Eight sports that thrived in 2023's spotlight

Roundnet or Spikeball

There is a sport that is very niche, even without a formal Chinese name, but full of fun and gradually becoming popular in China - Spikeball. People usually use Mini Volleyball to describe this sport.

Spikeball, also known as Roundnet, is a captivating sport that's quickly capturing hearts and igniting passions across the globe. This dynamic activity seamlessly blends athleticism, strategy, and teamwork, drawing inspiration from volleyball, tennis, and beach tennis to create a fast-paced and exhilarating experience.

Spikeball transcends the limitations of specific venues or player numbers. Unleash the thrill on grassy fields, sandy beaches, bustling parks, quiet neighborhoods, or even spacious indoor areas. All you need is a small, bouncy ball and a compact net to transform any space into an arena for epic Spikeball battles.

In the 1980s, a creative mind named Jeff Knurek, a toymaker and cartoonist gave birth to this dynamic sport. However, after a brief surge in popularity, interest waned, leaving Spikeball seemingly forgotten.

In 2008, Chris Ruder, captivated by the game's potential, discovered the dormant Spikeball and embarked on a mission to revive it.