Smolball

Game idea:
Two teams with several outfield players and a goalkeeper play the softball into the opponent's goal by attacking skilfully. Good defensive behaviour should prevent the opponent from scoring goals.

Scoring:
A goal is scored when the ball completely crosses the goal line.

Playing field:
Smolball field (22mx36m). Two goals with a goal area (2mx5m).
The entire hall is used as a playing field (hall walls are part of the playing field). In the field, side and base lines delimit the playing field.

Number of participants:
4 against 4 (3 field players plus goalkeeper)

Game rules:
The game begins with a bouncing ball in the centre of the field. One player from each team touches the centre with the tip of their stick. By throwing up the cue ball, the referee releases the game.

The following 4-man rules apply to smolball:

1. The ball, which is balanced on the racket, may be carried a maximum of 4 steps and must then be passed immediately.
2. The ball may be touched a maximum of 4 times before it is passed on.
3. The ball may be touched a maximum of 4 times before it is played on (picking up the ball from the ground does not count as touching the ball).
4. The ball at rest on the racket, without the player moving, may be held for a maximum of 4 seconds.
5. The ball may not be covered with the racket or the body, but must be played on immediately. If the ball is on the ground, it may only be picked up from the ground with the racket without touching any part of the body and played on. It is not permitted to actively play the ball with the foot, lower leg, hand, arm or head.
   

Stick shots, body shots, attacks from behind, active body contact and playing the ball against the ceiling result in a free hit for the opposing team. The free hit is taken indirectly at the place of the offence, whereby the opponent must keep a distance of 4m. Exceptions to this rule are offences committed behind the goal and in the goal area. In these cases, the free shot is taken from the front corner of the goal area. If a goal-scoring opportunity is prevented by a violation of the rules, the fouled player is awarded a penalty (direct shot from a distance of 4m; the goalkeeper stands with both feet on the goal line; the field players stand 4m behind the penalty taker).

If Smolball is played on an outdoor pitch, the boundary of the pitch plays an additional role. If the ball leaves the field of play, it is brought back into play by a free hit by the opposing team at the place of the incident.