This is a special addition of The Pocket, and not because it’s the start of a new month, this is a different format. Today we’re breaking down the top 10 spots to play roundnet. Not just our favorite spots, but the communities’ as well. 

Do you have an opinion? Let us know what you think of our list, but objectively it’s going to be hard to beat. If you’re looking for the best place to hit a little round ball against a net on the ground, stay with us. 

10. My Parents Basement

This is all about reps. Set up the serving line, get the headphones in, and begin the grind. You will get yelled at and told that you’re 25 and “still using your parents house for your little hobby,” but it’s the process we all have to go through.

P.S. Mom it’s a lifestyle and if I can’t get a stunned look from an opponent after 1 of 10 cut serves work, I don’t know what I’m living for anymore. 

9. The Park 

All time classic. Probably where we all started playing the game. Remember back in the day, playing without serving lines, not even knowing what the NHZ is and just wanting to be in the sun with the guys or gals? Is the ground usually uneven? Do ants crawl over all over your stuff while you’re playing? Yes to all, but it’s the best place to go for competitive play on a warm Saturday (kind of a bar).

8. International Space Station - Fitness Console

We’ve all been there. A day full of science and space walks, and all we can think about is ending it with a game of roundnet. When the no hit zone was introduced, NASA apparently spent 2 billion dollars to accommodate the fitness center. Good views, good distraction, and zero-gravity adds something to the game that’s just hard to replicate down here on earth. Petition to hold worlds on the ISS in 2026.

7. Under the Streetlamp

Maybe this is just an experience with my group of friends, but when the park got dark we needed to go somewhere. We were so desperate to get those last few games in that we moved onto the pavement. The game play was awful, and was constantly interrupted, however the love of the game was never higher and replicating that joy will forever be hard. 

6. Depths of Mordor

When I saw that the movie adaptation of Lord of the Rings changed the story from Frodo and Sam traveling to Mordor to compete in the ‘03 championship to “destroying the ring,” I was furious. We all know Mordor has the best roundnet north of the Shire and for that not to be highlighted in the film was a tragedy. Before the Majors gave out Pitchers for the winners, they actually gave out rings that used “temptation to find a way to break into the mind of its wearer so that it could find its way back to Sauron.” Goes to show you how much this sport has changed. 

5. Indoor Dome 

Dome’s are great for competitive play and the consistency in the turf gives tournaments an official feel. Inside doesn’t allow wind, rain, snow or excessive heat to play a factor which allows games to be more about skill than anything. Very difficult to convince a lot of venues to paint lines, so every time I play in a dome it feels like a special occasion. Very deserving of this 5 spot. 

4. Fortress of Solitude

“What do you wanna do this weekend?”

“Uhh wanna catch a flight and head up north, maybe have a little tournament with Clark, Barry, and Bruce? They’ve been asking.”

This is a conversation Ryan and I have had a thousand times. Fortress of Solitude will never be a tournament venue, but it’s just one of those sacred places for the boys. No distractions, just reverse cuts, drops, and laughs. Surprisingly warm for the North Pole, the fortress also blocks heavy wins for consistent game play. 

3. Wakanda

#forever? I’ll be honest, for us North American players, it’s a trek to get to Africa. But not many people know the people of Wakanda were one of the first to play roundnet. Jeff actually stole the idea after a safari he went on. People think they were protecting vibranium from the world, but it was actually the Mammoth Set. They knew before anyone the importance of defense and that’s why playing here is the best. Just a different game, and we’re here for it. 

2. Asgard 

If you thought Marino’s serving was god like, just wait until you see Loki appear behind you to receive your reverse. The game play is so elevated, STS Majors seem like pick up. It’s an experience we’ve all had, the first time playing in Asgard realizing we’ve been doing it wrong our whole lives. The only reason this isn’t #1 is because of the availability of the top players. We see Thor maybe once a year because he’s always trying to save the world or whatever. A little more consistency and Asgard would become the place to be. 

1. The Beach

Some competitive players might call us casual for this take, but so be it. A nice day, the buddies, a drink, and some roundnet is impossible to beat. Enough said.

👊 Quick Hits

Thanks for reading this week’s ridiculous rendition of the pocket. For actual news:

🧑‍🎓 Northeastern wins Northeast College Sectional; Clemson wins Atlantic Coast Sectional

🧑‍⚖️ Is this serve legal?

🐴 Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban’s biggest regret (do y’all have the Mavs or Clippers in R1?)

🍁 Roundnet Canada releases their World Championship jerseys