Bulletball History

Have you ever known someone who has played the game BulletBall? Well, it is a different variation of table tennis and can be played on any circular table with two guardrails. The game does not make use of paddles, but players can utilize their hands or arms in hitting the brightly colored foam ball back and forth.

And, indeed, the interestingness of the concept becomes all the more appealing due to the story of this game. Its creator, Marc Griffin, dedicated his life towards creating this sport and bracing many major challenges such that, he was subjected to a public humiliation on reality T.V. Despite the huddles, it took on the form of officially recognition for an inclusion sport through players of all levels competing together.

The Creation Story: The Birth of the Concept in the 1980s

BulletBall began life in the middle half of the 1980s when Marc Griffin partnered up with his ex-wife Delores. Being first conceived as a hobby, BulletBall was comfortable yet competitive. Players could play while sitting or standing.

The objective of the game is very much like that of table tennis: get the ball back to the opponent’s colored side of the table as fast as you can. Family gatherings were some of the first test venues, where friends and family were the first to try this out.

Reality Check: Contestant on American Inventor, 2006

The enthusiasm for BulletBall was great that Griffin thought it has the potential to be used as an Olympic sport. In 2006 he appeared on the reality-based show American Inventor on which he narrated difficulties he had in creating BulletBall.

Griffin sacrificed quite a bit to pursue his dream, but he quit his job, sold his car and house, and even parted with his wife’s wedding ring to do so. But in return, he got from the judges an unprintable rejection; the video of his emotional pitch promptly went viral, branding him “the BulletBall guy.”

The embarrassment revelation unintentionally brought attention to BulletBall. Griffin’s presence became a meme and was labeled as one of television’s most embarrassing moments. He went on and sold BulletBall as a game that could be played either sitting or standing, therefore an inclusion sport.

New Era: BulletBall as Inclusion Sport in 2009

It was then in 2009 when the National Center on Health, Physical Activity, and Disability (NCHPAD) officially recognized BulletBall as an inclusion sport, in which Griffin’s invention began to gain momentum.

What used to be a bad invention was transformed into something that could be played even by able-bodied and others who are not. However, these aside, BulletBall is still not as much liked or popular in the country of America, especially more than basketball and football which are well recognized.

Continuation of the Journey: Griffin’s Book and Legacy

Griffin spent ten years on BulletBall. He wrote the memoir, Endless Dreams, that narrates his story and experience regarding the game development process. This book, which is rated five stars on Amazon, represents an inspirational account of faith and perseverance in chasing one’s dreams.

Core Equipment and Rules of BulletBall

In order to play BulletBall, you are going to need specifically the BulletBall table, which is manufactured in both the tabletop and full-size versions. The table has removable side rails for easy storage and transport.

The rules of the game are as follows:

Serving: Place the BulletBall in triangular formation at the center of the table, and then the players have two chances to serve successfully.

Scoring: The scoring is the same as in table tennis. Every player has to score 21 points and be two points ahead of others in case of a draw.

Gameplay: When the ball crosses into his area, he has to return it so that it lands in the opponent’s colored zone. If not, then the point is lost.

Side Rails: The ball may not come into contact with the side rails. When it does, players are allowed one extra attempt to get the ball back.

Conclusion: The Legacy of BulletBall

Even though the journey of its creator was bumpy, the game of BulletBall is one that is full of enjoyment and inclusivity. The game started with modest beginnings but is now considered a recognized inclusion sport today. It evolved from being an amateur’s hobby into becoming a legitimate game which fostered inclusiveness between all types of players. And in its growth perhaps it will one day become among the giants in the world of sports.