Discover the thrill of Teqball. A modern and captivating sport that seamlessly blends soccer (football) with the agility of table tennis. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the Teqball’s basic rules, its history and the benefits of playing. We aim to provide you with a deep understanding of the game’s innovative and exhilarating nature.
What is Teqball?
Teqball is an emerging sport that blends elements of Football (Soccer) and Table Tennis, played on a curved table resembling a ping pong table. It involves using a football to play a form of “table football” where players hit the ball back and forth using any part of their body except their hands and arms.
The game is played on a curved table that resembles a Table Tennis table, but with a curved surface and a net in the middle. Teqball emphasizes skill, technique, and control as players volley the football across the table using various techniques like headers, volleys, and more, aiming to outmaneuver their opponent by ensuring the ball bounces on the opposing side of the table without touching the ground.
Teqball has gained popularity for its entertainment value, combining elements of Football and Table Tennis, and is played in singles or doubles formats. It not only tests players’ ball control and coordination but also serves as an engaging and competitive activity for enthusiasts of both football and table games.
History of Teqball
Teqball originated in Hungary in 2012 through the collaboration of former professional football player Gábor Borsányi and computer scientist Viktor Huszár. It quickly transitioned into a global phenomenon. Officially recognized as a sport in 2014. Teqball has evolved into a dynamic and inclusive sporting community with international competitions captivating enthusiasts worldwide.
The Federation Internationale de TEQBALL and Para TEQBALL (FITEQ) , established in 2017, is governing body.
Equipment Required for Teqball
To begin playing Teqball, minimal equipment is required. The centrepiece is the Teqball table. It is similar to a tabletennis table but features a distinct curve that enables the ball to bounce to the feet. Complementing this, a regulation-sized soccer ball. see picture – you have to see it to understand)
Ensure you wear appropriate sportswear for agility and quick movements, along with footwear tailored for the demands of the game.
How to Play Teqball
Setup: Place the teqball table on a flat surface. Ensure it’s stable and the net is at the center, dividing the table into two sides.
Gameplay:
- Players can use any part of their body except their hands and arms to hit the ball.
- The game begins with a serve, similar to table tennis. One player or team serves the ball by hitting it across the net to the opponent’s side.
- The opposing player or team must return the ball by hitting it back over the net using any part of their body (feet, chest, head, etc.).
- The objective is to keep the ball in play by volleying it back and forth, ensuring it bounces on the opponent’s side without touching the ground.
- Players aim to outmaneuver their opponent by controlling the ball’s trajectory, speed, and direction.
- Points are scored when the opponent fails to return the ball or if the ball bounces more than once on the same side.
Winning: The player or team that reaches the predetermined score first (often 11 or 15 points) while leading by a margin of two points wins the game.
Rules of Teqball
Scoring
• In Teqball a point is earned when the ball touches the opponent’s side without a successful return.
• A Teqball match is played best of three where each set is first to 12 points.
Touch Limit
• The touch limit is a key aspect of teqball gameplay. Players must return the ball within three touches, requiring quick thinking and clear execution.
• Players are not allowed to touch the ball consecutively with the same body part.
• Players are not allowed to touch the ball with their hands and arms. This adds an extra layer of challenge, encouraging players to use their feet, head, knees, and other body parts for ball control.
• During play players must not touch the table or their opponent.
Service
• The game begins with a service, where one player starts play by serving the ball to the opponent’s side. The server’s task is to strike the ball with any part of their body below the knee, setting the tone for the exciting exchanges that follow.
• The server has two attempts to complete a successful serve.
Benefits of Playing Teqball
Engaging in teqball brings a range of physical and mental benefits. The game significantly enhances cardiovascular fitness, agility, and coordination. The fast-paced nature of teqball helps mprove reflexes and decision-making skills.
Beyond the physical aspects, teqball fosters camaraderie and sportsmanship, making it a great social activity which appeals beyond the confines of the game.
Summary
Teqball is a captivating sport that seamlessly combines soccer skills with the precision and finesse of table tennis. Its distinctive curved table and straightforward yet challenging rules make it accessible to individuals of all ages and skill levels.
As teqball continues to establish itself as a sport on the global stage, it promises an exciting future for sports enthusiasts. We hope this article explaining the rules will encourage you to dive into the world of teqball.
