What is Teqball

Introduction

Teqball is a sport developed in Hungary that combines elements of soccer and table tennis and is one of the newest emerging sports, growing rapidly across every continent. It is played on a special curved table by athletes or enthusiastic amateurs who want to improve their technical skills, concentration, and stamina, or simply enjoy the sporting experience. The sport is also known as futmesa, futtok, and several other names, but what makes Teqball unique compared to futmesa and other variations of the sport is that it can only be played (a) according to the game rules established by the International Teqball Federation (FITEQ) and (b) only on tables approved by the federation in its game rules (that is: TEQTM tables manufactured by the Hungarian Teqball Group). This combination gives you the real Teqball experience, which is the result of numerous developments.

Teqball was founded in Budapest, Hungary in 2014 with National Federations across the world, including the United States. Teqball has held three world cup tournaments and has its eyes set on becoming an Olympic Sport by 2028. 

Teqball games are played between two opponents(singles) or two teams of two (doubles) and bring a unique opportunity for competitors to compete with whomever they’d like, irrespective of gender. Games are played with a points-based scoring format where points can be scored with any part of your body except your arms or hands. Teqball can be played on various surfaces, including sand, turf, or indoor courts. The sport is non-contact between players or between the players and the table, helping eliminate the risk of impact injuries. Players are given a maximum of three touches before returning the ball to the opponent, and control of the ball, using technique and finesse, is far superior to strength in this sport, which levels the playing field between men and women. Teqball officially landed in the United States in 2019, and it’s been making waves ever since. In just a few short years, the U.S. has hosted over 60 international tournaments, lit up ESPN with live broadcasts, and showcased thousands of elite players. The U.S. National Team has battled on the world stage at four World Championships, proudly bringing home a silver medal. Today, Teqball’s footprint spans coast to coast, played at over 500 universities and high schools, with tables in hundreds of parks and recreation centers inspiring the next generation of champions.

Teqball in Numbers

  • Estimated 5,000 players worldwide in more than 100 countries
  • 150+ established international associations
  • Over 2,000 clubs worldwide
  • Over 2500 FITEQ trained and certified referees
  • 7 World Cup Championships held (2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
  • Recognition by 3 Continental Olympic Associations (OCA, ANOCA, ONOC) 
  • Full Member of GAISF (Global Association of International Sports Federation) 

Main Rules of Teqball:

  • Teqball can be played only on TEQTM tables as the approved official equipment of the International Teqball Federation.
  • Teqball can be played with balls used in football, with size five being official and recommended.
  • Teqball can be played by two players (singles game) or by four players (doubles game).
  • A Teqball match consists of best-of-three sets.
  • Each set is played until a player/team reaches 12 points.
  • Every player/team has two attempts to complete a successful service.
  • The players/teams change service after each four points.
  • It is forbidden to touch the ball with the same body part twice consecutively.
  • It is forbidden to return the ball with the same body part twice consecutively.
  • Every player/team is allowed to return the ball with a maximum of 3 touches by any body part, except for the hands and arms.
  • In doubles, a team has a maximum of 3 touches, however, the teammates must pass the ball at least once to each other.
  • While playing, neither the table nor the opponent can be touched.
  • In case of an edgeball, the rally shall be repeated.