This section of our web guide focuses on the equipment, gear, and accessories used in the traditional South African sport of ringball.
Evolved from basketball, ringball is played on a court with a ring or hoop, but no backboard. Teams compete by passing the ball and scoring goals, emphasizing speed, strategy, and teamwork. It is a non-contact sport that blends skill with a family-friendly vibe.
The ball is thrown through the air between players and is caught using only their hands, without contacting any other part of the body. When passing, a player must remain stationary, avoid feints, and release the ball within two seconds after receiving it.
The sport is most prevalent in South Africa, where it has been played since 1907. It is also popular in Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, India, and Mauritius, although it is being heavily promoted as an international sport.
Since this is the shopping area of our web guide, we will be focusing on the products involved in the sport here. Further information and resources can be found in the corresponding category within our Sports & Recreation area.
Ringball does not require much gear specific to the sport.
The primary piece of equipment is the ringball itself, which is similar in size and weight to a standard basketball. The ball is designed for optimal grip and durability, catering to the game's fast-paced nature.
Ringball courts are typically rectangular and divided into three sections. It can be set up on various surfaces, including grass, all-weather courts, or indoor facilities. Goalposts with rings are placed at each end of the court, and the rings are designed to allow the ball to pass through from above, scoring points for the team.
Accessories include whistles for referees, nets for the goalposts, and mesh bags for carrying the balls. Players often wear lightweight, breathable sportswear for comfort and mobility. Knee pads might be used in competitive settings.
Manufacturers and retailers supporting the ringball market include the XCO Group, based in South Africa, which offers a wide range of equipment designed for the sport, including balls, nets, and goalposts.
The game is not well-known outside of the countries listed above, but its popularity is likely to increase in the years to come.
Recommended Resources
Trevor Smith is a retailer specializing in sportswear and sports equipment. Headquartered in Newcastle, South Africa, Trevor Smith has a branch in Benoni. Its addresses and contacts are published on the website. The company offers a wide range of products for various sports, including rugby, hockey, netball, cricket, soccer, and ringball. For ringball, the company carries the Callas Match brand of ringball balls. Several other products are also available on the site.
https://trevorsmithsports.co.za/product-category/ringball/
XCO Group is a leader in brand development, offering corporate branding solutions, including custom clothing and sports equipment. The Group is also known for its sports clothing manufacturing and team wear provisions, covering a wide variety of sports, including ringball. It produces and provides uniforms, including shorts, tops, skirts, and shirts. Quotes may be requested through the site. XCO also offers whistles, balls, ball pumps, rings, nets, posts, bags, and other equipment.
https://xco.co.za/categories/110/ringball
Zuco is a sports manufacturer and retailer in Pretoria, South Africa, offering equipment, gear, accessories, and apparel for several sports. The company produces the Zuco Ringball Ball. Photographs showing four views of the ball are provided, and it is available in two sizes (4 and 5). The ball arrived deflated, and the ball pumps and needles are sold separately, which are also available from Zuco. The company's address, telephone number, and email address are posted.
https://zucosales.co.za/product-category/sport/ringball/
