Awesomeball

Awesomeball

Awesomeball(pronounced "or-sum-ball") is a ball game, developed in the 1950's, played with table tennis bats and balls: where the object of the game is to keep the ball from touching the ground. This sport is a popular pastime in the South Eastern regions of Australia.

Rules

The game can be played with two or more players, though a standard game has four players. The game is played on a laminated surface similar to an indoor basketball court. Each player stands several metres apart in a circular configuration with 4 quadrants known as the Twilight, Kitchen, Curtain and Common. The players must take turns at hitting the table tennis ball into the air. The ball must be hit at least two feet into the air above the position of the bat when the ball was hit. No part of the players body or clothing may come into contact with the ball or the rally is discontinued and that player is considered to have lost the rally. Players must not hit the ball in a co-ordinated or periodic manner- this includes communicating phrases such as "it's mine" or "yours", although other communication is allowed. The game begins as the players dictate and continues until the ball hits the floor. The score is recorded as the number of hits prior to the ball striking the floor not including the initial serve. An error in Awesomeball is communicated as a "Lewis" in honour of the initial average performance of developer Lewis O'Brien.

Tournament Rules

Tournament rules are dependent upon agreement and terms of the tournament. Common rules include teams taking turns to see who can accumulate the most points per round. Any furthur specification is impossible as the nature of Awesomeball dictates that players must be prepared to meet any set of rules under tournament conditions. One common Awesomeball rule for tournament and solo play is the Glow in the Dark rule involving a glow in the dark ping pong ball. The lights are extinguished for a period of time and they must continue to keep the glowing ball airborne. This is merely one example of random inclusion rules which are essential to the dynamic nature of Awesomeball.

History

Awesomeball was developed in the early 1950's by Mr Kieran McDonald and noted geologist Dr Timothy McGill during the "pine famine" of 1951-1957. During this time the cost of treated pine in Australia rose over 270% due to the destruction of timber plantations during bushfires, thus access to table tennis tables was scarse. Developers James Cole and Lewis O'Brien joined to create the first ever world champion Awesomeball team and begun playing regularly. Awesomeball tournaments which are competetive and follow tournament rules are currently being planned.

World Champion Team

Tim McGill
Position: Twilight Quadrant
Notable Skills:

Kieran McDonald
Position: Common Quadrant:
Notable Skills:

James Cole
Position: Kitchen Quadrant

Lewis O'Brien
Position: Curtain Quadrant

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See Also

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