Beginner's guide to Volley Pong

If you want to super-size your fun this summer, one of the first places to start is with the classic game of Volley Pong.

Originating from a much smaller version of itself, Volley Pong is a jacked-up game of accuracy, strategy and a little trickery.

If you aren’t familiar with the game but are looking to spice up your summer parties, here is the beginner’s guide to Volley Pong.
 

THE SETUP

All you need is two volleyballs and 12 large bins. Any large bucket will work but if it happens to resemble the legendary “Red Solo Cup” that won’t hurt either (it actually adds more credibility to the game).

Arrange six bins into a pyramid shape on your playing surface. This space recommends grass but crazier things have a will continue to happen. If the pyramid has confused you right out of the gate, do not panic. Put three bins in the back, two more in the middle and one in the front. Make sure to double check that all the bins are touching the ground and that your HILARIOUS friend who tries to build a three-dimensional pyramid with round buckets is nowhere to be found. Intentionally misinterpreting instructions is so out.

Arrange the other six bins in the same format, facing the other six bins, from a comfortable throwing distance. A comically-far distance will render the game useless, so be practical!
 

THE RULES

The game is simple. In teams of two, take turns trying to throw the volleyball into one of your opponent’s buckets.

Teams throw both of their volleyballs, one at a time, before turning over possession. Should both players sink their shot, the balls are returned to the shooters to continue. TAKE THAT, LOSERS.

If a shot bounces off a bucket and redirects back into the shooter’s territory, they are allowed to collect their miss and shoot again. Opponents are allowed to chase the errant ball until it crosses over into the other team’s territory – halfway between bucket pyramids.

Every time you sink a ball into a bucket, that bucket is removed. A winner is crowned when – YOU GUESSED IT – all the buckets are gone.

MAKING IT INTERESTING…

Trick shots, re-racks and chances, OH MY.

Trick shots: Defined as an unconventional shot attempt, trick shots that find their way into buckets will cause double the damage to your opponents. Whether it’s a no-look over the back, redirected off a nearby wall, or even bounced off the ground before going in, it’s your chance to knock down two bins in a single shot. The caveat is that your opponents has the right to swat your ball away from harm the minute a trick shot attempt leaves your finger tips. Choose your openings wisely.

Re-racks: A simple but valuable concept, each team has the right to re-arrange their opponent’s buckets once throughout a match. Should your opponent have three buckets left scattered over the playing surface, you may organize them in a beautiful straight line. The right re-rack can put a stranglehold on even the most formidable foe.

Chances: The ball soars through the air and comes splashing down into your final bucket. Your opponents turn to bask in early celebration, however, with one last breath you proclaim, “CHANCE!” One ball, one shot, one chance to stay alive. Make the shot and you revive a single bucket, miss and it’s all over.

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There you have it. You’re not a Volley Pong beginner anymore.

HAPPY PONGING!