Blog

written by <a data-mce-href="https://www.instagram.com/ben_roundnet/" href="https://www.instagram.com/ben_roundnet/">B. Dantowitz</a>, 📸 by amazing <a data-mce-href="https://www.instagram.com/yellowballcult/" href="https://www.instagram.com/yellowballcult/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Corentin</a> a.k.a. <a data-mce-href="https://www.instagram.com/yellowballcult/" href="https://www.instagram.com/yellowballcult/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yellowballcult</a> on Instagram, follow <a data-mce-href="https://www.instagram.com/yellowballcult/" href="https://www.instagram.com/yellowballcult/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">him</a>!<h2>The Excitement of US Roundnet Nationals</h2>For the first time ever, on 11th-12th November 2023 in Tampa, Florida, a <a href="https://fwango.io/usar2023nationals" data-mce-href="https://fwango.io/usar2023nationals">USA Roundnet National Championship</a> is being run by the roundnet community. It’s not a history lesson we can fully explore today, but it is notable that the Spikeball Tour Series and the US National Championship are no longer coinciding events. This weekend marks an important milestone for not only growth of roundnet but also organization and collective sport building in the US, with the National Championship rounding out a year with approximately 33 total sanctioned events (<a href="https://fwango.io/usar/tournaments" data-mce-href="https://fwango.io/usar/tournaments">source: USAR fwango</a>).<figure id="figure-0qtylf857glot4u7sc"><img id="0qtylf857glot4u7sc" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2hNmjI1NTmBvElbK3aFzKL6k6t9IXyTadtgkELqhuc3qtTPy69tdLhFh2v9V9O9J.jpg" alt="Will T. Hamilton smile after the weekend?" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Will T. Hamilton smile after the weekend?" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2hNmjI1NTmBvElbK3aFzKL6k6t9IXyTadtgkELqhuc3qtTPy69tdLhFh2v9V9O9J.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Will T. Hamilton smile after the weekend?</figcaption></figure><h3>What's at stake?</h3>As for the competition itself, the stakes are massive. In addition to $2500 in the event purse, the Women’s and Men’s National Champions will earn spots on Team USA for Worlds in 2024. And while Twinz initially planned to defend their national title, a late injury for Olivia Jenki means we will witness a new Men’s and Women’s National Champion (Assistive Touch did not plan a title defense). This is particularly notable in women’s roundnet, where only 6 women have ever been named US National Champions, while the men’s division winners list is also quite short; with repeats (Chico 2014-2015) and three-peats (Cisek/Showlater 2017-2019), meaning only 12 men holding that title in the past 8* years.*8 years is inclusive of 2014-2022 excluding 2020, where no formal National Championship was recognized despite <a data-mce-href="https://www.utahroundnet.com/" href="https://www.utahroundnet.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Utah Roundnet</a> hosting a similar event in 2020.<figure id="figure-2qh5ge1wnlot4mokj"><img id="2qh5ge1wnlot4mokj" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1eKgUz1jR8v0CDM1AkD9XlaKDnVZBTeS26OZkB0MtepkD5QYNAxfSLGIRsbATsrh.jpg" alt="L. Washburn representing Denmark at the last World Championship. If she qualifies for the Team USA, where would she play?" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="L. Washburn representing Denmark at the last World Championship. If she qualifies for the Team USA, where would she play?" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1eKgUz1jR8v0CDM1AkD9XlaKDnVZBTeS26OZkB0MtepkD5QYNAxfSLGIRsbATsrh.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">L. Washburn representing Denmark at the last World Championship. If she qualifies for the Team USA, where would she play?</figcaption></figure><h3>Men's Division</h3>I see man’s division as the chalkier and less-compelling depth of teams. Due to Rogue’s unfortunate withdrawal (Marino injury), it is fascinating to see many unfamiliar pairings as the top seeds. Finocchi/Picone and Abrams/Hamilton come in as mash-ups yet also top seeds, while three-seed Gross/Shaytar have some chemistry from their time playing with and against each other locally in Rochester, NY. Further down the board, perhaps the most familiar pairing of all is Bot House (Lippman/Peterson), who most recently knocked <a data-mce-href="https://www.instagram.com/eisentraegersiemer_roundnet/" href="https://www.instagram.com/eisentraegersiemer_roundnet/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eisensträger/Siemer</a>﻿ out of the Spikeball Tour Series Championship. For a division littered with fresher pairings, we’ll see their chemistry go heads up with the very top talent in the US. Also fighting in the camp on “Team Chemistry” are contenders Low Key (Church/Morgan), Lazy (Larson/Marshall), and BorderLine (Thompson/Wagner), all of whom have played upwards of a full year together. The last footnote I’ll add about mashup opportunities is Not TBD (Cummings/Fragiacomo) and Backpaqed (Clifford/Rose) will face off in the last pool as the 8 and 9 seeds. If this matchup goes 2-0 either way, it should earn them a great bracket draw to reach the semis and even podium.With how much more parity we’ve seen in roundnet this year, I would not be shocked by some seeded upsets. Whether they happen in the morning or in a late bracket match is anyone’s guess.<figure id="figure-4eq1z41f4flot4i1y2"><img id="4eq1z41f4flot4i1y2" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/28lh25Qrbn498hPwhWt9UI6wQLiizauhST5ZI3nkgxnapNXSXv2Mg3KVK8oDGy71.jpg" alt="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Who will become the US National Champion? Team USA celebrating the World Championship in '22." data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/28lh25Qrbn498hPwhWt9UI6wQLiizauhST5ZI3nkgxnapNXSXv2Mg3KVK8oDGy71.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Who will become the US National Champion? Team USA celebrating the World Championship in '22.</figcaption></figure><h3 class="p1">Women’s Division</h3>Twinz had the misfortune of dropping due to injury. Now without a juggernaut favorite in the division, the uber talented women’s field may be the most compelling US-only tournament in many years (for long-time roundnet fans, let me know what other tournament comes to mind). In a division with very few familiar pairings, save the reunion episode of the legendary THUS Parabatai (Morgan/Wu) and continuation of Veggie Tales (Foster/Patel), I see this division boiling down to a battle of the East and West for WR. For the East, we have Jenki/Phan, Chocolate Outrage (Allen/Ding), Pierson/Washburn*, as well as Foster of Veggie Tales. THUS is repping the West along with in Anderson/Savage, Gahley/Sato, and part of J$ (Nguyen of California). Ultimately, any of the above teams could carve a path to the middle of the podium, and I am eager to watch as one manages to navigate this dense talent pool to earn a spot on Team USA.*Washburn is a former FL native who has spent much of this season playing in Europe, so saying she is repping the East also refers to her repping east of the Atlantic. EDIT: to see how “European” <a data-mce-href="https://www.instagram.com/louwashburn/" href="https://www.instagram.com/louwashburn/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lou</a> have become, check out this screenshot from an American roundnet discord server. We at Future Roundnet love our Lou.<figure id="figure-oduzxhcsz6lot25sk0"><img id="oduzxhcsz6lot25sk0" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/9mFJAe8JEBWbplcyqXkqHXIiTndrUsa8byEC8pKYaQiaR2u3XRm0fweCw5guWYdK.png" alt="spikeball final match" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/9mFJAe8JEBWbplcyqXkqHXIiTndrUsa8byEC8pKYaQiaR2u3XRm0fweCw5guWYdK.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Mixed Division</h3>	For Sunday, the Mixed Division will crown yet another National Champion. While the top seed in Duos will be dropping due to Marino’s absence, there is still a lot of talent — just not the traditional American mixed talent we’ve grown accustomed to having seen lots of mixed roundnet at the Spikeball Tour Series this year. Perhaps the two most credentialed mixed players in the field are Sarah Allen (STS Champion 2023) and Ryan Gross (Mixed World Champion 2022), but neither is playing with their usual teammate (Finocchi / Hui, respectively). What’s more, we’re missing mixed fixtures including Olivia Jenki, Ali Jenki, Katie Pierson, Will Picone, Rahul Murthy, and Joe Bondi… that is to say, similar to the men’s podium, the mixed podium will feature many new faces.<h3>10 Years of Roundnet in the US</h3>For a sport nearing in its 10th year of consistent tournament play in the US, it’s refreshing to witness more and more firsts, and on a personal note, I’m really grateful that our USA Roundnet community continues to grow not only in quality and quantity, but also in connectivity — something that is particularly challenging to manage for a larger country and with limited resources. I am excited about what’s to come for this National Championship and the continued progress for our national roundnet community.<h3 class="p1">Where to follow the event?</h3>To follow the event, keep up with live scores <a data-mce-href="https://fwango.io/usar2023nationals" href="https://fwango.io/usar2023nationals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> and live Instagram Updates <a href="https://www.instagram.com/usa_roundnet/" data-mce-href="https://www.instagram.com/usa_roundnet/">@USA_Roundnet.﻿</a>Live streams will be on Twitch Streams by <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/burrows8" data-mce-href="https://www.twitch.tv/burrows8">Matt Burrows</a> and <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/bdantowitz" data-mce-href="https://www.twitch.tv/bdantowitz">Ben Dantowitz.</a>Post-Production of finals matches will be on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@theroundnetwork" data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/@theroundnetwork">Roundnetwork’s YouTube.</a><h3 class="p1">Predictions</h3><ol class="ol1"><li class="li1">Everyone has an awesome weekend of warm, sunny roundnet</li><li class="li1">Players do an excellent job reporting scores and starting matches in a timely fashion</li><li class="li1">Self-officiating disputes are handled with cool heads and in a constructive manner</li></ol>Note: If you’re wondering why I hesitate to give a formal prediction, it’s because I am personally helping run the tournament tomorrow as a volunteer with USAR. Thanks to support from our co-hosts FL Roundnet, I may be able to help observe some of the later matches in the day. Even though I’m not betting on any matches, I do not want even a fun little prediction to impact how my impartiality as an observer could be perceived.________________Ben Dantowitz volunteers on the Board of Directors for USA Roundnet. To contact Ben, reach out to his <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ben_roundnet/" data-mce-href="https://www.instagram.com/ben_roundnet/">personal instagram</a>.If you have any questions, comments or just want to give us feedback, you can reach us per email: <a data-mce-href="https://futureroundnet.org/" href="https://futureroundnet.org/">blog@futureroundnet.com</a>To stay up to date, make sure to follow Future Roundnet on <a data-mce-href="https://www.instagram.com/future_roundnet/" href="https://www.instagram.com/future_roundnet/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a> and subscribe to our <a data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/@future_roundnet" href="https://www.youtube.com/@future_roundnet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Youtube channel.</a>

US Nationals Preview

<h2 class="p1">„WISSEN TEILEN IST DER SCHLÜSSEL ZUM ERFOLG“&nbsp;</h2>geschrieben von L. Tapken und C. MarquartIn Weidenhausen (Deutschland) hat vom 05.10.23 bis zum 08.10.23 die zweite Auflage des Trainier*innen Camps stattgefunden. In einem Mix aus Theorie und Praxis des Roundnetsports wurden 80 Trainer*innen aus über 40 verschiedenen Communitys ausgebildet. Federführend wurde die Ausbildung vom <a data-mce-href="https://roundnetgermany.de/" href="https://roundnetgermany.de/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Roundnet Germany</a> Leistungssport Referat organisiert. <h3 class="p1">Standort</h3>Die Bildungs- und Freizeitstätte Weidenhausen bot mit 10 kleinen Hütten, einem Seminar- und Speisesaal die ideale Grundlage der Ausbildung. Nicht zu vergessen der lokale Fußballverein, der seinen direkt angrenzenden Kunstrasenplatz zur Verfügung stellte. Damit war alles bereit für den Start in ein lehrreiches Wochenende.<figure id="figure-bgxgk5dri5loikbe7x"><img id="bgxgk5dri5loikbe7x" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/30KRdhCFnelZ328vebkFYNExSPonBvqdOccGoKLbMJsP7zb058fzYAEbyYqL6J2i.jpg" alt="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 95% undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="Coole Hoodie 📸 Roundnet Germany e.V." data-positionx="95%" data-positiony="undefined" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/30KRdhCFnelZ328vebkFYNExSPonBvqdOccGoKLbMJsP7zb058fzYAEbyYqL6J2i.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 95% undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Coole Hoodie 📸 Roundnet Germany e.V.</figcaption></figure>Den Start des Camps machte am Donnerstagabend ein Kennenlernabend mit spaßigen Spielen, die die Teilnehmer*innen in ihren Häusergruppen bestritten. Am Freitag begannen dann die Inhalte, die sich bis zum Sonntagmorgen erstreckten. Diese wurden von einem Ausbilder*innenteam angeleitet, das sich aus einigen deutschen Profi-Spieler*innen zusammensetzte, die die Trainier*innen in folgenden Aspekten ausbildeten:<h3 class="p2">Trainingsplanung</h3>In der theoretischen Einheit zur Trainingsplanung, welche unsere <a data-mce-href="https://www.instagram.com/future_roundnet/" href="https://www.instagram.com/future_roundnet/" title="Future Roundnet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Future Athleten</a> Caro und Lukas durchführten, wurde über das Trainieren der unterschiedlichen Phasen/ Level der Spieler*innen gesprochen. Somit wurde folgende Frage beantwortet: Wer sollte was in welchem Level wie lernen? Den Trainier*innen wurden anschließend Prinzipen der Trainingsplanung an die Hand gegeben, womit sie ihr Training besser vorbereiten können. Dazu zählte auch ein Trainingstool zum schriftlichen Vorbereiten und Planen der Einheiten.<figure id="figure-lpkz4izixoloijygfp"><img id="lpkz4izixoloijygfp" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/33lZfhvUSIGgsFpYjRiQhp8uDjddA1bDxGnqzQVhUBEviwkoBpFDVHiw6PC1Brj9.jpg" alt="L. Tapken zeigt eine Übung zum Ballgefühl 📸 Roundnet Germany e.V." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 100% undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="L. Tapken zeigt eine Übung zum Ballgefühl 📸 Roundnet Germany e.V." data-positionx="100%" data-positiony="undefined" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/33lZfhvUSIGgsFpYjRiQhp8uDjddA1bDxGnqzQVhUBEviwkoBpFDVHiw6PC1Brj9.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 100% undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">L. Tapken zeigt eine Übung zum Ballgefühl 📸 Roundnet Germany e.V.</figcaption></figure>Im zweiten Teil des Vortrags wurde die Anleitung eines Trainings thematisiert. Es wurden die Fähigkeiten, die man als Trainer*in mitbringen und stetig schulen sollte besprochen, sowie die richtige Anleitung des Trainings auf dem Platz. Hierfür nahmen die Teilnehmer*innen an einem Demo-Training teil, wo die Ausbilder*innen in der Praxis aufzeigten, was eine richtige Ansprache vor der Gruppe, eine richtige Erklärung und Demonstration von Übungen und Spielformen, sowie das aktive Coaching während des Trainings ausmacht.Im Techniktraining wurden die einzelnen Techniken des Roundnetsports behandelt. Den auszubildenden Trainier*innen wurde Fachwissen zur Ausführung, sowie die methodisch richtige Abfolge zum Erlernen dieser vermittelt. Dazu wurden einige Übungen und Spielformen in der Praxis durchgeführt, um verschiedene Möglichkeiten zum zielführenden Erlernen von Techniken auszuprobieren. Behandelt wurden alle Basistechniken, wie das Schlagen, Zuspielen, Aufschlagen und Annehmen.Ergänzend dazu wurden Offensive und Defensive trainiert. Hier legten die Ausbilder auch Taktiken des Roundnets da.<h3 class="p2">Nicht nur Roundnet Theorie</h3>Auch Fitness, Koordination und Verletzungsprävention fanden an diesem Wochenende ihren Platz. Die Trainier*innen nahmen an Kräftigungsübungen, Schulungen der koordinativen Fähigkeiten und verletzungsvorbeugenden Routinen teil. Abgeschlossen wurden die Inhalte mit Spielformen im Roundnet und kleinen Fun-Games. Über das verlängerte Wochenende wurde somit das Fachwissen der Trainer*innen auf ein nächstes Level gehoben, damit sie dies in ihren Communitys an andere weitergeben können.Wenn Du mehr zu diesem Thema erfahren magst, schau Dir diese Future Roundnet Videopodcast Folge mit dem <a data-mce-href="https://www.instagram.com/roundnetphysio/" href="https://www.instagram.com/roundnetphysio/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Roundnet Physio</a>, Etienne Prison, an. Um es für die einfacher zu machen, haben wir das Video auf Abschnitte aufgeteilt (<a data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1DewKlemeA" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1DewKlemeA" title="Roundnet Physio" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Youtube Beschreibung</a>).<figure id="figure-sxy4duzdboloik81le"><iframe id="sxy4duzdboloik81le" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/G1DewKlemeA" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/G1DewKlemeA" data-corners="default" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/G1DewKlemeA" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure><h3 class="p5">Diversität und Integration</h3>Neben den Inhalten hatten auch zwei Referate von Roundnet Germany die Möglichkeit sich vorzustellen. In einem anregenden Vortrag hat das Referat Diversität und Integration auf sich aufmerksam machen können und viele interessante Diskussionen hervorgerufen. Zudem konnten die Teilnehmer*innen mit dem Referat Schule Ideen zum Trainieren mit Kindern und Jugendlichen sammeln und ausprobieren.<figure id="figure-krgtcijfssloik78eo"><img id="krgtcijfssloik78eo" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/28XZ7mpjLULifd9jsNu6Cc5gSYGibuORuwXsnT69pJd5Rvy860XAmDAcudCIDll7.jpg" alt="Glückliche Menschen 📸 Roundnet Germany e.V." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="Glückliche Menschen 📸 Roundnet Germany e.V." data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/28XZ7mpjLULifd9jsNu6Cc5gSYGibuORuwXsnT69pJd5Rvy860XAmDAcudCIDll7.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Glückliche Menschen 📸 Roundnet Germany e.V.</figcaption></figure><h3 class="p3">Fazit</h3>Am Ende erhielten die Teilnehmer*innen ein wohlverdientes Roundnettrainer-Zertifikat vom deutschen Roundnet Verband. Ein langes Wochenende über wurden neben all dem Wissen neue Freundschaften geknüpft, gemeinsam lecker gekocht, Gesellschaftsspiele gespielt und am Samstagabend auch noch gefeiert. Zusammengefasst war das Camp ein großer Erfolg, bei dem die Pickups am Sonntag noch bis in den Nachmittag andauerten.

Roundnet Germany Trainer Camp '23 (GERMAN)

Written by Clément Martin-G or "French Coach Clement." Complete results can be found <a data-mce-href="https://clickn.run/en/events/championnat-de-france-de-roundnet-toulou/cdftls23/ranking" href="https://clickn.run/en/events/championnat-de-france-de-roundnet-toulou/cdftls23/ranking" title="complete results" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.<h3 class="p1">French Nationals 2023</h3>On the weekend of October 14th 2023, Toulouse hosted the 3rd edition of the French Roundnet Championships. The very first with the now iconic Baguette division (highest division), bringing together la crème de la crème of French players. The blue-white-red curtain fell on the richest French season in its history, in terms of intensity, structure, passion and excitement. The players had the opportunity to compete throughout the season in Rennes, Paris, Nantes, Montpellier, Lyon and Grenoble, not forgetting the very first French club championships in Clermont, and the Euros in Padova with a beautiful 3rd place in Squads. But for these players who found themselves playing together under the same jersey, it was time to get down to business, and face each other one last time in 2023.<h3 class="p1">Mens division, storyline &amp; results</h3>Among the top teams going in for the kill we had:<ul class="ul1"><li class="li3">Pour Combien (Florinda/Ameziane), two-time defending champions and logical favorites for the title. Although they have played less together in France this season, they have had the opportunity to shine on numerous occasions in Europe.</li><li class="li3">Hors Services (Lacombe/Caux-Ramon), made up of the formidable defenders Hugo and Samy, who have put in some fine performances in ETS this season.</li></ul>Furthermore, Krackoukass (Jouve L./Clark), Backspikers (Snoeck/Mareschal), or Pierre Feuille Victor (Cambois/Lecrosnier), were determined to play the role of troublemakers. After a thrilling semi-final, with Pour Combien&nbsp;narrowly beating the Backspikers in a historic first set 48-46, we find ourselves in the eagerly-awaited final between the two best French teams of the moment: Pour Combien (Florinda/Ameziane) versus Hors Services (Lacombe/Caux-Ramon).At the end of an epic match, and against all expectations, it was Lacombe's and Caux/Ramon's dazzling defensive performance that overcame Pour Combien 's strike force, with a series of acrobatic touches that delighted the crowd in Toulouse.Defeated on home soil by a French team for the first time in 2 years, the team in the purple jersey fell from their throne. But there's no doubt they'll be back stronger than ever.<figure id="figure-4sc0qbu7plo78gw1t"><img id="4sc0qbu7plo78gw1t" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/eKjj0Bf1ybrWInze8bS7NI3dDLFgWzPHNnhP804xOnTZrDe3tSYbghji3or8izmc.jpg" alt="french roundnet champions 2023 From Left: Pour Combien, Hors Services, Krackoukass" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined 40%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="From Left: Pour Combien, Hors Services, Krackoukass 📸 Quentin Vidalot" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="40%" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/eKjj0Bf1ybrWInze8bS7NI3dDLFgWzPHNnhP804xOnTZrDe3tSYbghji3or8izmc.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined 40%;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">From Left: Pour Combien, Hors Services, Krackoukass 📸 Quentin Vidalot</figcaption></figure><h3 class="p1">Women division, storyline &amp; results</h3>On the women's side, the scene was quite similar. The Puces&amp;Dives (Alt/Paysan), two-time defending champions and overwhelming favorites for the treble, were on familiar ground. But a number of players, whose progress has been steady if not exponential, were keen to upset the odds:Who let the dwarfs out? (Martinez/Lemaire) and Les clutchouilles (Joly/ Thomasson)&nbsp;as well as two strong teams from Clermont were there to challenge the supremacy of the Puces. But more than any of the others, it was undoubtedly Badnet (Duport/Vanangamoudiar),&nbsp;who was the most likely to give them a hard time. The Puces, physically and mentally stronger, in a closely-fought final were able to hold on to their advantage and sign a resounding hat-trick of victories.<figure id="figure-qiob7kjyzlo78ielt"><img id="qiob7kjyzlo78ielt" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/etTUoHcQJ1nqSkPSVYdwdQ0xc6TyxBo7fCZl6MysJXRi0ULDmyx9kYrtgU6nhdU2.jpg" alt="french roundnet national championship 2023, From Left: Badnet, Puces&amp;Dives, Clermound-Nenettes 📸Quentin Vidalot" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="From Left: Badnet, Puces&amp;Dives, Clermound-Nenettes 📸Quentin Vidalot" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/etTUoHcQJ1nqSkPSVYdwdQ0xc6TyxBo7fCZl6MysJXRi0ULDmyx9kYrtgU6nhdU2.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">From Left: Badnet, Puces&amp;Dives, Clermound-Nenettes 📸Quentin Vidalot</figcaption></figure><h3 class="p3">Mixed results</h3>In the mixed category, the final featured a classic among classics: Backflick (Paysan/Florinda) versus (De) NaDa (Alt/Ameziane). But the name change didn't pay off for Alt and Ameziane, and it was Paysan and Florinda who in the end came out on top, and claimed back their title. <figure id="figure-tdzzmu26s8lo78j1ue"><img id="tdzzmu26s8lo78j1ue" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1SIdbaJYu7mSthRvstgI7gBB6XaMHGGVezfLWRGb79XSaCgFgInFoTuCShATT0Id.jpg" alt="mixed roundnet championship 2023 french, winners, From Left> (De) NaDa, Backflick, Roundnet Toulyon 📸Quentin Vidalot" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined 45%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="From Left: (De) NaDa, Backflick, Roundnet Toulyon 📸Quentin Vidalot" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="45%" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1SIdbaJYu7mSthRvstgI7gBB6XaMHGGVezfLWRGb79XSaCgFgInFoTuCShATT0Id.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined 45%;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">From Left: (De) NaDa, Backflick, Roundnet Toulyon 📸Quentin Vidalot</figcaption></figure><h3 class="p3">Conclusion</h3>A fierce competition, really close games, a big upset, a fantastic scene… French nationals didn’t disappoint this year. As players will round off the season with a costumed tournament in Mulhouse, we are already looking for the next one!

End of an Era in French Roundnet - Nationals '23

<h2>Future New Standard of Roundnet Equipment?</h2>The Mammoth Set by Spikeball Inc. has arrived and is already available in the US. As I was in the States for the Spikeball Championships 2023, I could have a look at the finished product.<figure id="figure-i2g5dm4viflo1pu7uk"><img id="i2g5dm4viflo1pu7uk" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3QiFfaTAT4QBdxjbMtLTe7L078Wx78P191Dfn7p5FcST8qXwuifnYZOgsM3JA8U1.jpg" alt="new spikeball equipment" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center 55%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="Legendary David Gonzales from Atlanta 📸@JacobNarayan_Roundnet" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="55%" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3QiFfaTAT4QBdxjbMtLTe7L078Wx78P191Dfn7p5FcST8qXwuifnYZOgsM3JA8U1.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center 55%;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Legendary David Gonzales from Atlanta 📸@JacobNarayan_Roundnet</figcaption></figure><h2>Design and Build Quality</h2>First of all, it is a bit different from the prototype that we saw on various occasions such as Worlds 2022 and other events. On the side of the paracourt system, there is now also a clip so that you can tighten it on the frame, but this does not affect the net tension overall.<h3>Mav1 Ball</h3>I got to try the Mav1 ball. It is a bit heavier than the pro ball and comparable in size to the rally ball, so overall somewhere between the Spikeball pro ball and a handball. The texture of the ball feels like artificial leather but has a good grip. It is produced in a similar way to a soccer ball, with a bladder, outer cast, and stitches. The handling of the ball feels very different from a pro ball. When you set it to your partner, you really need to put some force into it. It doesn't bounce off your hand.<figure id="figure-v0sj8ijf7wlo1ra9y0"><img id="v0sj8ijf7wlo1ra9y0" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/37CP4cX1kssovYk7J05L8VeZyF7Ma33BKN0BtaymRZtxpzeYuL5pZBQKS8pEHE8V.png" alt="Mav1 Spikeball Ball " class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="Mav1 Spikeball Ball 📸spikeball.com" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/37CP4cX1kssovYk7J05L8VeZyF7Ma33BKN0BtaymRZtxpzeYuL5pZBQKS8pEHE8V.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Mav1 Spikeball Ball 📸spikeball.com</figcaption></figure><h2>First Tournament</h2>On Sunday of the STS Championship, we could see the Mammoth division, where a lot of top teams competed against each other. It was visible that serve pressure is still dominant even with this new set. You can still give the ball a good amount of spin, and sometimes because the net tension is not as tight, the ball comes off in an unpredictable way. Drops are pretty deadly due to the ball not bouncing. This can also be a positive attribute because this way, the booms are not as far as they are on a Pro Set.<figure id="figure-7abpdffbvclo1puh9k"><img id="7abpdffbvclo1puh9k" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/8QfxjGlB3Q0k5PQv1Mrsvu4sdrp4OBz2pc41c9Tra0QXdmbPzrM51gMZ33pJoNdC.jpg" alt="portable spikeball set" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center 5%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="R. Fitzgerald is just helplessly watching L. Kunzelmann getting a defensive touch 📸@JacobNarayan_Roundnet" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="5%" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/8QfxjGlB3Q0k5PQv1Mrsvu4sdrp4OBz2pc41c9Tra0QXdmbPzrM51gMZ33pJoNdC.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center 5%;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">R. Fitzgerald is just helplessly watching L. Kunzelmann getting a defensive touch 📸@JacobNarayan_Roundnet</figcaption></figure><h3>Portability</h3>We have been traveling to New York after the tournament, and the Mammoth Set and its bag are massive and quite heavy. So, for you to just grab it and take it with you to the park will be more difficult than the Pro or Standard Kit. Still, we could fit in a lot of t-shirts and other goods because, again, the bag is massive.<figure id="figure-n4tn23kralo1puq63"><img id="n4tn23kralo1puq63" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/cmNlw5ML5dsCKmi6BSry5BVcanrAwN8ViiPn1rhEOlRaVHB9umz3sG72JJTD52HQ.png" alt="transportation spikeball, big backpack" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center 20%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="Mammoth bag 📸spikeball.com" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="20%" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/cmNlw5ML5dsCKmi6BSry5BVcanrAwN8ViiPn1rhEOlRaVHB9umz3sG72JJTD52HQ.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center 20%;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Mammoth bag 📸spikeball.com</figcaption></figure><h2>Conclusion</h2>The Mammoth Set feels a bit like a prototype that was rushed out on the market. In my opinion, it is a step in the right direction, but the pricing at $300 is quite expensive, and you need to think about it for yourself if you really want to invest this amount of money. I personally don't think that the competitive scene will switch to this Kit anytime soon.<figure id="figure-rt422fykqrlo1rc6fu"><iframe id="rt422fykqrlo1rc6fu" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9n9sfEKKU_c#__hrp=eyJtdXRlciI6ZmFsc2UsIndhaXRGb3JEb2N1bWVudEJvZHkiOnRydWUsIndhaXRGb3JEb2N1bWVudFJlYWR5IjpmYWxzZSwibm9QYXRjaGVzIjp0cnVlLCJ3aWR0aCI6IjEwMCUiLCJoZWlnaHQiOiIxMDAlIiwiZW5naW5lTmFtZSI6ImVuZ2luZS0wLjEuMCIsImZyYW1lTmFtZSI6ImVuZ2luZS0wLjEuMDo3Njc4Mzc0MDMifQ==" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9n9sfEKKU_c&amp;ab_channel=TOPSRoundnet" data-corners="default" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9n9sfEKKU_c" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>For more detailed review, feel free to check my full video on Youtube. P.S. from Jakub: If you want to learn more about Tops Roundnet and his work, subscribe to his <a data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/@TOPSRoundnet" href="https://www.youtube.com/@TOPSRoundnet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Youtube</a> and/or <a data-mce-href="https://www.twitch.tv/tops_roundnet" href="https://www.twitch.tv/tops_roundnet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitch</a> channel.

Tops or Flops? Mammoth Set Review

<h2>The First Asian Cup Roundnet Championship</h2>As the world of sports continues to diversify and evolve, it is thrilling to observe the development of the sport of roundnet worldwide. This article takes under scope the first Asian Cup Roundnet Championship (ARF Cup 2023), which took place on September 21-24 in Bali, <a data-mce-href="https://www.instagram.com/roundnetindonesia/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igshid=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==" href="https://www.instagram.com/roundnetindonesia/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igshid=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==" title="Roundnet Indonesia instagram" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indonesia. </a>This thrilling event served as a platform to spotlight the swift expansion of roundnet, also known as Spikeball, on the global stage. The competition united six teams from diverse regions of Asia and Oceania.Approximately 130 players hailing from Indonesia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, the Philippines, and Australia vied for the title of the top team in mainland Asia.<h2>The Rise of Roundnet in Asia</h2><div><div class="Markdown markdown-body">The event conducted over a span of four days at Renon Field in Denpasar exuded a vibrant and profoundly engaging atmosphere.With approximately 30 sets of Rumble installed on a single field, the vibe was exceptionally delightful. Rumble Roundnet, a Taiwanese roundnet set manufacturer company, proudly served as the equipment sponsor for this monumental event.<figure id="figure-hnqczej0iqlnx2w98f"><img id="hnqczej0iqlnx2w98f" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/12ntqWQqAH1s2JoFuhgmSGITwGT97gPyTMn7ur5Ruw5K8sQJdyypQ1ykn3RC29d4.jpg" alt="Full on Roundnet Action on Rumble Set" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="Full on Action on Rumble Set" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/12ntqWQqAH1s2JoFuhgmSGITwGT97gPyTMn7ur5Ruw5K8sQJdyypQ1ykn3RC29d4.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Full on Action on Rumble Set</figcaption></figure>Landslide victory of Taiwan </div></div><div><div><div class="Markdown markdown-body">Taiwan dominated in all three categories, including Men's Squad, Women's Squad, and Mixed Squad. Exceptional games, formidable physical endurance, and superior technical skills collectively established Taiwan's supremacy across all divisions.<figure id="figure-csapocdtwmklnuufmj6"><img id="csapocdtwmklnuufmj6" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/37yfpfhmBgmhOVnEJUZgNnral1JWLB29bFjqjdZZFalqNk1rnowM7f2IrRsRMShC.jpg" alt="Mixed Competition Roundnet Podium, from left, Philippines, Taiwan and Japan " class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined 40%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="Mixed Competition Podium, from left, Philippines, Taiwan and Japan " data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="40%" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/37yfpfhmBgmhOVnEJUZgNnral1JWLB29bFjqjdZZFalqNk1rnowM7f2IrRsRMShC.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined 40%;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Mixed Competition Podium, from left, Philippines, Taiwan and Japan</figcaption></figure></div></div></div><h3>The Bali Open Tournament</h3>welcomed participation from all interested individuals and teams, without any requirement for national representation. In this inclusive competition, two distinct classes competed: the Open Division was clinched by Joel Read &amp; Thomas Kaldor from Australia, while the Women's Division title was secured by Carina Kuo &amp; Yu-Fang Chiu from Taiwan.<figure id="figure-wr4zayezfslnuu92tc"><img id="wr4zayezfslnuu92tc" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/27TLQbrsiOAMfBuXrLNHOsG3WMh99z6SCqv02XkecRkTDyQbLi17orJAxpjG8Qtg.jpg" alt="asian women roundnet winners, Bali Open Podium Picture, from left: Astrid Chang &amp; Reid Tingwei Lee (TWN), Carina Kuo &amp; Yu-Fang Chiu (TWN), Aileen K Anlap &amp; Mary Frances Navera (PHL)" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Bali Open Podium Picture, from left: Astrid Chang &amp; Reid Tingwei Lee (TWN), Carina Kuo &amp; Yu-Fang Chiu (TWN), Aileen K Anlap &amp; Mary Frances Navera (PHL)" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/27TLQbrsiOAMfBuXrLNHOsG3WMh99z6SCqv02XkecRkTDyQbLi17orJAxpjG8Qtg.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Bali Open Podium Picture, from left: Astrid Chang &amp; Reid Tingwei Lee (TWN), Carina Kuo &amp; Yu-Fang Chiu (TWN), Aileen K Anlap &amp; Mary Frances Navera (PHL)</figcaption></figure><h3>Big Buzz in the Roundnet World</h3>The excitement of this event also received a lot of attention and appreciation from many Roundnet communities not only from Asian players, but also from various other parts of the world. Jack Scotti, the president of the International Roundnet Federation (IRF) said:"We are always impressed by the rapid growth of roundnet in Asia. However, this progress is not surprising due to the consistent efforts of the Asian Roundnet Federation and its member National Federations to grow the sport. Their dedication, organization, and passion are paying off. The 2023 Asian Championships in Bali is a great example of how far the sport has come in the region. It shows the international community that these athletes should not be underestimated at the 2024 World Championships in England."<figure id="figure-4d9x3qrx85lnutunlt"><img id="4d9x3qrx85lnutunlt" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/dJRkbyrbKm5a5qe2ChqHHD8G689lqVZ7hykkpXyFcwVfJMenteWYxzzlkBYET0KP.jpg" alt="Jack Scotti, President of international roundnet federation talks about Asian Championship" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Jack Scotti, President of IRF 📷yellowballcult" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/dJRkbyrbKm5a5qe2ChqHHD8G689lqVZ7hykkpXyFcwVfJMenteWYxzzlkBYET0KP.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Jack Scotti, President of IRF 📷yellowballcult</figcaption></figure><h3 class="p1">Mastermind of the event</h3>The success of the Bali International Roundnet Festival 2023, including the ARF Cup and Bali Open Tournament, is significantly influenced by Genta Fajar's contributions. He has been a pioneer of roundnet sports in Indonesia for the past three years, demonstrating unwavering commitment to promoting and expanding the reach of this sport throughout the country. Today, he holds the esteemed position of President of the Indonesian Roundnet Association.In his speech at the opening of the event, Genta Fajar said "Indonesia's success in making history by hosting the first Asian Cup Roundnet Championship proves to the international community that this sport industry continues to grow and show a good development graph, especially in Indonesia &amp; the Asian continent".<div class="Icon__hitbox Icon__hitbox_size_normal"> </div><figure id="figure-lvb3yajw5vlnurummg"><img id="lvb3yajw5vlnurummg" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2dIYF4sX0ECceY62969Ki931a80bHh7n8bzbpUcodB54BrtQsTolPaXYXPQJSGCf.png" alt="Amir Faridz (Malaysia), roudnet asia ARF President &amp; Genta Fajar, Event Organizer" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center 30%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Amir Faridz (Malaysia), ARF President &amp; Genta Fajar, Event Organizer" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="30%" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2dIYF4sX0ECceY62969Ki931a80bHh7n8bzbpUcodB54BrtQsTolPaXYXPQJSGCf.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center 30%;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Amir Faridz (Malaysia), ARF President &amp; Genta Fajar, Event Organizer</figcaption></figure><h2>Results of ARF Cup 2023&nbsp;</h2><h3 class="p1">Mens Squad</h3>1. Taiwan 2. Australia 3. Philippines 4. Indonesia 5. Japan 6. Hong Kong<h3 class="p1">Womens Squad</h3>1. Taiwan 2. Philippines 3. Japan 4. Hong Kong<h3 class="p1">Mixed Squad</h3>1. Taiwan 2. Philippines 3. Japan 4. Indonesia 5. Hong Kong<h2 class="p1">Bali Open Results</h2><h3 class="p1">Open Division</h3>1. SR Common Men (Joel Read &amp; Thomas Kaldor) - Australia2. Ace or Double Fault (Jerry Lee &amp; Yu-Heng Kao) - Taiwan3. Little Reysol (Yuya Takei &amp; Yuki Nakamura) - Japan<h3 class="p1">Womens Division</h3>1. Limitless Connection (Carina Kuo &amp; Yu-Fang Chiu) - Taiwan2. What Are You Wei-Ting For? (Astrid Chang &amp; Reid Tingwei Lee) - Taiwan3. Negritas PHL (Aileen K Anlap &amp; Mary Frances Navera) - Philippines<figure id="figure-8jbby09jfnlnuudoo4"><img id="8jbby09jfnlnuudoo4" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/38gFPsEbRV9OiFTs3r0jR8C67ef26rppUjsyQESbB8uPrK8NKBef6BFksBYCW0wd.jpg" alt="Women´s Squad Winner Taiwan Roundnet" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Women´s Squad Winner Taiwan - Big Thanks to the Photographers!📷@roundnet.photo.id @motret_event @sho_sport_design" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/38gFPsEbRV9OiFTs3r0jR8C67ef26rppUjsyQESbB8uPrK8NKBef6BFksBYCW0wd.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Women´s Squad Winner Taiwan - Big Thanks to the Photographers!📷@roundnet.photo.id @motret_event @sho_sport_design</figcaption></figure>

ASIAN CUP ROUNDNET CHAMPIONSHIP 2023

Will Kunzelmann (LaFarabi) become a Mixed European Champion at last, earning one of the last accolades missing from her storied collection. Can Leybourne/Dziruni (Uniley) finally climb to the very top? One is for certain though! At least one new Mixed European Champions will be crowned, since P. Siemer (DE) is not defending his title this year.<blockquote><h3>What is the European Mixed Championship?</h3></blockquote>Get ready for a whirlwind of athleticism and intensity as the historical, European Mixed Championship in Roundnet takes center stage in Brussels. For the first time ever, Mixed Roundnet Divison is going to be represented in a stand-alone event. This innovation, brought to you by <a href="https://www.roundnet.eu/" data-mce-href="https://www.roundnet.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">European Roundnet Association</a> (EURA) is another step into establishing roundnet as a legitimate sport. Usually, Mixed ETS (European Tour Series) tournaments are played on Sunday’s, after a tournament day on Saturday (open/women’s). Therefore, players have to fight with fatigue as well as their opponents. Will jumping in the tournament with fresh legs create a significant impact on final standings?<h3>The Venue</h3>The championship will take place on 7th October 2023. The matches will start early in the morning and continue throughout the day. The schedule will be released closer to the date of the event.&nbsp;You can follow the tournament live <a href="https://fwango.io/mixedeuro23" data-mce-href="https://fwango.io/mixedeuro23" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> and watch the stream coverage by Tops Roundnet <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/tops_roundnet" data-mce-href="https://www.twitch.tv/tops_roundnet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>).<figure id="figure-2s4zof2h1lnbvm5uw"><img id="2s4zof2h1lnbvm5uw" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/11shUKD8KRatFYCRhFTEIZuM0v9uqvPonN6w7mwCXQxY7ZTgPp1kmUDQktZO1DYW.jpg" alt="brussels stadium" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center 55%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="Tops Roundnet ready to stream! 📸roundnet.sports.photography" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="55%" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/11shUKD8KRatFYCRhFTEIZuM0v9uqvPonN6w7mwCXQxY7ZTgPp1kmUDQktZO1DYW.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center 55%;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Tops Roundnet ready to stream! 📸roundnet.sports.photography</figcaption></figure><h3>The Teams</h3>With 45 teams from across Europe competing, the spotlight falls on the formidable trio of Kunzelmann/Claus (LaFarabi, CH/DE), Haas/Krehle (Khraas, DE) , and Leybourne/Dziruni (Uniley, A), hailed as the favorites of the tournament. <figure id="figure-pxnxiljlaclnd9dici">LaFarabi's strength is Fabian Claus, a recent European Squad Champion, whose lethal backhand serve strikes fear into opponents. Additionally, Kunzelmann, regarded as the best individual women´s player of the world, boasts an impressive record, winning three out of four ETS Mixed events with three different partners.</figure><figure id="figure-pisp56dk3lnd9wfun"><img id="pisp56dk3lnd9wfun" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2eSlh9xwLi1QIbBKgIfLYBNWeFy1qMEHWcsOm9tHLcRZkgMy5fr0T41sLF3EskBO.jpg" alt="F. Claus hitting his notorious backhand" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="F. Claus hitting his notorious backhand: roundnet.sports.photography📸" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2eSlh9xwLi1QIbBKgIfLYBNWeFy1qMEHWcsOm9tHLcRZkgMy5fr0T41sLF3EskBO.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">F. Claus hitting his notorious backhand: roundnet.sports.photography📸</figcaption></figure>The only lost Kunzelmann had to endure was of the hands of Haas (Khraas) at ETS Paris early in the season. Unfortunately, Haas’ original partner, Peer Kanis, cannot compete due to an injury. However, she will be joined by her fellow European Champion colleague, Krehle, who is said to have the “widest cut” in Europe. With Krehle’s serving pressure and Haas’ experience, Khraas is set to make a deep run. Meanwhile, Uniley stands as the only team to have podiumed at the last European Mixed Championship, showcasing their consistent prowess on the Roundnet court. Both Leybourne and Dziruni are coming directly from Philadelphia (USA) after participating at the <a href="https://fwango.io/championship2023" data-mce-href="https://fwango.io/championship2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Spikeball Tour Series Championship</a>. Could this experience catapult them on the top of Mixed Europe?<figure id="figure-z22m10emrlnda7evz"><img id="z22m10emrlnda7evz" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/35RKd2wdYmPsjSygf9Yf6ojzQ0cGE5sbOT0YIj3hakpfWaM3j3n3zZbUzbyRyHCu.jpg" alt="Dziruni and Leybourne spikeball european championship 2022" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined 25%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="Uniley's 3rd place at Euros '22. Can they reach the top in '23? two_swedes📸" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="25%" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/35RKd2wdYmPsjSygf9Yf6ojzQ0cGE5sbOT0YIj3hakpfWaM3j3n3zZbUzbyRyHCu.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined 25%;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Uniley's 3rd place at Euros '22. Can they reach the top in '23? two_swedes📸</figcaption></figure><h3>Aren't you forgetting us?</h3>In the highly competitive second tier, teams like D. Kadlec/R. Jonas (Ananas Rose, A), I. Paysan/R. Florinda (Backlick, F), and A. Peusch/M. Rolf (DE) are prepared to challenge the frontrunners. All but one (M. Rolf who is a substitute of mixed European Champion 2022 and Peusch’s regular partner, P. Siemer) of these players secured a podium at Mixed ETS events this season. These squads have honed their skills and are determined to make their mark, promising fierce contests and unexpected outcomes. Will we witness another “backspin serve madness” by R. Jonas?<figure id="figure-tkdjzpvr5glnd9ku48"><iframe id="tkdjzpvr5glnd9ku48" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r4wdSPXejfA" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4wdSPXejfA&amp;ab_channel=TOPSRoundnet" data-corners="default" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r4wdSPXejfA" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>Keeping the tournament even more intriguing are the dark horses, established team of N. Alt/D. Améziane (Na-Da, F) and one mash-up, starring the underrated tactician and team chemistry master, Y. Vandaele (B). If Vandaele can steer his partner’s energy the right way, the ambidextrous L. Washburn (DK) should thrive and as a result, Always Room Temperature can surprise anyone, including themselves.<h3>The City </h3>Brussels is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. It is known for its stunning architecture, delicious food, and vibrant nightlife. There are many things to see and do in Brussels, including visiting the Grand Place, the Atomium, and the Manneken Pis. <h3>The Conclusion</h3>As if the competition isn't challenging enough, the players must contend with the unpredictable Brussels October weather. Rain or shine, these athletes are poised to deliver a tournament filled with unforgettable moments and jaw-dropping plays.

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