What is Fistball?

Fistball is similar to the sport of volleyball. However, far more impressive to watch and play.

The first recorded mention of fistball was by Roman Emperor Gordian III and dates to the year 240; which, for reference, is approximately 1000 years before anyone settled in New Zealand. 

The fundamentals of fistball are:

• 5 players per team on the court
• Players are allowed 3 hits before returning and the ball can bounce before each hit
• The ball must be hit with a closed fist
• Generally played on a grass court (but can be played indoors)
• Played on a 50m x 20m court (a volleyball court is 18m x 9m)
• A fistball is heavier and harder than a volleyball
• The ribbon (a thin net) is 200cm off the ground.

Fistball is played by 62 countries around the world, including South Africa, South America, Australia and with its biggest presence in Europe. 

The New Zealand Fistball Association was established in 2016 in order to take a shot at the coveted 'Pavlova Plate' and compete at the inaugural Trans-Tasman Fistball Competition in February 2017. 

For more about fistball check out:

• The official game rules
• Fistball's Wikipedia page, including a detailed history of the sport
• This tutorial video which shows the rules of the game
• Full matches from recent World Championships on the IFA YouTube Channel

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