headis

Headis is a sport that combines elements of football (soccer) and table tennis. It is played on a standard table tennis table, using a regular football as the ball. Players compete one-on-one or in small teams, rallying by heading the ball over the net so it lands on the opponent’s side of the table. The ball must be struck with the head; hands and arms may not touch the ball.

The game originated in Germany in 2006, when players adapted a table tennis table for football-style play. It has since developed into organized formats with clubs, leagues, and international competitions.

Rules and play: A rally begins with a serve, usually a controlled header toward the opponent. Players keep returning the ball with headers, aiming to land it on the opposite side after crossing the net. Faults include the ball not crossing the net, the ball bouncing twice on one side, the ball going out of bounds, or the ball being struck with a body part other than the head. Points are scored on faults, and matches are commonly played as best-of-three or best-of-five sets; many events use table-tennis-style scoring, though formats can vary by league.

Equipment: A standard table tennis table, a regular football, and appropriate safety rules. The table surface and net conform to table tennis standards, and players typically wear athletic clothing and non-marking shoes.

Variants: There are informal formats and outdoor adaptations, and the sport has a growing international following with clubs worldwide.