With everyone being so busy with the holidays around Akron, Ohio, have you realized it’s time to plan a family outing? Not sure if you really want to go all the way to Cleveland, Ohio to have some fun? WhirlyBall & Laser-Sport in Bedford Heights, Ohio might be the answer for you! Their fun, unique team sport called WhirlyBall will leave your family laughing and enjoying their time together as they attempt to score a “whirlic” and figure out the WhirlyBall terminology!
If you aren’t familiar with this fun, unique team sport, you might find yourself asking, “What is WhirlyBall?”
Depending on who you ask, you may get one of two different descriptions about WhirlyBall. Some people will explain WhirlyBall as a game that incorporates elements of jai alai and basketball, though it can be more accurately compared to being a combination of bumper cars and lacrosse. Two teams of five players compete to get the most goals or “Whirlics” in an allotted time period. Each player is placed in their own Whirlybug, which is very similar in appearance to that of an electric bumper car.
Players are required to use scoops to catch and throw a wiffle ball between one another while trying to cross the court in order to shoot at their goal that is positioned ten feet off the ground. Two key rules are that you may not touch the wiffle ball and you may not leave your Whirlybug. Besides that, the only penalties you can incur are if you ram another player from behind, thus costing your team four points. At the end of the allotted time, the team with the most points wins!
Learning a bit of the WhirlyBall terminology can come in handy as you plan your family outing, though it’s not necessary as you will be thoroughly explained the game and the point system by one of Bedford Heights WhirlyBall & Laser-Sport staff.
To help you out, here are some of the terms for you to study before you make the drive from Akron towards the Cleveland area:
Whirlic: Term used for scoring a goal, worth two points.
Power Shot: Similar to a lay-up in basketball, the player rushes into the key and tosses the ball into the goal against the backboard.
Scooping: This is a two point penalty that is incurred when you hit another opponents scoop while attempting to get the ball.
Pillow Block: This is an attempt by one player, where they drive their Whirlybug into another’s to try and slow them down.
Bounce Passing: In an attempt to pass to a fellow teammate, you bounce the ball off the floor, similar to a bounce pass in basketball.
WhirlyBall & Laser-Sport in Bedford Heights, Ohio is a great place for you to plan a family outing. It will help unify your family as you learn to work together while participating in this fun, unique team sport. Their courts are available only by reservation, so before you leave your Akron, Ohio home to head towards the Cleveland, Ohio area, be sure to contact them at 216.591.0707 and review your WhirlyBall terminology by visiting www.whirlyballcleveland.com. You never know, it might just give you the advantage you need in ensuring your team is the winner!