Crossnet is an outdoor game of at least four players. This beach game involves four quadrants marked numbers 1 to 4. During the playing session, the four players take their respective positions, one in each quadrant.
If there are more than four players, they form a strategic queue outside square 1. If a player hits 11 points, they proceed to occupy the area marked 4. The primary goal is to appear in the fourth square. Quadrant 4 players are allowed to serve and score.
If you want to try something a bit different, check out Kan Jam, another fun beach game!
How is Crossnet played?
- When starting this game, the participant in square 4 serves their counterpart in square 2 with the ball. Therefore, serving is done diagonally in the very beginning. The individual in area 2 then passes the ball to any other player over the net.
- The normal volleyball rules are then applied in the sport. The game is played with players passing the ball to each other over the net until one of them plays wrongly. The wrongful player moves to square 1 or joins the waiting queue.
- The other participants rotate in a clockwise manner to occupy the vacated area except for the person in a higher position square. Players in quadrant 4 can only leave as a result of misplay or when a colleague gets them out.
- Unlike volleyball, you can only hit the ball once over the net in Crossnet. The square 4 player wins by knocking other participants out or when they all get each other out. Square 4 players may also win extra points by virtual of not receiving the ball from other players.
- If two players tie with a score of 10 points each, then one of them must get 2 more points to be declared a winner. When a player is knocked out, they go to square 1 or join the queue.
Setting up Crossnet
Setting up Crossnet to completion takes between 5 to 10 minutes. It takes lesser time if all four players participate in setting up the net. It can also be quickest with the participation of all players involved. You can follow this simple procedure to have your Crossnet set and ready:
- Establish the overall player’s height to guide you in setting up the poles. The pole’s height is perfectly adjustable to achieve the player’s comfort.
- Join the steel tubes to form poles
- Set the center pole into the net and keep it shut
- Form the net. Remember to fix the steel tubes and eye bolts effectively
- Fix the tension strings to the eyelid bolts and stake them well while keeping the steel tubes upright.
- Fix the outer boundary and pin it well into the ground.
- Keep tension strings well adjusted.
- You can also set up your Crosssnet in a pool of water. Follow this procedure:
- Have all the pieces needed and arrange them in order. You can categorize your poles for ease of identification.
- Form crossbars. Create eight of them using two large poles and a two-piece connector.
- Use the shorter pieces to form the center upright. Assemble two five-way connectors, one six-way connector, mid-length pole, and shorter pieces.
- Assemble the feet using four smaller footer poles and join them to a four-piece connector. Combine one three-way connector and elbow. Do it four times to acquire the four feet.
- Create the frame using crossbars. Ensure you make a four-way frame.
- Put the nets well and place the assembled structure in the pool.
- Have the anchor bags in each corner before playing kicks off.
Crossnet Rules
The ultimate target for each player is eliminating their opponent. To defeat your counterpart is by having the ball land in their square. A player gains points by remaining in the fourth quadrant without a mistake.
- If a player throws the ball outside the set boundaries, they are eliminated. The player who is hit by a ball that is about to fall outside the boundary, they are also eliminated.
- When a ball moves over the net into a player’s quadrant, they are mandated to return and play the ball.
- If the ball moves across the net into a player’s area and then below the net into another player’s square, the first player has to move the ball.
- You are permitted to pass your arm beyond the net after attacking if the contact was made within your playing area.
- You can only serve the ball diagonally from the fourth quadrant to the second. The ball receiver is always prohibited from spiking while passing or returning.
- Spikes are only permitted after the second square returns.
- When the ball gets into a square, it can only be touched by the owner and moved to another area.
- If the quadrant owner fails to touch the ball, then they are eliminated.
- A player is not allowed to hold or catch the ball during the gameplay
- A player is ejected off the game if they hit the ball wrongly or out of bound.
- If a player hits or touches a ball that is not in their quadrant, then they are out.
- Playing is allowed to continue even when the ball hits a pole.
- If a player is eliminated, they leave the playing scene to wait for their next chance.
- If the ball hits the net and falls in the second quadrant, it is considered as a let. The player in area 4 can do the service again.
Reasons for elimination in Crossnet
- Hitting the ball wrongly
- Touching the ball out of turn
- Letting the ball hit the floor
- Letting the ball get out of the designated boundaries
Crossnet as a game has no definite age limit. A person of any age with an appropriate height can participate in the sport. Height can be adjusted to accommodate both adults and kids in the game.
This sport can be played in several places including the backyard, beach shores, and pools among other suitable fields.
When assembling the Crossnet structure, you do not need to have spanners or any fastening tool. Participants protect their quadrants with only one hit.
Hi, I’m Ryan Nelson! I live in the Hamptons, out on Long Island, near Ponquogue Beach. The beach is a place where I can find peace and serenity. It’s a place where I can sit and clear my head. The waves crashing on the shore somehow helps me to relax, while also reminding me that I am far from the stressors of daily life.
