HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM: Small Ball growing from I.C. back yard

By Fritz Wagner, I.C. Regina senior

IOWA CITY - It was a Saturday in 2009 when Iowa City Regina senior Matt Streb transformed his backyard into Strebinsky Stadium and took an ordinary backyard football game to the next level.

That was the birth of Small Ball.

“It began with a vision, a vision that slowly became a reality,” Streb said. “It just keeps getting better.”

Small ball is a 2-on-2, touch football game played on a 25-yard field, using a Nerf ball wrapped in tape. The field goal posts are made of PVC pipes and the first team to 35 points wins. While the rules can become complicated, all you really need is a ball and four players.

Since its creation, the sport has gone beyond the backyard.

One of the oldest small ball traditions is the filming of championship games. The camera adds another element to the game as players dance after touchdowns and imitate their favorite professional players. When the tournaments end and the players leave Strebinsky Stadium, they can relive the great moments the next week when they watch the highlight reels on YouTube.

The YouTube videos were originally for the players' enjoyment, but over time have attracted fans. Small Ball may have started in Iowa City, but since has spread as far as Springfield, Vt.

“It's pretty impressive,” Streb said of finding interested players in Vermont during a taping of The Sports Desk last week. “I guess our goal is to get more leagues ...”

The Internet videos have become the main method for anyone to find Small Ball.

The purpose of filming game play goes beyond YouTube, however. In 2010, “Small Ball Nation” celebrated its first “SBs” awards show - not to be confused with the ESPYs. After another successful show in 2011, league leaders expect the “SBs” to become an annual event.

Awards are given to players for the best catch or celebration of the year. Of course, it would not be an awards show without comedy, so skits and jokes are a big part of the show.

Despite the cameras and plenty of off-the-field events, Small Ballers agree the game itself is what keeps them coming back for more.

“It's all about the competition,” Regina senior Alex O'Brien said. “This game gets so much better every week because of the intensity that is present on game day.”

If you are interested in learning more about Small Ball, go to

Facebook,

Youtube or

Twitter for complete rules and exhilarating highlights.