Reading this lead to a lenghty discussion between my wife and I about the very nature of Wallball because we had very different definitions.
I grew up with Wallball being a game played with a rubber ball, similar to those used in playground games like Four Square. Two people played at a time and tried to get the other person "out" by either performing a shot werf's opponent couldn't return, or causing werf's opponent to make a mistake.
Mistakes included Pockets (ball hit exactly where the wall and the sidewalk meet), Rainbows (ball didn't bounce between when it was hit and when it reaches the wall), and Carries (similar to volleyball: you can't carry the ball, it has to be a solid hit).
My wife's version involved a tennis ball and a large group of people playing simultaneously. I don't remember the rest of what she said because 1. it's hard to describe some games if you aren't watching someone play them and 2. the details are always a bit foggy 20 years later.
At this point I must boast a bit and let you all know that in second grade I went through the entire line of kids waiting before I got out. That was probably the greatest day of my life.
I grew up with Amy's version too. However I must say that childhood triumph's are always just as sweet 20 years later. (even if time has fed the legend of our schoolyard conquests)
ReplyDeleteI can honestly say at the ripe old age of 28 I have never played Wall Ball in any version, apparently not a popular game in the Midwest. Sounds interesting. Had I played it before it may in fact make your accomplishment more impressive, congrats just the same though. =)
ReplyDeleteI grew up playing the same version as Dave. Though that's likely due to the fact that we grew up in neighboring towns.... Wallball was the greatest sport in recess. Glory! Honor! The shame of defeat! Good times.
ReplyDelete@Saric - Actually, I am as cool as I mentioned in the post: I think I went through all of recess with out getting out, but wasn't sure so I scaled it back to getting through the entire line. Yes. I rock.
ReplyDelete@Michael - You lived a sad, deprived childhood.
@Rob - Well said.
David I would like to challenge you to a friendly game of wall ball over Christmas break. We could play in a racket ball court at the rec center. However, I must warn you that I am some what of a wall ball legend :)
ReplyDeleteWhich version of wall ball are you challenging me to Miss H?
ReplyDelete