Where did tetherball originate?

Asked by: Lesvia Edwards

Tetherball was invented in 1875 Britain, and originally used a tennis ball with rackets, sometimes called tether tennis, rather than the larger tetherball we know today. The use of a volleyball attached to a rope to play tetherball started sometime after 1895 when volleyball was invented.

Who invented the tetherball?

Tetherball was invented in Britain by at least as early as 1875. It may have been invented in Ireland, where some lucky, young Dubliner could have received a set for Christmas in 1875. Freeman’s Journal, (Dublin, Ireland), December 7, 1875, page 5. NEW GAMES.

Why is it called tetherball?

Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Tetherball is a game where two players use their hands to strike a volleyball which is suspended from stationary metal pole by a rope or tether.

Is tetherball American?

The sport originated in North America and is only played at a recreational and amateur level. A match is played between two players who stand opposite to each other, facing the pole between them. The height of the pole is usually between 7 to 10 feet, and a ball hangs from the top to about 2 feet above the ground.

Is tetherball an actual sport?

Tetherball continues to remain an informal sport. Leagues are extremely rare, and professional tetherball organizations do not currently exist.

Why did they get rid of tetherball?

Tetherball. While playing with this equipment, there was a high risk of the ball smashing your face or breaking your hands or fingers because of hitting the pole instead of the ball. Due to the number of complaints and restrictions, this equipment became extinct on most playgrounds.

Is tetherball good exercise?

If you can find a tetherball post, you’ll get a pretty awesome arm-toning session, just you against the ball. This sport can burn upwards of 130 calories for a 150-pound person.

What is the point of a tether ball?

The ultimate point of tetherball is to wrap the rope completely in one direction until the ball makes contact with the pole above the center line. Since the rope becomes shorter as play progresses, the end game of tetherball is often the most exciting part.

Can you punch tetherball?

You are allowed to hit a tetherball with an open palm, closed palm, or closed fist. You are also allowed to use both hands to hit the tetherball. Usually a closed fist hit is reserved for a power hit, but has less control. An open handed palm hit will give you more control, but typically has less power behind it.

Can you hit the ball with two hands in tetherball?

Tetherball Rules:
Ball can only be hit with hand or forearm. Ball or rope cannot be held or caught. Players must stay within play area.

Can you touch rope in tetherball?

Standard tetherball fouls:
Touching the rope with your hands or forearm. Touching the pole with any part of your body. Hitting the ball more than once per wrap around the pole is not permitted unless the ball touches the opponent or the pole.