School holidays, the weather starting to improve and the sun is even daring to pop its head out every so often. But we never know how long it is going to last, and we measure in hours rather than days most of the time. So we need to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible whilst we can. We need to make use of our gardens and parks, get some fresh air and have fun playing games, whether that is football, using the play equipment, going for a walk or a run or maybe you want to do something that little bit different and play a game of Trampoline Tennis.
Trampoline Tennis isn’t tennis played on a trampoline. As much fun as that sounds, there just wouldn’t be even room to play. Forget Wimbledon and green tennis balls hurtling past your head at fantastic speeds, Trampoline Tennis is a handheld game for 1-2 players. The “tennis rackets” are now trampoline discs and the “tennis ball” becomes a “string ball”. And it all adds up to an energic game to keep you and your family moving, playing together, performing tricks but most importantly, having lots of fun.
Trampoline Tennis is a game of throwing, catching and bouncing. The bat is a handheld trampoline and can also be used as a frisbee. The ball resembles a nest of tangled string. It is available in two different sizes: Mini (disk size approx. 30cm diameter) for 4 years old to adult and Medium (disk size approx. 37cm diameter) for 5 years old to adult. Each set consists of two trampoline-style discs and 1 string ball.
Trampoline Tennis comes with two trampoline discs: one red and one blue, with a trampoline-style bouncy netting over the hollow centres. It is supplied with one string ‘ball’ in red and blue (colour may vary).
It is not a complicated game to play. Players just bounce and hit the string ‘ball’ on the trampoline-style netting on the disc. It can be played as a solo game, practicing tricks or it can be played as a two player game where players hit the ‘ball’ to each other, effectively playing a tennis-style game without a net. With the strange string ball bouncing at speed off the trampoline discs, the ‘ball’ can bounce as high as a house. It is perfect for developing skills such as hand/eye co-ordination and concentration. You can also throw the ‘ball’ to each other if you just want a game of catch. The discs can also be used as super-sized frisbees to throw to each other. Making this a very versatile set of trampoline-style discs for a variety of fun game play.
Overall, we have just loved playing Trampoline Tennis. It is a superb reimagining of a bat & ball game and is excellent fun, and much more versatile (I have even lost time by practising bouncing the string ‘ball’ on the trampoline disc when wandering around the house – it is quite addictive). A perfect game to get everybody out in the fresh air, enjoying the outdoors, getting everybody moving and having some good healthy fun. It is a very good physical game that keeps the players active and laughing, all out in the sun and fresh air.
I have been using the medium sized trampoline-style discs and they have some excellent bounce off them. When bouncing the string ‘ball’ off the netting on the discs you can get some good height and distance, the ‘ball’ really does go house height and above. But with such good a good bounce you do have to be careful where you play as you could easily lose the special string ‘ball’ on roofs, in neighbours gardens etc. It is a game that would be perfect for bigger open spaces such as in the local park or on the beach. It is inevitable at some point the ‘ball’ with go astray and get lost, but replacements can be purchased on The Happy Puzzle Company website for £2.49 for a single or £5.99 for a set of three (colours may vary).
I think that Trampoline Tennis is an excellent game for solo and double play. It is fantastic whether you are practicing solo tricks and honing your skills, hitting the ball between players (and that can be competitive or not) or using it as a frisbee (the discs move through the air quite well). The medium sized discs are a good size for the kids and adults. The discs are lightweight, easy to hold and use as bats or frisbees. The string ‘ball’ is also lightweight, colourful and fun to hit and bounce.
Trampoline Tennis is a simple game but lots of fun for kids, adults and families. The only thing missing is a drawstring bag to keep it all together for easy transportation when taking it to the park.
Excellent fun and an excellent way to keep active. A perfect way to enjoy the outdoors these coming spring and summer months.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £19.99 (Mini) / £24.99 (Medium)
For more information or to buy direct, visit www.happypuzzle.co.uk. Also available from Amazon.