Originating at first in 1989 by a Japanese toy maker Jeff Knurek, Spikeball took the stage by slight breeze and eventually died out in 1995. The rudimentary components of the original Spikeball caused easy mishaps and breaks within the design, ultimately causing its demise. Luckily, in 2003 entrepreneur and visionary Chris Ruder found new heights for this up-and-coming game. Harnessing an old set from the 1990’s, he quickly realized his love for the game and its potential. In 2008, Ruder bought a patent for the game at a mere $800 and began production. With some revitalization of certain aspects of the game and an overall upgrade of the design, the game quickly gained popularity, and by 2013 Ruder had gained over $1 million in revenue. The game’s major jump into the spotlight of internationally played sports came when company Dicks Sporting Goods added Spikeball on their shelves. Recognition was all this sport needed to take off due to its instantaneous fun and popularity. Later, Spikeball was seen on the TV show Shark Tank as well as many famous Youtube channels, and the rest is history.

For the first time, PCS has a club dedicated to the sport of Spikeball. Headed by seniors Alessio Bernardi, Luca Tolaio, and Colby Beck-Watts, Spikeball club has been taking Pacific Collegiate School by storm. Practices are every Wednesday at 3:30 P.M., and PCS students have been putting in the hours of dedication into improving their game. Spikeball is an up-and-coming “sport” that involves a 4 foot in diameter round net that rests on the ground, and a small bouncy ball the size of a fist. Often described as a mix between volleyball and four-square, Spikeball consists of two teams of two players who hit the ball back and forth via the net. It is a young sport in the sense that it has only been in existence since 2008, but has not wavered in picking up thousands of loyal fans and participants. Luckily, there’s a community of fans at PCS who are willing to assist those new to the sport. 

One member of the club, Colin Baylis, enjoys putting his body on the line, saying “I enjoy diving to save the ball and keeping my team alive”

In the four practices that they’ve had, Spikeball club has been a growing sensation and the club has seen greater turnout of participants in each practice. Much has still to come for PCS spikeball, but with plans already in motion to play other schools including Santa Cruz High, Soquel, and Aptos High, the future is looking bright for this sport.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mo4qTH-VYGM: Top Spikeball Plays

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RULU1m9_008: How to Play Spikeball