CenterBall Soccer – Official Rules

CenterBall Soccer – Official Rules

Number of players: 1 – 4 players

Objective:

The goal is to score exactly 21 points within a previously agreed time limit.

If time runs out, the player with the higher score wins.

In case of a tie, a Center Shoot-Out is held (ABBA system: each player takes one shot at the center target until the game is decided).

Before the game, players must agree on the number of sets and time limit per set.

If a player reaches exactly 20 points, they cannot check out on the next hit. Their score resets to the previous value.

If a player overscores (exceeds 21), their score also returns to the previous value.

Serve / Start of the Game:

Player 1 begins the game with a serve. The supporting foot must stay behind the service line.

All players must be behind the service line during a serve.

The serve must be tossed by hand without touching the ground (no drop-kick allowed).

The player is free to choose any target but must serve diagonally.

If a target is hit directly on serve, it’s called an Ace and the corresponding points are awarded.

Service Change:

After each successful hit, the serve changes.

If the served ball touches the wall and then flies out of bounds without bouncing, it is a fault – unless the opponent touches or accepts it.

If the ball is not returned from the wall into the field of play, the serve switches.

The ball must bounce back from the wall into the court to be valid.

If the ball does not reach the opponent or stops in the front zone, it is a fault and the opponent gets the serve.

A player may not touch the ball more than twice in a row.

A rolling ball must be played directly and cannot be picked up.

A bouncing ball (regardless of height) may be picked up or played directly in the air – the next contact must be played towards the wall.

Rallies:

If a serve does not result in a direct hit, a rally begins.

Players alternate shots in motion, aiming directly at the CenterBall wall.

The ball must be played from within the marked playing field or behind the service line.

The ball can be controlled using the head, chest, or thighs, but must be played with the next contact directly towards the wall.

Hand contact is not allowed.

If the same player hits the Center after scoring a regular point, that point is doubled.

Fouls:

Players must not be physically obstructed by opponents.

Shirt pulling, blocking without the ball, or standing in the shooting line is considered a foul.

The opposing player receives a free kick.

The free kick must be taken from the designated kick-off spot.

If the free kick is missed, the game resumes with a serve, not a rally.

Obstruction or blocking behind the service line also counts as a foul, resulting in the opponent receiving the serve.

The official rules of CenterBall Soccer were created by the inventor of the game, Uwe Schneider, in June 2004.