At the Heart of Roundnet, a Sport on the Rise
Roundnet, a sport still relatively unknown to the general public, is attracting more and more players thanks to its accessibility and friendly spirit. Antoine , a DevOps engineer in Grenoble, France, and an active member of the roundnet community, shares his passion and experience with us. Meet an ambassador of a sport on the upswing !
A Recent and Accessible Sport
To start, Antoine, can you explain what roundnet is?
Roundnet is a team sport inspired by volleyball. It’s played 2 vs. 2 around a small round net placed on the ground. The concept is simple: each team has three touches, just like in volleyball, to return the ball onto the net. It’s an accessible activity that requires minimal equipment: a net, a ball, and a bit of space are all you need to have fun.
So it’s a team sport?
Exactly, although there is a 3 vs. 3 variant, official competitions are played in a 2 vs. 2 format.
A Discovery in Engineering School
How did you discover roundnet?
Like many in France, I discovered this sport during my time at engineering school, Grenoble INP – Ense3. In Toulouse, a student returning from the United States brought a roundnet set and introduced it to the INP network. At the time, this sport was just beginning to develop in France. I continued playing by joining local groups, and two years ago, we founded an association in Grenoble.
What has been your role in this association?
Although I’m not on the board, I’m one of the founding members and among the most experienced players. I help promote the sport by recruiting new players, organizing introductory sessions, and teaching the basics of the game. Today, our club has 50 active members, not counting the many players who engage with our community more informally.
The Joy of Playing and Improving
What attracted you to this sport?
At first, it was the simplicity and accessibility: a set costs between €40 and €90, and just a few square meters in a park are enough to play. But what motivates me now is both the constant opportunity for improvement and the warm atmosphere of the community. Tournaments, whether in France or Europe, allow you to meet passionate players while taking on athletic challenges.
Do you regularly participate in competitions?
Yes, I take part in national and European tournaments. In France, there are six major competitions each year, including individual and team championships. In Europe, I’ve already competed in Bologna and Bern, and the atmosphere is always fantastic.
What are your results?
I currently compete in the advanced division, the second-highest level nationally. My goal is to improve and join the elite division, the highest level in France, by 2025. I’m currently among the top 100 French players.
Memorable Moments and Future Prospects
What has been your most memorable moment in roundnet?
Our performance at the French Club Championships in 2023 is an unforgettable memory. Despite the recent start of our Grenoble association, we managed to achieve 5th place — a true feat against well-established clubs. This result was a tremendous source of pride for the whole team and marked an important milestone in our club’s history.
How do you see the future of roundnet?
This sport is growing rapidly. In France, there are currently 800 licensed players, and we expect 1,500 next year, with a potential to reach 4,000 or 5,000 players in the near future, similar to Germany. I believe we’ll soon see regional leagues that will further structure the sport. In Grenoble, we are already involved in organizing tournaments and have partnered with local authorities to secure suitable venues.
Tips for Getting Started
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start?
Roundnet is very accessible. In most major cities, there are associations or informal groups. You just need to look on social media to find them. Once there, you don’t need to be an expert: you’ll quickly learn and have fun from the very first games.
Do you need specific equipment?
A net and some balls are enough to get started. If the ground is uneven, cleats can be helpful, but regular sportswear is perfectly fine.
And in Grenoble, how can people try roundnet?
We organized an introductory session for ADVANS Group employees two months ago, which brought together about twenty colleagues. Another session is planned for March, and we hope to organize these regularly in the future.
A Sport to Watch
Antoine is convinced that roundnet is only just beginning to take off in France. Between competitions, training sessions, and introductory events, he dedicates nearly seven hours a week to it. His contagious passion makes you want to give it a try!
