PaddleSmash: A Fusion of Pickleball and Spikeball

In recent years, the world of outdoor games has surged in popularity, with people seeking fun, active, and social activities. One such game that has captured the hearts of many is PaddleSmash, a thrilling fusion of pickleball and spikeball. Let’s dive more into what this paddle ball game is and how to play it.

What is PaddleSmash?

PaddleSmash is a fast-paced, high-energy game that combines pickleball and spikeball (roundnet). This paddle ball game combines the elements of strategy (from pickleball) and explosive power (from spikeball). PaddleSmash was invented by John Bingham and is still a relatively new sport. Bingham had 7 kids and was looking for ways to ease their boredom. The kids loved playing pickleball, however, building a court at home wasn’t possible, and driving to a nearby court often took too much time. He finally came up with pickleball and teamed up with entrepreneurs Tim Swindle and Scott Brown to create a durable and portable game. Swindle and Brown were even featured in the show Shark Tank (Season 15 Episode 4) and pitched the idea of paddlesmash.

To play paddlesmash, you need to use a circular net like in spikeball, and paddles and balls from pickleball. You can also use a court, however, this is a portable game so you can bring it anywhere whether on a camping trip or a beach.

Benefits of Playing PaddleSmash

• Social Interaction -  this paddle ball game is a fantastic way to socialize with your friends and family. It encourages teamwork, communication, and friendly competition.
• Physical Fitness - playing this paddle ball game is like working out. It improves your strength, agility, and coordination.
• Easy to Learn - the basic rules of this paddle ball game are simple to understand, making it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels.
• Adaptability and Portability- you can play paddlesmash in different places like a court, on your camping trip, or even just at home.
• Stress Relief - you can play this sport to relieve stress.

A Quick Background of Pickleball and Spikeball

Pickleball

Pickleball is a fast-paced game played on a pickleball court with paddles and perforated plastic balls called a pickleball. This paddle ball game is a combination of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. Just like the paddle ball game paddlesmash, pickleball was invented to ease boredom by by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum in 1965. They didn’t have enough equipment to play one sport so they ended up improvising. Pickleball is inclusive and easier to play, from beginners to experts. Kids can play pickleball as young as 7 or 8 years old. There is also pickleball for seniors who are looking for ways to stay active. There is even an adaptive pickleball for people with disabilities.

Spikeball

Spikeball, also called roundnet, is a unique outdoor game where teams of two hit a ball with their hands into a circular net, aiming to spike it to the ground on the opponent's side. It’s like a volleyball on the ground with a circular net and a small ball. To play a spikeball, you’ll need a circular net and a small, bouncy ball. You’ll get a score if your opponent fails to return the ball.

Spikeball was invented in the late 1980s by Jeff Knurek and gained significant popularity when Chris Ruder founded Spikeball Inc., a spikeball equipment manufacturer. As spikeball gained more popularity, Ruder encountered an issue with other companies manufacturing similar equipment. He renamed the sport roundnet to protect their trademark. Ruder was featured in Shark Tank (Season 6 Episode 29).

How to Play PaddleSmash

Set-Up

You’ll need a net, paddles, and a ball (or balls so you have extra). Set the net up securely where you want to play and divide the team in two. You can play as singles, doubles, or 2 vs 1.

Rules

• Serve - someone from one team will serve the ball. Serving rotates clockwise at every point.
• Singles - hit the ball downwards (spike) across your opponent.
• Doubles - spike the ball to your teammate (so make sure that they can easily return it) and your teammate will return it to you. Once you hit it back to the net, then it’s now your opponent’s turn to hit the ball. When you (or your opponent, depending on who hit the ball first) hit the ball on the third sequence, make sure that it will bounce on the net to make it legal.
• Volleying and Spiking 
• Teams have up to 2-3 hits to return the ball to the net.
• Teams can volley the ball multiple times, but eventually, they must spike it into the opponent's court.
• Rallying - if playing with teams, you and your teammate must both hit the ball consecutively before your opponent’s turn. The same goes for your opponent.
• Scoring
• Games are usually played up to 11 points, win by 2.
• The game is played on a rally so anyone (or team) can win a point if the opponent makes a fault.
• Faults 
• The ball fails to bounce on the net.
• The ball touches the ground outside the net.
• Anyone fails to return the ball.
• Touching of Net - you or your paddle can touch the net as long as it won’t affect the ball’s bounce.

These are the basics for a paddlesmash for singles and doubles, but what about if there are only three of you? You can play the paddlesmash king’s court instead so that no one is left out.

PaddleSmash King’s Court

Like the Pickleball King of the Hill, paddlesmash also has a 2 vs 1 game for when your group has an uneven number and you all want to play together. Here’s how to play PaddleSmash King’s Court.

• Each player will stand at an equal distance between each other. Think of a triangle and you’re all at each point of it.
• One player will be the “king” and the other players will be Opponent 1 and Opponent 2. You can also assign other names to the other players if you like.

• Opponents 1 and 2 will be on the same team against the king. 
• Serve - the king will make the serve. Serving is always done by the king. 
• Scoring - only the king can earn a score if the opponents make a fault. If the king makes a fault, they will rotate clockwise and opponent 2 will become the new king, the old king will become opponent 1, and old opponent 1 will become opponent 2.

To Sum It Up

PaddleSmash is a fun sport that combines the elements of pickleball and spikeball (roundnet). It’s a relatively new sport but is quickly gaining more attention and popularity due to its unique blend of strategy, skill, and excitement. PaddleSmash can be played as singles, doubles, or as 2 vs 1 called paddlesmash king’s court. So, whether you’re a pickleball or spikeball lover, you don’t have to choose anymore. You can enjoy both sports as one now.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What equipment is needed to play PaddleSmash?
• A circular net
• Pickleball paddles
• Pickleball balls
• What are the basic rules of PaddleSmash?
• The game is played on a circular court with a net in the center.
• Players can play singles or doubles.
• The serve alternates between teams.
• Players can volley the ball up to 3 times before spiking it into the opponent's court.
• A point is scored when the opposing team fails to return the ball cleanly.
• What are the benefits of playing PaddleSmash?
• Improved physical fitness: It's a great workout that can help improve your strength, agility, and coordination.
• Enhanced social skills: PaddleSmash is a social game that promotes teamwork, communication, and sportsmanship.
• Stress relief: Playing PaddleSmash can be a fun and effective way to reduce stress and improve your mental health.
• Accessibility: It's a relatively easy game to learn and can be played by people of all ages and skill levels.
• Can I play PaddleSmash with a limited number of players?

Yes, you can play PaddleSmash with fewer players. For example, you can play a 2-on-1 game where one player defends against two attackers. This variation can be a lot of fun and provides a unique challenge.

• Can I modify the rules of PaddleSmash to fit my group's preferences?

Absolutely! You can modify the rules to suit your group's preferences and skill levels. For example, you can adjust the number of hits per side or change the scoring system.

• Where can I find a PaddleSmash court?

While PaddleSmash is a relatively new sport, its popularity is growing. You can check with local parks and recreation departments, sports clubs, or community centers to see if they have PaddleSmash courts. You can also set up your own court in your backyard or at a local park

Key Takeaways