Now you can Swing (ball) anywhere (Swingball)

Member Name: sandemp

Product:	Swingball
Date:	03/03/05 (1107 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Portable, fun outdoor toy , for all ages

Disadvantages: Need to fill the base for best stability

I was a teenager when swingball first come out, and since then there have been many imitations, but the original swingball has been all conquering. However, in the 20 years (is it really that long), since it first appeared the swingball has undergone something of a makeover, and has spawned a few new varieties, including the one I'm going to tell you about right now, which instead of needing a spike driven into the ground, comes in a smart carry case that doubles as a base.

~~~What's Swingball?~~~

Basically swingball is an outdoor toy, based on tennis. If you've ever watched Recess with your children you may have seen the characters playing “tether ball”, swingball is just like this only using bats.

~~~What does it look like?~~~

Our swingball came supplied in a large blue tub-like box with a yellow handle and corner clips. In the middle of the lid, there is a hole (which the tubing will go through). Inside the box you will find three plain lengths of pole, another length with the spiral mechanism, two plastic bats, and a tennis ball attached to a tether string.

When you set it up, you can either use two or three of the basic poles, so you can have it shorter for younger children and taller for adults. But the shorter you have the main pole the more space you will need, because the string cannot be adjusted.
At full height it measures approximately 160 cm, and removing one pole puts it at 120 cm.


~~~How do you play it?~~~

After filling the base with sand or water (you can use it without but its not very stable), and setting the poles up, you simply thread the tether string over the spiral and you're ready to go.

Now you either play this alone, by hitting the ball in both direction, or it's even more fun when two play. Take it in turns to serve, and each person hits the ball in opposite directions, due to the spiral if you miss the ball it either moves up or down. The game is won when the ball reaches either the top or bottom.

~~~What's it like in action?~~~

It's fantastic to play, unlike cheaper versions the string moves smoothly up and down the spiral, and the ball hitting the bats gives a very satisfying whomp. When the base is filled it is extremely stable, but a lot less so if it's unfilled. Due to the fact you don't need to drive a spike into the ground it's ideal for trips to the park (a little awkward to fill the base mind) or beach.

~~~Who is it suitable for?~~~

The packaging states that this is suitable for children (and adults) aged 6 and over, but as with all toys use your own judgement. My younger daughter was five when we got this and enjoyed playing it. But the child does need to be able to stand (but not necessarily move very well) to hit the ball.

For younger children their is a junior version available, which states it's suitable for children aged 4 to 10.

~~~How safe is it?~~~

In order for this game to be played safely you need lots of space. You also need to make sure that players are quite evenly matched (or at least the better player is being gentle) as the ball can reach high speeds and it can hurt if it hits you. As with all toys, younger children should be supervised.

~~~How does it help my child's development?~~~

Swingball helps your child's development in many ways. Firstly it helps develop hand eye co-ordination and timing as they learn to hit the ball, then it teaches turn taking as they wait for their turn to hit the ball. It also teaches the child that they cannot always win (I think this is an important idea that the lack of competitive sport in school is making less and less popular, a little competition is a good thing as it encourages trying harder and practising). Finally it gives your child much needed exercise.

~~~Is it going to last more than five minutes?~~~

Well believe it or not my original swingball is still set up in my Mum's garden twenty years on, so these are very durable, the bats have been replaced but that's it. My children's swingball is still going strong after just over a year and looks as good as when we got it.

~~~Where can I get one?~~~

We bought ours from Woolworths for “19.99, and a quick check online shows that it's available in Argos for the same price. The junior version costs £29.99 from active toys.

~~~So what do the children Think?~~~

They love the swingball, and can't wait until it's summer and they can play it again. The often play it in the square in front of our house and we end up with many of the neighbours children coming to join in.

~~~And what does their Mum think?~~~

Swingball is a great game, and now that it's portable it's even better. It provides fun for children of all ages, and can even be used as a theme for a party. I had a swingball party as a teenager, and my eldest girl has had one. Although this is not strictly educational, it does provide much needed exercise in a day and age where our children would sometimes seem to be permanently attached to their video games.

I am therefore recommending swingball to the parents of children aged over 5, or even as a fun game for adults without children as it really can be played by all ages from 5 to 105.

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