Setup
Players
- 2
Materials
- Tetherball pole and ball
Objective
Hit the ball away from your opponent to wind the rope all the way around the pole.
Gameplay
The tetherball court, which is a circle with a pole in the center, will be divided in 2 by a chalk line or line in the cement or asphalt you are playing on. Each player stays on their side of the court during gameplay.
In traditional Tetherball you are only allowed to touch the ball with your hands, using any other part of your body can result in a point for your opponent. You can use open or closed hands, and even use both hands together if you choose.
You must strike the ball and cannot catch and throw the Tetherball.
You may only touch the rope attached to the Tetherball when serving.
You may only strike the ball once when it comes to your side, unless the ball bounces off of the pole in which case you can strike it again.
To start the game one player will serve it by holding the ball and striking it in a direction around the pole toward their opponent either clockwise or counterclockwise. Your opponent must strike the ball in the opposite direction.
When one player manages to wind the rope attached to the ball all the way around the pole they are the winner of that game.
Tetherball Variations and Alternate Rules
Beach Rules: In Beach Rules Tetherball you may use any part of your body to strike the ball, your feet, chest, and even your head are all legal to use when hitting the ball.
Tetherball Tips & Strategy
You do not have to hit the ball every time your opponent does, you can fake a hit to try and sneak the ball past your opponent and hit it when it comes back to you.
You do not have to hit the ball in the direction that will win you the game, sometimes it may be advantageous to hit the ball in the same direction as your opponent to get it by so that you can get a better hit on the ball when it comes back around.
