Bossaball: Sport, Music and Trampolines
Would you rather play soccer or volleyball? How about both together?
If that sounds interesting, you might like to try bossaball!
Bossaball is a sport that combines volleyball, soccer, gymnastics — and the simple joy of jumping up and down on a trampoline.
The game is played by two teams on a rectangular inflatable court, with a smaller, round trampoline built into one part of the court on either side of the net.
The aim of the game is to ground the ball in the other team's side of the court. And to do this, the players can hit the ball with any part of their body.
The inflatable court and the trampoline mean players can jump very high and make dramatic gymnastic moves.
Oh yes, and there's music too!
Bossaball was created between 2003 and 2005 by Filip Eyckmans, a former tennis player from Belgium who later became a band manager.
Traveling with one of his bands to Brazil, he discovered capoeira, a Brazilian fighting sport that mixes music, dance and gymnastics. Eyckmans was excited to discover this combination of sport and music.
He then looked at the popular sports on Brazil's beaches — soccer and volleyball — and began to think about creating something new.
The result was bossaball — a game that takes its name from bossa nova music, and which has "samba referees" who not only make sure the rules are followed, but also act as DJs playing music to encourage the players.
Does that sound like fun? Well, bossaball may have some health benefits too.
The official bossaball website says the sport can improve your sense of balance, make your muscles stronger and help you lose weight.
The site also says bossaball is a sport that men and women can play together, and is suitable for both children and adults.
Now played in places including Argentina, France, Spain, Egypt and Qatar, bossaball is becoming more popular around the world.
