Bossaball is a hybrid sport that originated in Spain between 2003 and 2005. It combines elements of volleyball, soccer, and gymnastics, and requires athleticism due to its acrobatic nature.
The sport is played on an inflatable court with trampolines on each side and teams of three or five players who aim to score points by making the opposing team miss the ball.
Popular worldwide, it is promoted by Redbull and is best experienced by watching a match in person.
This article will provide an overview of the origins and rules of the game, as well as its impact and availability.
Origins and Overview
Bossaball is a sport created in Spain between 2003 and 2005 which combines elements of volleyball, soccer and gymnastics, and is best experienced by watching a match in person. Its creator, Filip Eyckmans, coined the term ‘bossa’ from Bossa Nova music, which is often played during matches.
This fusion of sports, music and positive vibrations is typically played by both men and women and incorporates unique techniques such as striking the ball from extreme heights and using overhead kicks. It is played on an inflatable court with trampolines on either side, and the objective is to score points by making the opposing team miss the ball. Matches are played in sets, with the first team to 25 points winning.
Bossaball is most popular in Brazil, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, Ecuador, and Saudi Arabia, and is often seen at festivals and large events. It is also promoted by Redbull in various countries, and has been featured in the Bossaball World Cup tournaments held in Turkey, Bonaire, and Brazil.
Gameplay and Rules
Gameplay of Bossaball involves three or five players on each team, with the objective of scoring points by making the opposing team miss the ball, and incorporates unique techniques such as striking the ball from extreme heights and using overhead kicks. Players can use hands, legs, and feet to hit the ball, with each team having up to five touches before sending the ball back over the net. Soccer touch with the feet or head is required in plays with three or more touches. Individual players can touch the ball once with their hands, followed by a soccer touch. After each point, teams rotate positions in a clockwise direction. Scoring varies based on how the ball is hit and where it falls.
| Touch | Points |
|---|---|
| Hands | 1 |
| Feet | 2 |
| Head | 3 |
| Volley | 4 |
Impact and Availability
Featuring at various events and festivals worldwide, Bossaball is a unique fusion of music, dancing, acrobatics, and sport that provides an exciting and unique experience. It can be rented or bought for major events, making it more accessible to individuals and groups.
The impact of the sport is felt worldwide, with its popularity growing in Brazil, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, Ecuador, and Saudi Arabia.
Some of the key features of Bossaball include:
- Played on an inflatable court with trampolines on each side.
- Incorporates unique techniques such as striking the ball from extreme heights and using overhead kicks.
- Best experienced by watching a match in person.
