up-ball
Up Ball
Up Ball is a team sport played with a lightweight inflatable object, typically a party balloon, in which players aim to keep the ball airborne and strategically land it on scoring zones using a combination of hits and player blocking. The game is played on a court divided by a central table, allowing for tactical movement and crossover during play.
Up Ball emphasizes aerial control, reflexes, and strategic positioning, with elements inspired by volleyball, ping pong, and basketball-style defense.
Infobox
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Up Ball |
| First Played | July 30, 2025 |
| Team Size | 3 players per team |
| Contact | Limited (basketball-style blocking) |
| Category | Balloon sport |
| Venue | Indoor or outdoor courts with central table |
| Equipment | Inflatable balloon, central table |
| Invented | July 30, 2025 |
| Governing Body | Up Ball Governing Council (UBGC) |
History
Up Ball was invented on July 30, 2025, under the original name Kippy Uppy, by siblings Gabriella Kopper, Amanda Kopper, and Daniel Kopper while staying at an Airbnb apartment during a screen-free day. With no electronic devices allowed and a balloon found in the apartment, the three began improvising rules around keeping the balloon airborne. They introduced a central table, player zones, and gradually structured the game into a competitive format.
The name was later changed to Up Ball as the rules were formalized and codified into an official rulebook. The siblings established the Up Ball Governing Council (UBGC), which continues to oversee rules, tournaments, and future developments of the sport.
Gameplay
Up Ball is played between two teams of three players each. The game takes place on a rectangular court divided by a central table. The objective is to score points by legally hitting the ball to land on the opponent’s side—or, under certain conditions, on one’s own side.
Basic Rules
- The ball must be hit (not thrown, carried, or held).
- Each team may make up to two touches before returning the ball.
- Players may cross over the table during play.
- Players must strike the ball from a position in front of their body line (i.e., the ball must be in front of the body at contact).
- Physical contact is allowed when blocking opponents, but must conform to basketball-style rules (no pushing, striking, or holding).
- Points are awarded when:
- The ball lands on the opponent’s side.
- The ball lands on the player’s own side only if at least one opponent is actively blocking from within their side of the court.
- A foul is committed by the opponent.
Equipment
- A lightweight inflatable object (e.g., a party balloon).
- A central table placed mid-court.
- Open space for free movement on both sides.
Match Format
A standard match consists of two halves, each 30 minutes in duration, with a 5-minute halftime. The team with the most points at the end of regulation wins. In the event of a tie, a best-of-five penalty shootout is held.
Substitutions and Timeouts
| Substitution Rules | Timeout Rules |
|---|---|
| 1 substitution allowed per half | 1 timeout allowed per team per half |
| Up to 3 substitute players per team | Timeouts last 60 seconds |
| Substitutions may occur at any time, including during live play | May only be called during possession or dead ball |
Penalties
Fouls include:
- Illegal physical contact
- Hitting the ball from behind the body
- Holding or carrying the ball
- More than two touches
- Landing the ball on one’s own side without a blocker present
Penalty System
| Fouls | Penalty |
|---|---|
| 4 fouls | 🔵 Blue Card – 15-minute suspension |
| 8 fouls (or 2 blue cards) | 🔴 Red Card – Ejection from match |
If a team has all three players ejected or suspended at the same time, the opposing team wins by default.
Governance
The sport is regulated by the Up Ball Governing Council (UBGC), currently directed by its founding inventors:
- Daniel Kopper
- Amanda Kopper
- Gabriella Kopper
The UBGC maintains the official rulebook, certifies referees, and oversees the organization of competitive play and tournaments.
Cultural Impact
Since its invention, Up Ball has gained popularity among the Kopper Family, and is expected to become popular among families and educators for its accessible rules, minimal equipment needs, and creative combination of strategy and movement. It has been promoted as a screen-free, high-engagement indoor sport for children and youth.
See Also
- Volleyball
- Balloon (toy)
- Ping pong
- Basketball rules