Setup

1 - Court Setup

• The standard tetherball pole (not included) is 10ft tall, but you can use a shorter 8ft or 6ft pole for kids. 

• The standard court size is a 20ft diameter circle with the pole in the middle. Tip: You can tie a rope to the base of the pole and measure out 10ft, then use chalk to mark a full circle using the rope as your guide.

• Divide the circular court into 2 zones by marking a central line (simple method). Alternatively, you can include neutral zones for a more standard court (diagram link).

2 - Connect Swivel Hook to Rope

• Locate your tetherball and pre-attached rope.

• Use your pole to determine where on the rope you need to attach the swivel snap hook so the tetherball hangs 2 ft from the ground.

• Tie the rope to the swivel snap hook - we recommend a buntline hitch knot (video resources).

3 - Inflate Ball

• Use a standard ball pump with an inflating needle.

• Wet the needle before inserting into the tetherball, and inflate according to the PSI printed on the ball. Over-inflation can put more strain on the ball and tends to sting the hands (ouch!).

4 - Attach & Game On!

• Clip the swivel snap hook to the top of your pole - safest to use a stool or ladder unless you are vertically gifted.

• Gather a brother, sister, friend, or neighbor - and game on!

Standard Rules

1 - PLAYING

• Two players stand in their own zone and decide who will serve (rock, paper, scissors).

• The server chooses which way they would like to serve and hits the ball with their hand. The server cannot hit the ball again until the opposing player hits the ball or the ball wraps around the pole 4 times.

2 - SCORING & WINNING

• A player scores a point when the ball fully wraps around the pole in their direction. The players can decide how many points are needed to win the game. 

3 - PENALTIES

• If a player commits one of the following penalties, pause the game & allow the non-offending player to re-serve the ball back into play:

  • NO stepping into opponent's zone or neutral zone

  • NO catching, holding, or throwing the ball (hits only)

  • NO hitting the ball more than once per wrap around the pole (unless the ball hits the pole or opponent)

  • NO hitting the ball with anything besides hands or forearms (unless a game variation allows)

  • NO touching the rope

  • NO touching the pole 

Game Variations

Choose one option from each section below to mix and match your own custom tetherball game variation:

1 - Player Count

☐ Singles (1 v 1)

☐ Doubles (2 v 2 - partners need to alternate hits)

2 - Hit Type

☐ Standard

☐ Ninja Hit ... players can do one swift movement to hit the ball, then must freeze until the next opportunity to hit the ball comes

☐ Hammer Hit ... players can only hit the ball with their two fists together - no single hand or open hand hits

☐ Handicap Hit ... one player must only use their non-dominant hand while the other player can use any hand ... leveling the playing field

☐ Spin Hit ... each player must complete a 360 spin after each attempt to hit the ball

3 - Penalty Type

☐ Standard ... non-offending player re-serves ball into play

☐ Workout ... offending player does one pushup or air squat before being able to hit the ball again - no game pause

☐ Refresh ... offending player has to take a sip of water before being able to hit the ball again - no game pause

☐ Sing Song ... offending player has to completely sing the happy birthday song to the other player before being able to hit the ball again - no game pause

Ball Care Tips

Here are our top three tips to extend the life of your tetherball:

Tip #1: Moisten the needle before inflating to help preserve the valve and prevent unwanted debris from entering the bladder.

Tip #2: Remove the ball, rope, and hook from the pole when not in use & and store at room temperature away from direct sunlight.

Tip #3: Avoid over-inflating the ball, stay within the recommended PSI printed on the underside of the ball, and err on the lower amount. 

We would love it if you would leave an honest review on Amazon for the WonderMotion Tetherball! Happy tetherballin' and thanks again!

-The RW Team

ps. More products are in the works & launching soon!