Could Spikeball Eclipse Pickleball as This Summer’s Hottest Sport?

By: Matthew Kayser

I love a good pickleball match as much as the next guy. It’s fun, fast, and borderline addictive. But this summer, there’s another well-loved sport climbing my must-play list: Spikeball.

It’s quick to set up, packs into any trunk or beach bag, and has a well-earned reputation for turning strangers into teammates within minutes. You’ve probably seen it on college campuses or at the beach for years, but if you haven’t tried it yet, I’m here to tell you: it just might beat pickleball at its own game.

Whether you’re rolling deep with your college crew or heading to the park with your kids, here’s why Spikeball is about to take over your weekends.

Spikeball: The Go-To Anywhere Game

What makes Spikeball different? Portability.

Pickleball’s great, but you need a court, a net, and enough space to stretch out. Spikeball? You just need a patch of grass, a stretch of sand, or even a living room floor if you’re feeling brave.

The setup takes about 2 minutes. The gameplay? A mix of volleyball, foursquare, and full-body cardio. It’s 360° action around a round net, and trust me—it gets competitive fast. My teens love it, and so do their friends. Honestly, half the fun is watching new players get instantly hooked.

New Twist: SpikePaddle by Spikeball

Could Spikeball Eclipse Pickleball as This Summer’s Hottest Sport? — Photo Courtesy: Spikeball

Now, for something even better: SpikePaddle. This is Spikeball with paddles—yes, paddles—and it totally changes the energy of the game. Longer rallies, sharper reflexes, and fewer fingertip stingers.

The SpikePaddle Kit comes with 4 paddles and 2 balls, making it a go-to add-on if you already love Spikeball or want to bring some variety to your outdoor games. It gets people off their phones and moving, which is always a win in my book.

Other Easy-to-Pack Sports to Try

If you’re building your summer sports rotation, here are two other lightweight, no-court-required picks:

Beach Paddleball: The classic. Grab two wooden paddles and a ball, and you’ve got an hour of rally time and a decent arm workout. No rules, no pressure.
Bocce Ball or Petanque: Low-impact, high-skill. Perfect for parks and picnics. Bonus: It’s one of the few games you can play with a drink in hand.

The Sport Everyone Can Play

Here’s the thing. Spikeball checks all the boxes:

Quick to learn
Packs light
Great for all ages
Seriously fun

It’s perfect for college kids looking for something new to bring to the quad or for parents who want to stay active without turning every weekend into a training session. Plus, it’s social. You’ll make new friends just by setting it up.

So… Is It Better Than Pickleball?

Honestly? Depends on what you’re after. If you love competition, movement, and a fast-paced, team-oriented game you can set up anywhere, Spikeball might just win your summer.

Pickleball will always have a place, but don’t sleep on Spikeball. I’ve brought it to barbecues, bachelor parties, family trips, you name it. And every single time? People ask where they can get one.

So, if you want to level up your summer and score serious points with your crew, grab a set, get outside, and join the Spikeball movement.

Published by Jeremy S.