Photo Credit: Kim Ward
It’s a typical scene—two players aggressively sprint across the field towards a ball and each other as fans hold their breath in anticipation. Moments later the players slam into one another. One player tumbles head over heels, and the other player hits the ground sideways. Both roll away gracefully and rise to their feet in a fit of laughter. In a sport like no other, Bubble Ball players can’t help each other up or high five a goal, but there is no lack of camaraderie on the field. Teammates strategize and block in ways soccer has never seen before.
Bubble Ball soccer, one of the freshest extreme sports, is invading parks and recreation fields and centers throughout the nation. During the game, each player enters his or her own “Bubble Ball” that encloses the players’ upper bodies inside a giant, inflatable, extremely durable plastic bubble. Two teams are formed and the referee begins the game. Bubble Ball soccer is played just like traditional soccer, with zero use of hand balls or headers. Throw-ins are replaced by a kick-in. Once teammates realize they cannot beat the opposing team with slick moves and fast feet, their strategy morphs into a combination of basketball, soccer, and football. Players block, tackle, slide, and dive to stop both the ball and the opposing team. They are able to collide and flip without fear of injury. While traditional sports that rely on creativity and gravity take years of training, Bubble Ball soccer can be enjoyed almost immediately.
Climb On In
Each ball is inflated and deflated using a small vacuum cleaner that makes transportation and storage a breeze. Bubble Ball can be played by people ages ten and older. The balls, each weighing approximately 22 to 26 pounds, may be heavy for smaller-framed adults and younger children. There are two different types of bubble balls: PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane). Each type is sold in three sizes, determined by the height of the player: 1.2 mm, 1.5 mm, and 1.7 mm. Most players will use the 1.5 mm size. A player climbs into the ball that looks like a tunnel from the inside. The top of the ball is open for circulation. The ball has harnesses that strap onto the player’s shoulders like a backpack. The referee then checks to make sure the bubble fits properly and the player’s head is not too close to the opening. There are handles on the inside of the ball for the player to hold onto to help brace himself or herself on impact and when running. A player wears either a colored jersey or pennies in the bubble ball, or tinted Bubble Balls designating the colors can be purchased. Some teams choose to wear shin guards as worn in soccer with colored socks.