Roundnet (Spikeball) Gains More Fans in Estonia

A New Sport from America

Roundnet, also called spikeball, is a team sport that combines elements of volleyball and tennis. It originated in the US in 1989 but only became popular in the 2010s. In Europe, it gained traction around 2020, with professional leagues now existing in Germany. The sport arrived in Estonia in the early 2020s.

Rules and Equipment

The rules are similar to beach volleyball: teams of two play against each other. Instead of hitting the ball over a net, players hit it into a round net. Touches must be instant, as in volleyball. Each team has three touches, and on the third touch, the ball must be hit into the net. The balls are small and soft, making injuries very rare. The game develops coordination and reaction speed.

Estonian Enthusiast Jakob Thomson

Opera singer Jakob Thomson is a key promoter of roundnet in Estonia. He admits that the game seemed strange at first, but after trying it, he became hooked. Before roundnet, Thomson played football for years but had to quit due to injuries. Roundnet allowed him to return to ball sports.

Competitions and Future

Unofficial Estonian championships have been held in Tartu for several years, attracting about 40 participants each year. In September 2025, the Estonian national team will compete in the World Championship in France for the first time, with teams from 35 countries participating.