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Everything You Need to Know About Playing Bubble Football 

Imagine this: you’re sprinting straight at someone, wrapped head to toe in a big see-through inflatable ball, and instead of avoiding them, you slam right into them on purpose. That’s zorb soccer for you — regular football mixed with the wild fun of bouncing off people in a giant bubble.

The Story of Bubble Football: From New Zealand Hills to Global Phenomenon

Zorb soccer got its start back in 1994, thanks to two creative guys from New Zealand — Andrew Akers and Dwane van der Sluis. Their original idea was to invent a way to walk on water. Instead, they came up with the zorb — a huge inflatable ball you could roll around in. By 1995, they opened the first place in the world where people could try it in Rotorua, New Zealand.

In 2011, two Norwegian TV hosts, Henrik Elvestad and Johan Golden, had a fun idea on their show Golden Goal. They changed the zorb so people could play with it on flat ground instead of just rolling downhill. 

Still, not many people knew about the bubble bump football game at first, but that changed in 2014 when a funny video from Italy went viral — and suddenly, everyone wanted to know more about this crazy sport.

These are the other two milestones in the balloon soccer evolution:

• In 2015, the National Association of Bubble Soccer (NABS) was founded in the U.S. and created official rules for the sport. That same year, zorb soccer appeared on Shark Tank, but didn’t get an investment.
• In 2018, the first Bubble Football World Cup was held at Wembley Stadium in London with 16 teams from around the world. Teams in England had to pay £200 to qualify and compete in Shoreditch.

Today, zorb soccer is mainly played for fun at local events, charity matches, and small tournaments.

Neccessary Gear & Setup for Playing Bubble Football

The main part of zorb soccer is the bubble suit — a big, see-through ball that turns players into bouncy bumper cars. These suits are made from strong plastic (usually TPU or PVC) and have two layers held together by ropes inside. Each one takes about 40 hours to put together by hand and can weigh up to 100 kilograms when finished.

Adult-sized football bubble suits are usually about 1.55 meters tall and cover the whole upper body and head, while leaving the legs free to run and kick. They come in different sizes to fit everyone — from kids as young as five to adults weighing up to 159 kilograms. The clear material lets players see where they’re going, and the soft padding inside helps absorb hits and falls.

Other Equipment Checklist

Before jumping into the game, it’s important to have the right space, gear, and equipment. Here’s a complete checklist of all the other bubble football equipment you will need to get started.

Playing Field Requirements

You’ll need a flat area that’s at least 20 by 30 meters. Grass is best, but good artificial turf works too. Indoor sports halls are a great option when the weather isn’t good. Avoid playing on concrete, asphalt, or sand — they can cause injuries and damage the bubble suits.

Personal Gear

Players must wear comfy sports clothes that let them move freely inside the bubble. Regular tennis shoes or turf trainers are best — no cleats or spikes allowed. For indoor games, some players wear knee pads and shin guards to protect their legs during rougher play.

Game Equipment

Besides the bubble suits, you’ll need a few soccer balls (referees usually keep 2–3 handy), and either portable goals or cones to mark the goals. It’s also smart to have a first aid kit, water for breaks, and cleaning supplies to wipe down the equipment afterward.

Mastering the Bubble Football Gameplay

Zorb soccer is easy to learn but takes a bit of practice to get used to the bubbles. Here’s a quick guide to help you get started and enjoy the game safely.

Pre-Game Preparation

Players wear the bubble like a big backpack, sliding their arms through straps and grabbing the handles inside. It should sit evenly on your shoulders, with your head safely inside the top opening.

First-timers should try walking and bumping gently before the match — the bubbles are heavy, and it takes wider steps to move around. Your vision is limited, so it helps to get a feel for how the suit moves.

Match Structure and Flow

Matches are usually played with five players per team, but this can vary. According to basic football rules, games last two short rounds of 5 to 10 minutes, with a quick break in between. There are no fixed positions — everyone runs freely. The game starts with players charging from each side to kick the ball from the center.

Unique Playing Dynamics

Bubbles change how the game works. You can’t see to the sides, so talking with teammates is unavoidable. Moreover, the speed is slower, so short passes work better than long ones.

You’re allowed to bump other players from the front or side only — hits from behind aren’t allowed. The falling is normal, and you’ll learn how to roll yourself back up or use it as part of your strategy. It’s also harder to see the ball below you, so good players learn how to peek through the top of the bubble before kicking.

Referee Guidelines and Safety Protocols in Bubble Football

Referees keep the game moving by bringing in new balls if one rolls too far and saying “play on” to minimize interruptions. They also make sure everyone stays safe, especially if someone falls — the game doesn’t start again until it’s safe.

Creative Bubble Football Game Variations

Zorb soccer isn’t just about regular matches — there are lots of fun ways to switch things up depending on the group. Each game usually lasts 5 to 10 minutes, so you can try lots of different variations in one session. Rules can also be adjusted on the spot depending on the group’s vibe.

One-on-One Bubble Games

Zorb Wrestling turns the game into a one-on-one match where two players try to bump each other out of a marked ring using just their bubbles. In Survivor Mode, it’s every person for themselves — everyone bumps into each other until only one is left standing. These are great for small groups or quick tournament rounds.

Team-Based Bubble Games

Human Bowling is always a hit. One team lines up as “pins” while others take turns rolling into them. In Protect the VIP, each team picks a “king” to guard while trying to knock over the other team’s. Obstacle Course challenges teams to move through a set path with the bubble, testing their teamwork and balance.

Party-Style Bubble Games

Freeze Tag with bubbles is just like the playground version — players freeze when told, and others try to bump into them while they’re stuck. In Bubble Musical Chairs, players rush to marked spots when the music stops. British Bulldog Remix starts with one chaser trying to tag players, and those tagged join in chasing the rest.

Perfect Occasions for Bubble Football

Zorb soccer isn’t just for laughs on the field — it’s a hit at all kinds of events. From office team-building to birthday parties, here are the perfect times to bring out the bubble suits:

Corporate Events

Companies are finding that zorb soccer is way better than regular team-building games. When the boss and a new employee are both bouncing around and falling over, job titles don’t matter anymore. It breaks the ice and gets people laughing together, which helps them connect back at work, too. Games can be set up for small teams of 10 or big company events with over 100 people.

School Events

Schools like using zorb soccer for PE because everyone can join in — even kids who don’t like sports. The bubbles make it feel safe and silly, so even shy or less sporty students get involved and have fun running around.

Community Festivals

Zorb soccer is a hit at local festivals and fairs. Event organizers set up small fields where anyone can try it out. It grabs attention, gets people watching, and often they join in after seeing how fun it looks.

Birthday Parties and Special Occasions

Zorb soccer makes any party more fun and memorable. For kids, the games are shorter and easier, with smaller suits made just for them (from age five and up). Adults often turn it into a fun competition — great for bachelor parties, big birthdays, or family reunions.

Professional Event Services

Most rental companies make things easy by handling all the setup of bubble football. They bring the gear, set it up, and have trained referees explain the rules and safety tips before the games start.

Sessions usually last 60 to 90 minutes and include a combination of fun game types. Everything is provided except your clothes and shoes — bubbles, balls, goals, and safety gear are all included. Meanwhile, prices are usually $15–30 per person, with discounts for bigger groups. Some packages also include extras like team colors, trophies, or even photos.

Health & Wellness Benefits of Bubble Football

Zorb soccer might look like just a silly game, but it has real physical and mental health benefits. Players get a good workout without even realizing it, while the fun, relaxed vibe helps people open up and enjoy being active.

Bubble Football Safety Considerations & Risk Management

Zorb soccer is generally safe, but like any physical activity, there are a few small risks. You might get a scrape from falling, a light bruise from bumps, or feel a bit dizzy after rolling around.

Serious injuries are very rare if safety rules are followed. Playing on the right surface and having a referee helps keep things under control. Before each game, players get a safety talk to learn what to do and what to avoid. The rental companies also check all equipment before use and follow safety guidelines. Most even have insurance to cover unexpected issues.

Final Thoughts on Bubble Soccer

Zorb soccer shows that you don’t need to be super fit or skilled to have fun playing a sport. Once you’re in the bubble, everyone’s equal — bumping, falling, and laughing like human pinballs.

It’s a great pick for team-building, parties, or just trying something different. For those who are afraid of falling, in this game, falling over isn’t losing — it’s part of the fun.

FAQs about Bubble Football