that the ball hits the pole. In addition, the ball must strike the pole with the final wrap above a line marked on the pole. A mark is satisfactory, though a lower mark might be used for younger players. A match can go on for at least 2 or more games. If a player breaks any of these rules, they are out and it is the next person's turn to play the winner. If played with only two people, the "loser" now gets their turn to serve to even out the odds for their win. Equipment Tetherball requires a stationary pole, a rope, and a ball. The ball is roughly the size and weight of a volleyball, but is somewhat firmer unless a soft tetherball is specifically purchased. Tetherballs usually have a bar recessed in the top that the rope is tied to. Some simply have loops that protrude out, but this is less common as striking the loop with the hand can be painful. The pole is often high, and can be as low as high depending upon the height of the players. To keep the pole stationary, it is either anchored down by using a concrete-filled tire or a blow molded plastic base filled with sand or water or in some cases concrete, or is embedded in the ground. The rope is generally slender nylon, and is long enough so that the ball hangs about above the ground. The rope is generally 8 feet to 10 feet long. Tetherball is played on many surfaces, including sand, gravel, lawn, and asphalt. It is common particularly in schoolyards due to the ease of setting up, and the long-lasting equipment- unlike other ball games where the ball can be destroyed or lost. References Ball games Individual sports Playground equipment 1970s fads and trends