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RULES & TACTICS / RÈGLES & TACTIQUES / REGLAS & TÁCTICAS
BASIC RULES
How the Game is Played: Play in matches of 3, 5, or 7 games. Each player takes
a turn serving for a whole game. The serving player may serve the ball in
either direction. The receiving player must then hit the ball in the opposite
direction. After the initial serve, any player may hit the ball. To win a game,
a player must completely wrap the rope around the pole in that player's
direction. To win a match, a player must win by two or more games.
Non-Intentional Violations: If a violation occurs, the game is stopped and
returned to the point at which the violation occurred. The non-offending
player gets to serve. The following list explains the violations:
• Stepping off sides: Each player's field of play consists of only half the
playing circle. A player may not step out of his or her boundaries.
Player 1
Player 2
• Touching the rope: Players may not touch or hit the rope at any time.
• Carrying or throwing the ball: Players must only hit the ball when serving
and receiving the ball. The ball must bounce off the players' hands or
fists without any lingering contact.
• Double hitting: A player may hit the ball only once per wrap around the
pole. If the ball hits the pole without going completely around the pole,
the player may hit the ball again. However, a player may not hit the
ball twice during a single revolution.
Committing three non-intentional violations, in any combination, during a
single game, results in the loss of the game for the offending player.
Intentional Violations: A player must not grab the pole. Grabbing the pole is an
automatic loss of the game for the offending player.
Double Violations: It is highly unlikely, but if both players commit a violation
at the same time, the players must execute a "Pole Drop." A Pole Drop
consists of both players holding the ball with one hand three feet from the
pole along the line dividing the two sides. The players then release the ball
simultaneously, and allow the ball to touch the pole before either player can
hit the ball.
Player 1
Player 2
To win the game, a player must keep the ball under his or her control. The following list explains some of the tactics used to get and keep control of the ball:
Serving: Power should not be your only technique. Try to serve the ball at extreme angles. This will help prevent your opponent from hitting the ball or hitting
the ball well.
Stealing the Ball: A player steals the ball when he or she gains or regains control of the ball. Do not stay in the same place during play. This can set your
opponent up to hit the ball at angles too difficult for you to hit at your current location. Change locations often. If your opponent does not know where you'll
be standing, it's harder for him/her to form an offensive strategy. This approach can help set you up for steals. Sometimes the approaching ball comes at an
angle that is too high or difficult to hit. It may be to your advantage to let the ball go around once unhindered or even hit the ball in your opponents direction
to throw your opponent off and/or allow you to change your approach. This is known as a "Sacrifice Wrap." This will help set you up for a better hit in your
direction.
Hitting Techniques: Predictability sets your opponent up to steal the ball and win the game or match. Change how and where you hit the ball by changing the
speed and angle of the hit.
Aerial View
Aerial View
TETHERBALL TACTICS
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ADVANCED RULES
How the Game is Played: Play in matches of 3, 5, or 7 games. Each player takes
a turn serving for a whole game. The serving player may serve the ball in
either direction. The receiving player must allow the ball to swing around the
pole at least once before striking the ball. The receiving player then hits the
ball in the opposite direction. After the ball swings at least one time around
the pole, any player may hit the ball.
Marking the Playing Area: Four Play Area markings are molded into the bottom
of the tetherball base.
PLAY AREA
PLAY AREA
Draw chalk lines from the Play Area markings outward to create a playing
field 20' in diameter. Mark off the Neutral Zone Areas with chalk.
Player 1
Play Area
Neutral
Zone
Player 2
Play Area
Neutral Zone Violations: Players must remain in their own Play Area. Neither
player may step into the Neutral Zones or on a line of a Neutral Zone.
All other non-intentional, intentional, and double violations apply.
Neutral
Zone
Aerial View
20'