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Teams of two set up in a cross formation.
How To Play Roundnet
How To Play
Roundnet
Learn the basic setup, serve, rally, scoring, and common faults before your first match.Quick Read
The short version
Roundnet is usually played two versus two around a small circular net. One player serves the ball down onto the net so it pops up toward the receiving team. The receiving team can use up to three touches between the two players to send the ball back onto the net.
Once the serve is returned, players can move in any direction around the net. The rally continues until a team cannot return the ball cleanly, hits the rim, lets the ball hit the ground, or breaks the touch rules.
Watch First
A quick video overview
Visual Guide
If you like pretty pictures...
Serve
Team 1 serves to Team 2 to start a point.
3 touches
Players have up to three alternating touches to return the ball to the net.
360 degree play
After the serve, players can move or hit in any direction around the net.
Scoring
Score when the opposing team hits the rim, the ground, or bounces more than once on the net.
Serving
Start clean, then let the rally open up.
- Stand across from the intended receiver before serving.
- Toss the ball, then hit it down onto the net.
- The serve should come off the net cleanly, without rim contact.
- If the first serve is a fault, use a second serve. Two faults award the point to the receiving team.
Rally
Think bump, set, spike.
- Teams can use one, two, or three touches before returning the ball.
- Players on the same team should alternate touches.
- After the serve, there are no fixed sides. Use the full circle.
- Keep the ball off the ground and return it onto the net.
Scoring
Common ways a point ends
The ball touches the ground before a team returns it.
The ball hits the outside rim during play, or on an illegal serve.
The ball bounces more than once on the net or falls back onto the set.
A team uses more than three touches before returning the ball.
The Rules
How many points do you play to?
Casual games often play to 11, 15, or 21. Choose a target before the match starts, and win by two points if your group wants a more competitive format.
What is a pocket?
A pocket is the area between the net and rim that can make the ball change direction. It is usually not allowed on serves but can be played during a rally depending on your house rules.
What is a roll-up?
A roll-up happens when the ball hits near the pocket area and rolls up over the rim. Many casual groups allow this during rallies.
What is a soft touch?
If the ball travels upward from the net and contacts a player, that player may make another touch in some rule sets. Their partner must then return the ball onto the net.
Ready to play?