Quaffle
A quaffle is a volleyball that has been slightly deflated for grip.
Cheap and available from most online or sport retailers in the UK, we utilise and recommend soft touch volleyballs for both training and gameplay.
Getting Started
How it works
Quadball is played by two teams of up to 21 players. Each team fields up to 7 players on pitch at anyone time, which are composed of One Keeper, Three Chasers, Two Beaters, and One Seeker. Players rotate throughout the game, with substitutions constantly happening as the match continues.
The game starts with the quaffle and bludgers lined up down the middle, and each team alongside the far edge of the pitch. The referee checks both teams are ready, and then begins the match with a "Brooms Up!" upon which both teams race for the balls in the centre.
The Flag Runner and Seekers do not come on until after 20 minutes of play, and play then continues until the Flag is caught.
The Chasers and Keeper pass the quaffle between them in an attempt to score through one of three hoops at their opponents end, the opposing Chasers and Keeper defend their hoops through tackling and intercepting. A goal is worth 10 points.
Beaters throw Bludgers, any player struck by a bludger thrown by an opposing Beater must drop any ball they are carrying, dismount their broom, and run back to their own hoops before they can rejoin the game.
The Seeker must catch the flag, a tail attached to the back of a Flag Runner; an impartial official dressed in yellow who uses physicality and evasion to prevent the Seekers from catching. Catching the flag is worth 30 points. Play ends if the highest scoring team catches the flag, if the low scoring team catches the flag, they may decide to play on to a set score 30 points above that of the highest scoring team.
The Basics
The following image is a breakdown of the basic rules and elements of quadball, designed as a reference for interested players or to those explaining the sport to new members of their club.
This graphic can be taken and shared for free across social media, or printed and handed out to potential new joiners at fresher fairs or open days for your club.
Click to expand
Equipment
Brooms, hoops, quaffles, bludgers, flags.
Quadball has a wide range of equipment requirements for both players and clubs, and it can be a little overwhelming for those who are new to the sport. But this guide will cover the basic equipment and gameplay needs of a typical quadball game. A lot of what we recommend can be supplemented with cheaper alternatives, or stripped back versions of the game if you or your club are just starting out.
If you need specific measurements for equipment or pitch dimensions, please consult the current rulebook.
Alternatively if you need a steer on where to find or source particular items, feel free to get in touch and we'll happily point you in the right direction.
Bludger
A bludger is a rubber dodgeball, slightly deflated for grip.
Cheap and available from most online or sport retailers in the UK. We use 8.5 sized dodgeballs, however any outdoor/rubber dodgeball is suitable for teams just starting out.
Flag Runner Shorts
Flag runner shorts come with a tag that is velcroed on the back, these can be purchased from our apparel partner, Utility Apparel.
Alternatively, a tennis ball inserted into a long football sock and tucked into a pair of shorts can work just as well.
Broom
Long straight poles made from PVC plastic, fibreglass, or the classic wood. Typically just under a meter long and capped on either end for safety. Simple brooms can be made cheaply from typical hardware store plumbing supplies.
Hoops
Hoops are in sets of three, mounted on poles ranging in height from 180cm to 90cm, and set in the ground with either spikes or weighted bases.
Simple hoops can be made cheaply from typical hardware store plumbing supplies.
Pitch
Quadball is played on either grass or 3G, and pitches are roughly 60m x 30m - about the same size as one-half of a football field.
A halfway line, keeper lines, and boundary lines can be marked with either cones, chalk, or paint.
Headband
Headbands are crucial identifiers for players on pitch, and are specific to each position.
White for Chasers, Green for Keepers, Black for Beaters, Yellow for Seekers.
Boots
Football or rugby boots with plastic studs are strongly recommended for regular play.
For players just starting out, or playing on synthetic surfaces, sports trainers are also suitable.
Mouthguard
Mouthguards are an essential safety item for any team or player engaging in physical contact drills or competition.
They are also mandatory at official QuadballUK events.