Wednesday, 25 Dec 2024

What Is Teqball? Beginner’s Guide

Teqball is an exciting ball sport that combines elements of table tennis, football, and sepak takraw. It offers players a unique opportunity to develop their quick reactions, aerial control, first touch, and close-range passing in a competitive format. With its many visible benefits, teqball has gained recognition and popularity among some of the world’s biggest soccer stars.

What Is Teqball?

Teqball is played on a curved table, measuring 3 meters in length and 1.7 meters in width. It can be played as a 1v1 match or a doubles match between four players. Similar to table tennis, there are two teams/individuals on either end of the table, aiming to win points by hitting difficult shots at their opponents.

In teqball, players can use any part of their body except for their arms and hands to play the ball. The objective is for each team to hit the ball against the table and towards their opposition within a maximum of three touches. Points are awarded when the opposing team fails to successfully return a shot.

Teqball gained recognition as the world’s fastest-recognized sport in 2018 when it was officially recognized by the Olympic Committee of Asia. It is now represented by the International Federation of Teqball and has achieved full membership of the Global Association of International Sports Federations.

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When Was Teqball Invented? A Brief History Of The Sport

Teqball was invented in Hungary in 2012 by Gábor Borsányi and Viktor Huszár, with the support of co-founder Gyorgy Gattyan. Borsányi, a former professional player, and Huszár, a computer scientist and football lover, came up with the idea to create a curved table that improved the ball’s bounce and made the game more enjoyable. This led to the creation of the first teqball table in 2014.

The invention of teqball has not only been a sporting success but also a business phenomenon. The game’s success has propelled it to become a trademarked name and a patented table. Teqball International holds the rights to manufacture tables and organize competitions, reflecting the ambition to position teqball as a globally recognized sport.

What Are The Rules Of Teqball?

Teqball follows specific guidelines to ensure fair play and competitiveness. The official rules, as stated on the official FITEQ website, include:

  • Teqball can be played with footballs, with size five being the official and recommended size.
  • It can be played as a singles game (two players) or a doubles game (four players).
  • A teqball match consists of best-of-three sets, with each set played until a player/team reaches 12 points.
  • Each player/team has two attempts to complete a successful service.
  • Players/teams change service after every four points.
  • The ball can be played with any body part except for the hands and arms.
  • A player/team is allowed a maximum of three touches to return the ball, with teammates passing the ball to each other in doubles.
  • It is forbidden to touch or touch the opponent or the table during play.
  • In case of an edgeball, the rally shall be repeated.
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The exact dimensions of the teq table and court are also important, with courts being rectangular and a minimum of 12 meters wide, 16 meters long, and 7 meters high. The teq table measures 3 meters in length and is 1.7 meters wide, with a 14cm-high net in the middle of the playing surface. The ball used in teqball is a regular size 5 ball with lower pressure than a normal football.

What Are The Teqball World Championships?

The Teqball World Championships, organized by FITEQ, bring together the best teqball players from around the world. This annual tournament features singles and doubles competitions, and both men and women can participate together. The championships attract participants from various nations, with the number of people involved in the sport continuously growing.

The upcoming 2023 event will be held in Bangkok, making Thailand the first nation outside of Europe to host the championships. With 153 national federations affiliated with teqball, it is expected to be the biggest tournament yet.

Teqball: Famous Fans

Teqball has gained popularity among professional footballers, with many famous names becoming fans of the sport. Ronaldinho, the ex-Brazil legend, is one of the official ambassadors of teqball. Other high-profile players such as Neymar, Phillipe Coutinho, and Lionel Messi have also embraced teqball.

Teqball has become a beneficial training method for top pros, allowing players to improve their close control, teamwork, and communication skills. Many clubs, including Barcelona, Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Chelsea, have incorporated teqball into their training routines. It provides an enjoyable way for football enthusiasts to develop their technical skills, concentration, and stamina.

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The versatility of teqball tables, which can be used indoors and outdoors, adds to its appeal. Whether in warm weather training camps or mid-season gym sessions, teqball offers footballers the chance to enhance their skills while having fun. With its growing popularity and global reach, teqball is set to stay as a recognized and respected sport.

For more tips on improving your football skills, including striking the ball effectively, check out our interview with ball striking expert, coach Bartek Sylwestrzak.