Slamball
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
SlamBall is a four player team sport loosely based on basketball. It is played on a combination of surfaces, combining the acrobatics of the trampoline, the physical play of ice hockey, and elements of basketball, particularly the slam dunk.
Four trampolines are set at level around a padded basketball rim and backboard on either end of the court, serving as launching pads. The object of the game is to outscore the opposing team. A dunk is worth three points. All other shots are worth two points, except for within the last two minutes of the game, in which shots outside the trampolines and above the baseline are worth three points. A successful block of a shot is called a stop.
Professional SlamBall games were aired on television by Spike TV for two seasons in 2002 - 2003. According to the SlamBall official website, SlamBall will return in August 2008. The league accepted applications through its website for new players and coaches, and tryouts were held in three U.S. cities in April, 2008.
Contents |
[edit] History
Slamball is the creation of Mason Gordon, who wanted to create a combination of sports that approximated a real-life video game. Upon developing the concept, he approached Mike Tollin, a TV and film producer of Smallville, Wild Hogs, and Coach Carter fame. After giving it some thought, he agreed to help Gordon. Painstaking thought was put into the development of the game. Many different ideas and concepts encompassing everything from court construction to team strategies were addressed. Six months after their first meeting, a court was constructed in a warehouse in East Los Angeles.
Gordon then tried to convince street basketball players to test his new idea; he wanted to find skilled, strong players who could compete comfortably while launching off trampolines and crashing into each other in mid-air.
Five recruits - James Willis, Sean Jackson, David Redmond, Michael Goldman and Jeff Sheridan - trained with Gordon to produce the first games. Soon, more players were brought in, including Stan Fletcher, Rob Wilson and Dion Mays.
First played in Los Angeles, California, the game gained attention from street basketball players in the area. Within a year, 400 people had been enlisted as potential players. Open tryouts were held and the selection of players based on athletic ability, body control and court awareness started. Reducing numbers to about 60 players, the first ever Slamball combine was held where players and coaches learned safety, the game and basic strategy.
In 2002, slamball made its television debut, on The National Network (now Spike TV), soon after former Philadelphia 76ers owner Pat Croce had signed on as a partner. Six teams (the Bouncers, Diablos, Mob, Rumble, Slashers, and Steal) played in the inaugural season. Slamball also aired on the British television station Trouble and ESPN aired a feature on the new league.
The first Slamball draft in 2002 saw Canadian Robert Wilson drafted as the first #1 pick ever in the sport.
Prior to the launch of the second season more than 20,000 online applications were submitted by potential players. Before the second season of Slamball debuted on the newly-renamed Spike TV, two expansion teams (the Riders and Bandits) were added and a new court was built at Universal City, California.
In 2007, the "POWERade Slamball Challenge" took place at Hoop City, a fan interactive event, at the 2007 Final Four in Atlanta, Georgia.[1], and aired on CSTV in April 2007.[2]
In Italy SlamBall made its debut on Italia 1 on July 16, 2007 gaining impressive ratings and media fervor. Plans for a new season are in motion with an International model as the basis for the new league structure.[3]
[edit] Media Exposure
On television, the sport has been seen on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, King of Queens, Method & Red, ESPN's SportsCenter, and The Best Damn Sports Show Period. In print, Slamball has been featured in the New York Times, Sports Illustrated, Time Magazine and European editions of Maxim, GQ and FHM. The 2007 POWERade Slamball Challenge was also televised on CSTV.
[edit] Rules and regulations
There is no international governing body for Slamball as a sport. Steps are being taken even today as Slamball is reaching the international market both in Europe and the middle east.
The object of the game is to outscore one's opponents with a collaboration of make shots and dunks, while at the same time preventing the opponents from doing likewise. A successful score can be worth two points if the ball is thrown through the hoop without the offensive player touching the hoop. Conventional slam dunks are scored as a three point basket. In the final two minutes of the game, all shots outside the trampolines and above the baseline are worth three points as well.
[edit] Playing regulations
Theses rules reflect the basics of the game.
Games are played in two 8-minute halves stop time. Each half will commence with a 'bounce off' which is the inverse of a tip off. The ball must reach its apex uninterrupted at which point the players are allowed to 'check' each other. Ten minutes are allowed for a half time break and the only time outs allowed are within the last two minutes of regulation play. Even then the teams are allowed but one time out each. A 15-second shot clock is utilized and expiration of that, without a shot attempt, will result in a change of possession. Teams will exchange baskets in the second half. An even score at the end of regulation time is not settled by an additional period of time but rather a series of 'face offs'(discussed later is the section entitled fouls). Teams will elect their starting 3 players to 'face off' against the opposing teams stopper and the team converting the most baskets at the end of this attains the victory. If after the 3 'face offs' the score remains deadlocked then a sudden death elimination face offs would come into force. This most closely resembles a shoot-out at the end of a tied soccer match. Full body contact is allowed within certain limitations. A player can be hit or 'checked' at any time when he is not in possession of the ball. If the player has received the ball then he cannot be hit until he dribbles the ball, at that point he is known as 'live' or 'hot' and can be hit. Players cannot be hit or checked in the back and doing so results in a foul.
[edit] Positions
There are four players on the court at any one time. There are three positions:
- Handler This would be the primary ball handler on the team. It is his job to run the offense and organize the other members while controlling the flow of the game. Typically he would be responsible to set up the gunners to attack the basket while adding in his own offensive threat.
- Gunner The primary scorer on the team. A team's gunner will be the player on the team that will attack the basket and finish plays against the opposing teams' stopper, comparable to a forward or wing player in soccer or hockey.
- Stopper This position is for the primary defensive player. He trails the offense only when necessary, and he protects the rim from attacking players by using himself as a shield.
[edit] Fouls
Each player can commit just three personal fouls before he is "fouled out" from the match. A coach or player displaying poor on-court behavior (for example, fighting, arguing vehemently against an official) may be charged with a technical foul. Two technical fouls will result in disqualification. In the case a foul is called, the player who has committed the foul, will then take position on the baseline of the lower trampolines while the player who was offended will take up offensive position at center court. This is called a 'face-off'. Upon a signal from the referee the offensive player will be free to mount an attack at the basket, which the defender now must endeavor to stop. The defender must enter the lower trampoline only after bouncing in from the side trampoline. If the offensive player is successful, then points will be awarded depending on the shot converted and the offensive players' team will retain possession of the ball.
Four players from each team (out of an 8 player roster) may be on the court at one time. Substitutions are unlimited and can be done during play as in the game of hockey. All teams have a coach who is responsible for the strategies and overall performance of the teams. In addition additional staff of teams encompasses assistant coaches, managers, statisticians, doctors, etc,.
Team uniforms consist of a shorts and a jersey with the team logo, a number and the player's name on the back. Typically players wear basketball sneakers now but shoes unique to slamball are in development to fit the needs of this new sport.
The game is controlled by officials consisting of two referees and the table officials. The table keeps track of the score, time, team possessions, fouls and the shot clock.
[edit] Equipment
A regulation Slamball court surface is 100 ft by 62 ft (30.4 m by 19 m.) This competition floor is the most advanced gymnastics apparatus ever created. A series of highly engineered articulating floor panels float on a bed of spring flooring to create a shock absorbent playing surface. The spring floor lies adjacent to two sets of four trampoline or spring bed 'quads' which dominate each end of the court. Each trampoline surface measures 7 ft by 14 ft (2.1m by 4.2 m.) The shock absorbent panels pair with the competition bed trampolines to create a unique playing surface that both launches players to inhuman heights and cushions their landing upon returning to the floor. Specifically engineered pads are designed to cover the frame rails and their tapered design allows for maximum safety for on-court play. This entire playing surface will be surrounded with an 8 ft (2.4 m) plexi-glass wall much like in a hockey rink. Players are to wear protective cups and special equipment to protect all areas of the body. This would consist of knee and elbow pads, a special molded light helmet and padded protective undergarments.
[edit] Athletes & Training
 |
This article or section appears to have been copied and pasted from a source, possibly in violation of a copyright. Please edit this article to remove any copyrighted text and to be an original source, following the Guide to layout and the Manual of Style. Remove this template after editing. |
 |
This article or section resembles a fan site. Please help improve this article by removing excessive trivia and irrelevant praise, criticism, lists and collections of links.(March 2008) |
Slamball and the athletes involved, include a variety of sports, thus a broad scope is considered in the recruitment of the players. New players for the League will come primarily from four areas:
[edit] Basketball
Slamball has recruited players directly from college and pro basketball programs across the country. To date Slamball is able to point to the following athletes as examples:
- Anthony White - Diablos: played at USC, Pac-10 Newcomer of the Year, played professionally in France and Venezuela
- George Byrd - Riders: played at Virginia Commonwealth and played professionally in Brazil, Portugal and Iceland
- Jelani Janisse - Rumble: played at University of Kansas for two-time Big 12 championship team
- Sam Jones - Steal: played at Northwood University and professionally in Netherlands (league MVP 2004), Belgium and Poland
- David Jackson - Diablos: played at Virginia Tech for 1995 NIT Champions
- Martice Moore - Bandits: played at Georgia Tech (ACC Freshman of the Year) and University of Colorado
- James Lee - Bouncers: played at University of San Francisco (WCC First-team honors) and professionally in the ABA
- Rob Wilson - Bouncers: played at University of Toronto, named as All-Canadian basketball team, played professionally overseas for ten plus years in Sweden, Belgium, Portugal, France, Iceland, England, New Zealand, Lebanon and Israel.
[edit] Football
These athletes are used to the full-contact, up-tempo style of play. Many of the better players of Slamball find their origins on the gridiron. Again Slamball can show these football athletes who are currently thriving in Slamball:
- Chris Robbins - Mob: played receiver and quarterback for Clemson University
- Al Jones - Steal: played receiver and special teams for University of New Mexico
- Robert Grogan - Diablos: All-American receiver for Hofstra University
- LaMonica Garrett - Mob: played linebacker for Central Ohio
- Ray Ross - Diablos: All-American free safety for West Texas A&M
- Trevor Anderson - Mob: played receiver for the Orlando Predators Arena Football team
[edit] Multi-Sport Athletes
While many of the skills necessary for success have been clearly identified in Slamball’s short history, part of the opportunity that Slamball presents is that the primary skill set has yet to be determined. Skill sets from sports like track & field, gymnastics, volleyball, baseball and action sports have the potential to impact the development of the sport. The following are multi-sport athletes that have made an impact in Slamball:
- Chris Young - Bouncers: ran track & field for Cal State LA
- Marcus Reed - Riders: ran track & field for UCLA
- Jeff Sheridan - Steal: competitive gymnastics, Chicago, IL
- Kevin Cassidy - Mob: played baseball for
[edit] “Unstructured” Athletic Programs
Prior to Slamball, "unstructured" athletes were not looked at as a realistic source of professional athletic talent. The development of Street Ball makes athletes from outside the college and pro ranks an exciting addition to the talent pool. In the sport’s early development, many of the most recognizable players came with a lack of structured athletic credentials. Sean “Inches” Jackson, Stan “Shakes” Fletcher and Dion Mays are among the most popular and capable players in the sport. This is not to say that the league will be dominated by unstructured athletes, but rather that Slamball creates a forum where these “blacktop skills” can be incorporated into the game in a very meaningful and constructive way.
[edit] Teams
| Team Name | Logo | Primary Color | Secondary Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bouncers |  |
orange | navy |
| Hombres | former  |
||
| Maulers | former Steal | ||
| Mob |  |
black | red |
| Rumble |  |
green | gray |
| Slashers |  |
maroon | aqua |
Information on newer teams will be available closer to the season.
[edit] Notable Players
Defensive players include:
Dion Mays (Height:6'7" Weight: 245lbs): During the second season also played Gunner due to his power, and first year playoff MVP for the Rumble, averaged 10 stops and was instrumental in the Rumble capturing the first ever Championship. His brand of physical play combined with his on court antics has led him to be a fan favorite. Originally hailing from California he is a basketball player first but his physical style of basketball made him an instant success with his transition to this full contact sport.
Adam Hooker (Height: 6'6" Weight: 240lbs): In the second season he joined the expansion team the Slashers and was astounding by stopping more than 24 shots per game for the season two runners'-up. As a basketball player first and baseball second, Hooker's style of play was not labeled as particularly physical, his fantastic sense of timing and the ability to seemingly be 'in the right place at the right time' vaulted him to the forefront of defensive players.
Anthony White (led Diablos in blocks and scoring), a PAC-10 product who played basketball at USC, Kevin Cassidy, a player who made the transition from the mix of hockey and baseball backgrounds, and the particularly large and aggressive George Byrd (6'9", 290lbs), who continues to play international basketball where he has been named as the best center in the Express Professional league of Iceland.
Offensive players include:
Stan "Shakes" Fletcher (Height: 6'3" Weight: 180lbs): Nicknamed "Shakes" (sometimes abbreviated Sh8ks) for his many moves, he is arguably the most flamboyant and original gunner in the game today. Basically invented the self-pass which allowed him to travel from trampoline to trampoline without a bounce violation. Played professional basketball with an ABA franchise and has been invited on the AND1 tour on several occasions. Won the 2003 Slamball Dunk Contest and the 2007 POWERade Slamball Challenge Dunk Contest.
Chris "The Ghetto Bird" Young (Height: 6'4" Weight: 180lbs): Was not drafted on his initial application to the 2002 Slamball Draft. Picked up as a free agent by the Bouncers and quickly became one of the best gunners in the league. Another player from a predominantly basketball background he starred at college for Cal State LA with his same brand of relentless attack that he has transferred to the Slamball court.
James "Champ" Willis (Height: 6'5" Weight: 198lbs): The only player to win back to back championships. Captured the 2002 title with the Rumble. Left unprotected at the expansion draft in 2003 and was quickly snapped up by the Riders whom he guided to a championship in their first year of competition. Was one of the original five players that Mason Gordon approached to test his new concept of Slamball.
Sean "Inches" Jackson (Height: 5'10" Weight: 170lbs): Was one of the originals and invented the 'Mc-Nasty' dunk which is a 360 dunk cutting the ball between your legs. Also of note is that he spins against the normal rotation for a dunk of this nature.
Jelani Janisse (Height: 6'3" Weight: 225lbs): Named the MVP of the inaugural season of Slamball. Known for his extreme strength and deadly defensive capabilities. Named to the All-American team as he led his JUCO Los Angeles City College to the state title before going on to play major Div1 basketball with the Kansas Jayhawks.
LaMonica 'The Machine' Garrett (Height: 6'3" Weight: 220lbs): Emerged as one of the best offensive threats and hardest hitting players in the league. This is no surprise as he is from a football background where he was an outstanding performer at Central St in Ohio. Led the Mob to capture the CSTV POWERade Slamball Challenge in April 2007.
Whitney 'Take Flight' White, Dave Jackson whose mentality made him a ferocious attacker off the trampolines, Calvin Patterson who won the MVP for Championship game in 2003, James Lee who was a college basketball player at USF, Josh Carlson known for his on court hustle and season two scoring champion Gerrie 'Crucial' Herring.
[edit] Past Champions
| Year | Champion | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 Slamball Season | |
|
| 2003 Slamball Season |  |
|
| 2007 POWERade Slamball Challenge | |
|
[edit] Other Media
- In the 1989 movie Back to the Future Part II, Slamball was listed as the favorite sport of Douglas J Needles while Marty McFly was speaking with him via videophone.
- In the Star Wars novels and comic books, Grav-ball is a game like slamball and the most popular sport in the galaxy.
- “Stuttering" Craig Skistimas of ScrewAttack also played Slamball professionally
- In the episode "Knee Jerk" of the King of Queens (2006), Doug Heffernan lies to his wife Carrie about having a knee injury but is ultimately caught when she finds him playing slamball with his friends.
[edit] External links
- Official U.S.A. website
- Official Europe website, from where you can visit Slamball Arena, the largest Slamball fans community
- POWERade Slamball Challenge Official Site
- Slamball TV
- Slamball UK
- Tollin/Robbins Productions
