The game of Eclipse Ball takes many of its rules from the game of volleyball. The system of scoring, court markings, player rotation, and specific rules for hitting the ball are taken from the game of Volleyball.
THE EQUIPMENT:
The following equipment is needed to properly play the game. A volleyball net set up at the men's height of 8' tall and on a 60' by 30' court which is the same as any volleyball court.
The ball is an inflated rubber ball smaller in size than a volleyball that is black on one side and white on another- thus the name for a solar (Eclipse)
Each player is equipped with a tennis racket and each player must be concerned and aware of his teammates as to ensure safely contacting the ball without hitting anybody or anything prior to or after making contact with the ball.
GAME PLAY:
After the decision to which team will serve first (rock, paper, scissors) all players will rotate in a clockwise rotation to ensure all players serve and play each and every position on the court. As in volleyball the serve will take place behind the service line and will be done in an underhand motion without the ball contacting the floor first. Both feet must stay behind the service line until the ball is contacted. Each server is required to call the score out loud enough for opponents to hear- always calling the servers team score first. All serves must land in the proper court without contacting any outside structures such as ceilings, walls, beams or posts. li a ball hits the net, falls over and into the proper court -it is considered a good serve and must be played
Rally scoring is now used in volleyball and will also be used in Eclipse ball. Rally scoring means if the non-serving team wins the rally they will score a point and rotate for a new server to begin their service. So there is a point scored during every service regardless of who served.
Normal rules apply as in volleyball:
3 hits per side
Any ball hitting the line is considered in
No player may make contact twice in a row
Balls bouncing out of the net are still in play if you have other hits available
Ceiling shots (non-served) that hit the ceiling and return to your side with hits remaining are still live.
Shots that rebound off your teammates racket are still alive off side and back walls and bleachers to make the game more interesting.
Each team may allow the ball to bounce a maximum of one time prior to being returned over the net to their opponents. This bounce is not mandatory but very helpful in continuing play.
GAME OVER:
Games will be played to the final score of 25, or to a designated time declared by the teacher so all can rotate to a new match at the same time. If playing to 25 the winner must be ahead by two points before they can claim a victory.
Eclipse Ball was designed to have the camaraderie of volleyball and the excitement of tennis, with rules designed with fun and action in mind. The fundamental ideas behind Eclipse Ball are a desire for a game with vigorous volleys that aren't terminated easily and a second chance that can extend these delirious volleys even more. The racquet is used as an extension of the arm, so that even the shortest players have an equal chance to be key competitors in these incredible volleys!