It won’t be wrong if we call the sport of Slamball the Asian version of Basketball. This game is played on a similar playing field we have in Basketball and the object of the game is also the same, however, it is more of a casual game with less restrictions which we shall discuss below. The Slamball is a contact sport, with blocks and collision common, often resulting in small and severe injuries.
Actually, the game of Slamball was invented by a basketball fan and gaming enthusiast Mason Gordon with the aim of creating a real-life game that could mirror what could be done in a video game. He ended up developing a mash-up of basketball and acrobatics in the form of Slamball.
The first competitive game of slamball made its TV debut on the US national network spike in 2002 and since then numerous Slamball events have been televised and it gained significant popularity in the US and other countries. Now the game even has an official website where you can find the latest slamball news and all about international and famous events.
Object of Playing Slamball
The object of the game is to score more goals than your opponent in the given time. In case of the same number of goals at the end of the regular time, the game goes on until one of the teams scores a goal. The first to score a goal in the extra time is declared the winner.
How to Play?
Slamball involves lots of running and jumping as the playing field of Slamball is designed accordingly. It’s a team sport and players from both sides try to score goals by forcing the ball in the opposition’s net which is hung in the similar fashion as basketball in basketball. There are some strict time restrictions regarding the possession of the ball which players have to follow.
Moreover, it has rules dictating how much and how you can dribble the ball before passing it to your opponent, common fouls and their punishment. If you want to learn how Slamball is played internationally, make sure you give the next section a thorough read.
General Rules of Slamball
- Both teams can field 4 players at a time and make unlimited substitutions.
- Just like basketball, teams have to send the ball through the opposition’s net to score a goal and save their own nets simultaneously.
- For every goal scored, the scoring team gets 2 points.
- For every slam dunk or a throw outside of the three point arc (marked on trampoline), the team gets 3 points.
- On the trampoline, there is a jumping area. An opposition team member can’t stay in this jumping area for more than 3 seconds. If he fails to leave this before on time, the other team is awarded possession of the ball.
- Once the referee has thrown the ball in the air to start the game, the first to get possession of the ball gets 15 seconds to score the goal. Failing to do so would result in the other team getting possession of the ball.
- The opposition can get the ball from you by either blocking shots, rebounding the miss shot or by stealing from your hands.
- Unlike basketball, where you have to keep dribbling or passing the ball to your partner, you can pass the ball to yourself by hitting any of the barriers in the court. This is perfectly legal in slamball.
- At the end of the game, the team with the most points is declared winner.
Time Duration of a Slamball Match
The game of Slamball is played in four 5-minute quarters. After the end of the 2nd quarter, players get a 10-minute break.
Playing Equipment
There is no such equipment required for the game except for the basketball, yes, the same kind of ball is used in Slamball too. Players usually wear their team’s uniform and suitable footwear and they can also wear knee and elbow pads for the protection from injuries.
A Slamball comes in eight different diameters ranging from 3.75 inches to 15 inch.
Playing Field
One of the major differences between slam ball and basketball is trampoline in front of each team’s net. The rest of the court is the same as we have in the basketball but there are no foul markings and any such specific dimensions setting up the standard width and length of the Slamball court.
Playing Roles & Positions
Each team can field 4 players at a time, and these 4 players play in the following positions:
Handler: A handler’s primary job is to control flow of the game by running to the opponent’s net along with the possession of the ball. He assists the gunners to attack the basket alongside blocking any shot coming towards his half.
Gunner: A gunner is like a striker. His job is to attack the opponent’s basket and score as many goals as he can.
Stopper: Although there are no restrictions in the game, any player can play at or move to any position, a stopper is like a goalkeeper. He blocks the goal-scoring attempts from the offensive side by using himself as a shield.
What is a Slam Dunk?
Slam dunk is a term used to describe a goal that is scored by jumping right over the opposition’s net and then forcing the ball down it. It results in 3 points.
Common Fouls in Slamball
Here are some of the common fouls that occur in slamball and their punishments:
- If a player checks in the back of his opponent, who is in possession of the ball, his team faces a faceoff. A faceoff in slamball is like a penalty in which one player from the non-offensive side attempts to throw the ball in the net while one player from the opposite side protects the net.
- If a player with the possession of the ball is attempting to enter the trampoline and to prevent him from doing so, his opponent checks him, this would result as a faceoff for the offensive team.
- When two players from the offensive side bounce or step on the same trampoline, it results in a turnover. Turn over means giving possession of the ball to the other side.
- Abusing or arguing with a referee also results in a faceoff for the offensive side.
- Staying in the jumping trampoline area for more than 3 seconds results in a turnover.
- If a player makes 3 fouls in a single match, he is disqualified from the game.
- If a defending player intentionally disrupts the bounce of the offensive player, this is called Popcorn and is a foul. Referees can award face off or turn over to the non-offensive side in case of Popcorn.
Referee
There are two referees and a number of table officials that supervise a game of Slamball. Their job is to keep track of the score, foul and shot clock. Moreover, one of the referee’s starts the game by throwing the ball in the air with one player from each side standing on either side of him.
Governing Body
The game is yet to have an international federation, however, there are numerous federations running the game at national level in countries like Australia, India, USA and a few others. These countries organize small events and play against each other.
Difference Between Basketball and Slamball
| Area of Comparison | Basketball | Slamball |
|---|---|---|
| Played in | Basketball court without trampoline | Basketball court with trampoline |
| Number of players allowed in the court at once | 5 | 4 |
| Governing body | FIBA | No governing body yet |
| Substitutions | Up to 5 | Unlimited substitutions can be made |
| Quarters | 4 quarters of 12 minutes | 4 quarters of 5 minutes |