Got the urge to play some spikeball but just can’t get 4 players together?
Usually, that would be an issue. Normally a “standard” game of spikeball is played between two teams of two players.
Luckily, if you simply modify the rules a little, you can play spikeball 1v1. There is a little to think about in changing the rules and how the game is played.
In this thorough breakdown we will discuss (almost) everything you need to know about playing spikeball one vs. one.
There is a little to think about in changing the rules and how the game is played.
But it is not difficult, it is not changing the “spirit” of the game, and you can even have a little fun playing it that way on purpose every now and then, even if you have enough players for 2 full teams.
So, let’s get right to it!
Can You Play Spikeball 1v1?
Quite a few people think you need at least four people to play spikeball.
Like we pointed out above, a regular spikeball match is meant to be played with two teams of two players on each side.
With the standard rules it’s pretty easy to pass, it’s easy to cover a smaller area, and the game just kind of “flows”.
Fortunately, it doesn’t take much to modify the spikeball ruleset for the play style of spikeball to be able to go for one player vs. one player type of competition.
You can absolutely do it and you won’t feel like you’re playing a completely different game.
It’s still spikeball – even if it is a different flavor.
What Are the Biggest Changes to Spikeball 1v1?
To start with, the fact that you won’t have a teammate means that you won’t get to “pass” the ball s you might have traditionally in spikeball.
That’s a pretty significant change to be honest.
Part of the enjoyment of playing spikeball is being able to set your teammate up for a big hit, knowing full well that your teammate is scratching the back of the court, covering ground you wouldn’t have had time to cover on your own.
You have watched YouTube clips with the amazing team plays these players dream up, that new players wouldn’t have thought could be possible in spikeball.
In a one player vs. one player variation of spikeball, all that team play for the game just goes away.
There are other modifications to consider – for instance not using one hand, using a limited part of the spikeball net or working with an individual half, but the largest change of all is the absence of the team play associated with this variation of spikeball.
What Are the Best Ways to Play Spikeball 1v1?
All right, and other we’ve got that out of the way let’s dig little bit deeper into the “meat and potatoes” of how you’ll want to play Spikeball 1v1.
Standard
The “standard” 1v1 rule set is basically the same as regular spikeball – that’s why it’s called “standard,” right?
Each team of 1 player will get a total of three touches throughout a turn, and the turn ends as soon as a ball is spiked into the net.
The game will continue until one of the two players fails to defend, cannot put the ball back into the net within the three hits, and a [point] gets scored for the opposing player.
Your Call – most players enjoy playing all the way to 10 or 11, but people do enjoy playing all the way to 21. It’s up to you!
Short Game
There’s a version of Spikeball where you play it 1v1, and it is what’s called “short game.”
So, instead of using the whole net you draw a smaller inner circle, and if any hit lands outside of the initial circle, it’s considered a miss and a point is awarded to your opponent.
With this method, you still get the fast play of 1v1 Spikeball but it’s a little more focused and a little more precise.
You’re not going to have to worry about heaving bombs one end of the yard to the other that you’re running around to track down and chase down, because you are going to be practicing your short, finesse, close play focused as the goal is to get 100% of shots into the inner circle of the net.
One Hand Only
Some people like to spice things up a little more and only play with one hand when it’s one player against another.
You might choose to play with your strong hand (if you’re right handed it could be your right) or you might choose to only play with your weak hand. It’s up to you!
There are no other rule sets that you need to change when playing with one hand. It’s already a challenge as is!
Halves
Spikeball is like short game, this is a modified version, but instead of having a small circle to strike the ball inside of, you put a piece of tape across the middle of the spikeball net and you must stay on your side of the court and only hit the ball into your opponent’s square.
Any hit on your opponent square is considered a miss and will earn your opponent a point.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, spikeball is and was a game intended for two teams of two players each, on either side.
That being said, it only takes the slightest of changes to twist and turn things up and enjoy a great game when you only have two players that can compete against one another.
Just alter the rules in the play style with the above tips and tricks and you wil be able to throw together 1v1 games without any question or doubt.
Don’t be afraid to further change things up as you go along too, and make your own rule changes to make games a lot more fun (and more challenging).
There is no wrong way to play spikeball!