Tennis swingball is a variation of the traditional swingball game, using small racket-shaped bats to strike the ball rather than the hands of a player. The game is played using a tennis ball attached to a vertical pole by a length of rope, around which two players must strike the ball. The game is played until one player reaches a predetermined number of points and wins the game.
Basics
Two players can take part in swingball at any one time. Players must stand on opposite sides of the swingball pole and must not move around the pole to gain an advantage during the game. Players must only hit the ball once using official swingball rackets; tennis rackets should not be used to play the game.
Beginning
The game is started by a serve from one player. Since the serve is advantageous, players take it in turns to serve. A player can serve the ball in either direction. The serve must be taken underarm. Once the ball has been served, the server is not allowed to play the ball until their opponent has struck the ball.
Violations
Swingball violations include touching the ball or rope during play, making a double hit of the ball with the racket or stepping out of the area of play during a point. If a violation is accidental, the ball should be stopped and its position on the pole returned to where it was when the violation occurred. The point should then be restarted by a serve from the non violating player. If the violation is deemed deliberate, a point should be awarded to the non violating player.
Outcome
A point is won once one player wraps the ball totally around the pole so that the opponent cannot hit the ball. Some swingball mechanisms have a locking system which traps the ball once a point has been completed. A match is won by the player who reaches a certain number of points first. There is no hard and fast rule for how many points make up a match and this remains up to the individual players.
Other Considerations
As with all sports, rules of good sportsmanship should be exercised to ensure that the game is both enjoyable and played fairly. Any conduct which detracts from the competitiveness or spirit of the game should be refrained from.
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