GETTING STARTED
What you need to get started with Hexball
Hexball can be played on sand, grass or any hard level surface. For each of these surfaces the requirements are slightly different. But the basics of net, lines, poles, anchoring ropes and ball are the same.
NET
You would need a proper volleyball net with a length of 9.5m to 10m. There are a multitude of options available, from dirt cheap to top quality. Most nets are 900mm to 1m wide. You should be able to get a decent entry-level net for around R300 or less.
POLES
This is often the most underestimated item on the list. Because of the length of the net and the stress on it to keep it taut, the poles need to be quite strong. Recreational poles might last for a while, but it is worthwhile investing in decent quality poles that will last for years to come. Hexball requires an easily adjustable net height, so the best option is to order the proper stuff from us. Click here for more info.
ANCHORING ROPES
You need decent anchoring ropes for your net-and-poles system, as well as a way to anchor them into the ground. If you’re playing on the beach the anchor will be different from the one used for sand. But neither is difficult to source.
To anchor a rope on the beach you need to dig a hole of about half a meter deep for the sand anchor, so that the weight and resistance of the sand will keep it down. The sand anchor can be anything from a piece of wood about 300 – 400mm in length, to a proper base plate with hook for the rope. We have even on occasion successfully anchored nets with used still water bottles, so if you are resourceful this will not be a challenge.
On grass you simply need decent sized anchor pegs, like those used for camping.
As for the ropes, a decent ski rope will do but you could also go for a more visible webbing of a bright colour to prevent people from tripping over it.
LINES
For playing outdoors on grass or sand, the best way to demarcate your court is with webbing / straps. You can easily make your own, or you can order it here. It’s simply a 27m long 38mm webbing with an eyelet every 4.5m.
The best way to anchor them is with bungee cord hooks, to allow for elasticity so that the lines reset by themselves should someone drag a line while playing. Having the elasticity also prevents the anchors from ripping from the ground.
BALLS
Can’t play without a ball, right? But which ball, since there are so many different ones to choose from?
At social level (Tier 1 LOCAL) the ball type and brand is not that important, as long as it is a ball made for volleyball, with a diameter of 207 – 213mm.
At higher tiers the type and quality of the ball is more important, which means the balls also become more expensive. But under normal conditions a good quality ball can last for years. Just stay away from palisade fencing, razor wires and hard thorns!
For Tier 1 LOCAL events, the recommended ball is the Mikasa VXS-13 Beach Attack ball, and for Tier 2 LOCAL LEGENDS events and higher the Mikasa VLS-300 Beach Champ ball.
The official ball for Hexball Opens, Invitationals and National Championships is decided annually at the AGM.
One last thing… you would also do well to invest in a good ball pump. If you ever travel with an inflated ball from Johannesburg to Durban or Cape Town, you will notice how the difference in air pressure affects the ball’s hardness.
