In the ever-growing world of backyard and recreational sports, few games capture the perfect mix of creativity, teamwork, and pure fun quite like Relay Ball. Created by Zane Gardner of DeKalb Junction, New York, Relay Ball began as a simple idea to bring people together through fast-paced passing and inclusive play.
What started as a lighthearted concept in upstate New York has evolved into a fresh, fast-moving competition that’s gaining attention across the region and may soon become a staple of the national yard-game scene.
We caught up with Zane Gardner, the mind behind Relay Ball, to learn how the game was born, what makes it stand out, and why it’s quickly becoming a favorite for players of all ages.
From a Small Town to a Big Idea
“I’m from DeKalb Junction, New York,” he begins. “We play Relay Ball once a year in Northeastern New York as part of a league through Relayball USA.”
Like many great yard games, Relay Ball was born from creativity and community. The goal wasn’t just to invent a new sport it was to create something that kept everyone moving, laughing, and connecting. “I wanted to create a sport with lots of passing where everyone could have fun even in one-on-one matchups,” he explains.
For someone who’s never seen the game before, Relay Ball is best described as a mini-basketball variant with a twist. Everyone’s involved in passing the ball around. It’s fast-paced and team-driven, but at the same time, it can also be played as an individual game.
Imagine the quick reflexes of basketball combined with the free-flow creativity of handball then drop it in a casual setting that encourages laughter and teamwork. That’s Relay Ball.
One of the most unique things about Relay Ball is its flexibility. You can use almost any kind of goal. “We started with a trash-can bin, but now we use mini basketball hoops it depends on what the supervisor chooses.”
The basic rules:
- No contact it’s all about skill and movement.
- After scoring, the ball restarts from the half-court or three-point line.
- Everyone must touch the ball before a team can score (except in 1v1 games).
These rules keep the action flowing while ensuring every player stays engaged.
How to play Relay Ball and meet Zane
For newcomers, the “everyone-must-touch” rule can take a bit of getting used to. But once you get it down, teamwork becomes second nature.
“There’s no ‘I’ in team,” he says. “Everyone has to be a part of it unless you’re playing one-on-one.” The result? A game that rewards communication, strategy, and unselfish play.
Each match begins with a simple warm-up stretching, tossing the ball around, and getting loose. Then it’s game time. “Afterward, we shake hands just like in high school sports,” he says.
That mix of sportsmanship and friendly competition gives Relay Ball a nostalgic, community driven feel.
Although still growing, Relay Ball has already had some big moments. “When I debuted the Relayball Cup at my local college, that was special,” he recalls.
While the sport isn’t mainstream yet, he’s hopeful. “I’d love to see it reach the recreational or intramural level someday,” he says. “It has the energy and inclusiveness that a lot of people are looking for.”
Recently, Relay Ball has inspired a lawn-game variation known as InZane Lawnch, played as part of a larger backyard game called Lawnch. This version mixes the spirit of Relay Ball’s passing and teamwork with the open-air creativity of classic outdoor competition.
InZane Lawnch Rules
- Teams or Solo Play: Play 1v1 or 2v2, depending on space.
- Equipment: A lightweight ball, cones or markers, and a bin, hoop, or target.
- Objective: Complete a full passing sequence before “lawnching” the ball into the target. Every player must touch the ball once before scoring.
- No Contact: Defense is all about interception and positioning.
- Scoring: 1 point for a standard score, 2 points for a long-range lawnch.
- Restart: After each score, play resets from the center marker.
What makes InZane Lawnch exciting is its backyard flexibility you can play on grass, turf, or even the beach. The game emphasizes fun, creativity, and teamwork while keeping that same Relay Ball DNA of movement and inclusion.
For anyone new to these games, the advice is simple: jump in. “Don’t be shy about trying new things,” he encourages. “And spread the word that’s how it grows.”
Whether you’re hosting a backyard party, running a summer camp, or looking for a fresh addition to your intramural lineup, Relay Ball and its Lawnch variation are perfect fits. They’re fast, easy to learn, and remind everyone why they fell in love with games in the first place.
As more people discover the fun and simplicity of the game, its future looks bright. With grassroots efforts like Relayball USA and local college events helping spread awareness, the sport could soon be a staple of Yard-Game culture right alongside cornhole, bocce, and spikeball.
If you’re always looking for new ways to stay active and bring people together, give Relay Ball or InZane Lawnch a try. Grab a few friends, find a hoop or a bin, and see why these creative twists on team play might just be the next big thing in backyard sports.
Keep Score the Smarter Way
When the action heats up during Relay Ball, you can keep score easily with the Yard Game Tally Tumbler. The all-in-one tumbler that lets you track your game, stay hydrated, and never lose count. Whether you’re playing Relay Ball, InZane Lawnch, or any backyard competition, the Tally Tumbler keeps your focus on fun — not the scoreboard.