Some South Africans receive their street racket coaching certificates from the sport's inventor Marcel Straub (left) and the Ambassador of Switzerland to South Africa, Helene Budliger Artieda (centre). Photo: Nicholas Zaal
Only time will tell if the new sport of street racket becomes popular in South Africa, but judging from the enthusiasm shown by children in New Doornfontein, it might.
Dozens lined up at Skateistan to try it out, as the sport’s Swiss inventor, Marcel Straub paid a visit on 25 June along with the Ambassador of Switzerland to South Africa, Helene Budliger Artieda.
After Straub did a presentation of how the sport works, he and Artieda began playing with the children.
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In street racket, players use a wooden racket slightly larger than a table tennis racket.
Playing on a row of three equal boxes of 2m by 2m, players must hit a sponge ball into the opponent’s box without the ball bouncing in the box in between them or outside any of the three boxes.
Ambassador of Switzerland to South Africa, Helene Budliger Artieda hopes to play more street racket. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
No smashes or volleys are allowed, and once the ball bounces twice the point is won.
According to Straub, there are about 150 variations of how to play the game.
The best way, he said, is to make two rows of three boxes intersect in the middle to make a cross, so at least four people can play in a small space, or more can play if people rotate.
Mbali Mthethwa gets a feel of the wooden racket and sponge ball. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
Street racket uses no nets or poles and only requires a court, drawn on the ground with chalk.
Straub invented the game three years ago.
“Street racket can be played by the abled and disabled, by young and old, and pretty much anywhere,” he said.
“Rather than travelling to the nearest sports facilities, you can walk out your door and play on the street with a neighbour.”
A child has a go at street racket at Skateistan. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
Artieda admitted she had only played the sport before during an event in Cape Town, but said it was fun and she hoped to play more.
When asked whether the sport would work in South Africa, Glenn Lazarus of Egoli Squash, an organisation dedicated to taking squash to disadvantaged areas in Johannesburg, said yes.
A child has a go at street racket at Skateistan. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
“One of SA’s biggest issues is our limited sports facilities,” he said.
“With street racket, people can play anywhere, whether right outside the office or in a queue at the clinic.”
The day ended with snacks for everyone, and the Swiss Embassy handing 20 rackets and balls over to Skateistan for children to play at their leisure.
