By: Chiu Ling
What is Bossaball?
A uniquely acrobatic and energetic game, bossaball is an exciting blend of sport, music and great fun. Incorporating elements of volleyball, football and gymnastics, a game of bossaball is played on a specially designed inflatable platform integrated with trampolines in the middle. Although it is possible to play bossaball without music, Bossa Nova tunes (hence the name “bossaball”), which usually sets the rhythm of the game, is a major feature of the sport. During large scale events, a game of bossaball is usually overseen by a “samba referee” who concurrently takes on the roles of Master of Ceremony and DJ for the event.
An exciting spectator sport unlike any other, Bossaball has been featured alongside major events that not only include sports but also music, beach and town festivals. Often times, audiences get awed by players who deliver “acrobatic infused” serves, shots and fierce spikes with much style and flair. At the same time, the accompanying music creates a festive mood that spectators enthusiastically partake in celebration.
Bossaball is a relatively new sport that was invented by Filip Eyckmans who hails from Belgium. The sport was officially launched to the world in 2004 and has since been introduced to various countries in Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. Bossaball has taken off in countries such as Belgium, Spain, Netherlands and Brazil. Currently, Netherlands is the only country that has a major bossaball league.
Bossaball was introduced to Singapore in late 2007 by Mohamad Saifudin, the founder of Bossaball Singapore. In 2009, Singapore sent a team to participate in the Bossaball World Cup held in Turkey. Other countries that participated include Brazil, Belgium, Netherlands and Kuwait. Singapore is one of the first countries to actively promote Bossaball to the community and the sport is now included in physical education lessons in some schools.
Similar to volleyball, the objective in bossaball is to ground the ball on the opponent’s side of court. This relatively new sport is essentially a game of volleyball infused with gymnastics and football techniques. However, there are differences that players should take note of. According to Bossaball Singapore, the following are official bossaball rules for tournaments:
- There are two opposing teams which comprises of 4 to 6 players in each group
- Only 1 person is allowed in the trampoline section on each side of the court (for safety reasons)
- Each team is allowed up to 5 touches (in a rally) before sending the ball over to their opponents.
- Players can use any parts of their body – e.g. hands, head, or feet – to touch the ball.
- Players are only allowed to touch the ball once with their hands. However, a second consecutive touch from the same player is allowed provided players use other parts of their body (such as their legs or head) to hit the ball. Such touches are generally referred to as the “soccer touch”.
- One “soccer touch” is a must in a rally of 3 or more touches.
- When the attacking shot lands on the inflatable areas of the opponent’s court, 1 or 3 points is awarded to the scoring team if the scoring touch was executed using the hand or other body parts respectively.
- When the attacking shot lands on the trampoline section of the opponent’s court, 3 or 5 points is awarded to the scoring team if the scoring touch was executed using the hand or other body parts respectively.
- The game goes back and forth until one team grounds the ball on the opposing team’s side.
- The first team to score 25 points wins.
How to get started
An eclectic sport that derives influences from various sources bossaball is physically demanding, yet exciting and a whole lot of fun. Clinics and workshops are organized from time to time. If you are keen to get started on Bossaball, you can make an appointment to drop by “Play! Bossaball @ Club Yuying” (47 Hougang Ave 1) anytime from 9am to 9pm on weekends.
Call Bossaball Singapore 61006292 or email info@bossaball.com.sg for more information.
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