Hemsball
A sport developed in Türkiye, suitable for all ages, based on sending the ball from a target ring on the ground into the opponent's area and catching it.
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What is Hemsball?
Hemsball is a sport in which two athletes face each other on a narrow, elongated playing area and the ball is sent into the opponent's area by means of the target board and ring in the middle of the playing area. Without leaving their own stepping areas, athletes try to send the ball to the target without touching the ring and to catch the ball sent by the opponent before it falls to the ground. The branch requires hand-eye-foot coordination, balance, reflexes, focus and attention; because it can be played indoors and outdoors and uses portable, low-cost equipment, it can easily be practised in a variety of settings.
The branch is structured so that people of all ages, from young children to adults, can take part. Matches are played on a set and point basis; every error earns the opponent a point. Hemsball, which can also be played as a family, is being promoted in Türkiye through Turkish championships organised under the Turkish Federation of Developing Sports Branches and through referee and coach training courses. The fact that in the senior category it is played on a small area measuring 4 × 1.55 m, and that all the equipment fits into a portable bag, makes it easy to practise the branch in a range of indoor and outdoor venues.
History
Hemsball was born in Türkiye in 2011 out of a simple throw-and-catch game played with a small ball between a father and his daughter. With rules added over time, the game developed into a systematic sport, and in 2013 it was recognised as an official sports branch by the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The International Hemsball Federation was founded in 2021 to promote and spread the branch internationally.
Hemsball, a branch developed in Türkiye, today operates under the Turkish Federation of Developing Sports Branches. To spread the branch throughout the country, the Federation organises candidate referee and coach training courses in provinces across different regions and holds Turkish championships by age category.
Basic Rules
For general information only; competitions are governed by the federation's current rulebook and regulations.
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01
Object of the game
The athlete tries to send the ball to the target without touching the ring so that it falls to the ground in the opponent's area, while also preventing the opponent from doing the same.
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02
Service
The first service is decided by a draw, and the athlete who loses the draw starts with the service. The athlete who wins a point takes the next service.
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03
Scoring points
If the opponent fails to catch the ball rebounding from the target before it touches the ground a second time and without leaving the stepping area, they lose the point. If the serving athlete's ball hits the ring or does not reach the target, the opponent wins the point.
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04
Set and match
Sets are played to 12 points; at 11-11, play continues until one side gains a 2-point lead. The number of sets required to win a match is determined according to category; fewer sets are played in the younger age categories.
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05
Violations
Playing the ball with the foot is a rule violation and earns the opponent a point.
Field and Equipment
- Playing areaIn the senior category, a narrow, elongated area measuring 4 × 1.55 m is used. The game can be played indoors or outdoors on a flat, hard surface.
- Stepping boardsEach athlete stands on the stepping board allocated to them and receives the ball without leaving this area throughout the game.
- Target board and ringThe target board and ring placed on the ground in the middle of the playing area form the target through which the ball is sent into the opponent's area.
- Ball and carryingA small ball is used in the game. All the equipment is designed to fit into a portable bag.
- ClothingSportswear appropriate to the branch is worn in training, courses and competitions.
Categories and Disciplines
- Children
- Cadets
- Juniors
- Seniors
Age groups and weight classes may change with seasonal regulations; see the sport documents for current information.
Hemsball in Türkiye
In hemsball, Turkish championships are organised by age category by the Turkish Federation of Developing Sports Branches. The Juniors and Seniors Turkish Championship was held on 21–23 November 2025 in Nazilli, Aydın, and the Children and Cadets Turkish Championship on 19–21 December 2025 in İzmir. Menteşe, Muğla, has been designated as the host of the 2026 Juniors and Seniors Turkish Championship.
The Federation runs regular courses across the country to strengthen the branch's referee and coaching base. In the 2025–2026 period, candidate referee courses were held in provinces such as Kayseri, Denizli, Konya, Erzurum, Eskişehir, Mersin, Balıkesir, Batman, Aydın, Muğla and Sivas, and Level 1 Assistant Coach Training Courses were held in provinces such as Gaziantep, Aydın, Kayseri and Denizli. A Level 2 Basic Coach Training Course is planned in Denizli in November 2026. At the start of each season, online licence renewal and development seminars are held for referees, and lists of licensed referees are published.
- Championships and leaguesNational championships and events across age categories
- Referee and coach coursesCandidate referee, promotion and coaching courses
- National team workPreparation camps for international events
Content is being prepared.
Frequently Asked Questions
Key information on getting started in Hemsball, licences, refereeing and coaching.
Who can play hemsball?
Hemsball is a branch that people of all ages, from young children to adults, can play. Competitions are held in age categories such as Children, Cadets, Juniors and Seniors.
How is an athlete licence obtained?
The athlete licence is obtained via the Ministry of Youth and Sports Sports Information System (SBS) (sbs.gsb.gov.tr), through the club with which the athlete is registered.
How do I become a hemsball referee?
You need to attend and successfully complete one of the candidate referee courses held by the Federation in various provinces. Course announcements and application requirements are published on the Federation's website; referees must attend a licence renewal seminar every season.
What should I do to become a coach?
You can begin the coaching pathway by applying for the Level 1 Assistant Coach Training Course run by the Federation. Applications require a criminal record certificate and a Basic Training examination result or exemption certificate; Level 2 Basic Coach courses follow at a later stage.
Latest News
Announcements
7–8 November 2026 Hemsball Candidate Referee Course / Erzurum
