when fields or courts are full. Spikeball is a new sport rising in popularity around town that is easily set up and requires little space, meaning that any four friends can play on a random patch of grass at a nearby park.
The game is considered a cross between volleyball and foursquare, as teams of two pass a softball-sized ball between partners before “spiking” it into a round net that measures about three feet across. Defending teams are allowed three touches to “return” the ball, and points can only be scored on plays when your team served.
Beginning as a casual backyard or beach game in the late ’80s, Spikeball is now emerging as a popular sport recognized on a national level. There have been two annual national championships to date, and as it happens, Santa Barbara is home to some of the top Spikeball players in the nation.