HOOV NATION FIELD GUIDE · V1
Our modern rules make classic Hooverball faster, more strategic, and more alive—for players and audiences alike.
At a glance
Play continues while a team keeps full control of the ball and maintains separation between the ball and the ground. You can pass once. You cannot run with the ball. You have four seconds to act.
Games are played over an eight-foot net on a court similar to volleyball. Each side fields three to five players; at least three must be present to compete.
HOOV NATION games use a 6–10 pound medicine ball. Ball weight is matched to the division and players. Unlimited substitutions may happen between rallies, never during live play.
A catch is controlled when the player establishes possession with body separation between the ball and ground—even after a legal diving save.
Each side gets up to two possessions: a receiver may throw over immediately or pass once to a teammate, who must send it over. The ball must be released within four seconds of each possession.
Players stop after receiving the ball and may pivot on one foot. One gather step is allowed while preparing to throw. A player who made a legal catch on the ground may stand before releasing.
Defenders may block forward scoring attempts above the net. They may not interfere through or below the net, nor disrupt a pass or the shooter’s wind-up. If a legal block is made and the offense keeps control, the pass count resets.
A coin toss determines first service or court side. Before every serve, the server clearly announces intent—“service,” “ready,” or “HOOV!”—so every player is prepared.
Rally scoring applies: the rally winner earns the point and next serve. A clean serve landing in bounds earns one point from inside the court or two from behind the baseline. During play, a back-line strike without defensive contact is worth two points.
The winning point must be scored on the winning team’s own serve, keeping every match alive to the end.
Respect and kindness are enforced, not merely encouraged. Players pick one another up—including opponents. Good-faith trash talk is fine only between consenting players. Violence is not.
Sharp jewelry, hard helmets, and hard pads are prohibited. Soft protective gear and sand socks are welcome; gloves are not currently permitted.
When in doubt: