Spikeball vs. Cannonball: Which Backyard Game Should You Actually Buy?

If you've spent any time at a beach, tailgate, or backyard party in the last several years, you've probably seen a Spikeball net set up somewhere nearby. It's become one of the most recognizable names in backyard games, but it's not the only game in town, and it's not the right fit for every group. Here's how it stacks up against Cannonball, the backyard game built around strategy, teamwork, and a little bit of water. 

 

The Quick Answer

Spikeball is a fast, physical, volleyball-inspired game best suited for two people who are ready to move. Cannonball is a slower-paced, more strategic, team-based game designed to comfortably fit larger groups, and it brings a water element that turns any hot afternoon into part of the game itself. If your crew is bigger than four, skews toward hanging out over sprinting, or you're playing somewhere near a pool, Cannonball is the better fit.

 

How Each Game Is Played

Spikeball uses a small trampoline-style net set on the ground. Two teams of two stand around it and rally a ball back and forth by hitting it down onto the net, similar to volleyball; each side gets up to three touches before sending it back. It's fast, athletic, and genuinely great exercise, but it does demand real physical coordination and quick reflexes.

Cannonball takes a different approach entirely. Teams take turns tossing balls at floating rings and targets set up in a pool, aiming for accuracy over speed. There's a built-in social pause between turns - time to talk, strategize, and heckle the other team - that makes it feel more like cornhole or bocce than a sport. The water isn't just scenery here; it's part of the challenge and part of the fun.

 

Group Size

This is one of the biggest practical differences. Spikeball is built around exactly two teams of two people, no more, no less, unless you're rotating players in and out. Cannonball is designed to comfortably flex from 2-8 players, which makes it a much easier fit for a real backyard party where headcount isn't a clean multiple of four.

 

Setting & Setup

Spikeball needs open, flat ground and room to dive and move. Grass, sand, or a gym floor all work, but it's not a great fit for a small patio or a crowded backyard. Cannonball is built specifically around a pool setup, which means if you already have a backyard pool or even a simple inflatable one, you're set up in minutes with no need for open running space.

 

Physical Intensity

Be honest about your group here. Spikeball is genuinely athletic. It involves diving, lunging, and quick reaction time, which is part of what makes it fun for a competitive, active crowd. Cannonball is far more relaxed physically. It's a game you can play in flip-flops with a drink in your hand, making it a better fit for family gatherings, multi-generational groups, or a lower-key hangout.

 

Price

Spikeball's standard sets typically run in the $30–$60+ range depending on the edition. Cannonball starts at $20 for the game-only set (great if you already own a pool) and $30 for the full set, including everything you need - making it one of the more accessible entry points in the category either way you look at it.

 

The Bottom Line

Spikeball earns its popularity. Honestly, it's a great, fast-paced game for a small, active group with room to move. But if you're hosting a bigger crowd, want something more relaxed and social, or you're already going to be by the pool anyway, Cannonball is built for exactly that moment. Why not bring both to your next get-together and let the day decide which one comes out first?

 

Ready to try it yourself? Shop Cannonball → cannonballgame.com