Boulderball brings the movements and decisions of bouldering together in a compact dexterity game. The player holds the ball freely in the air and follows a route across the different climbing holds. Each move requires attention. The ball cannot be put down and the next hold must be planned in advance.
The ball is supplied as a puzzle in a box and consists of separate parts that the player assembles before playing. Building the ball is the first challenge before the finger climbing begins. Its compact size makes Boulderball easy to carry and play in different places.
A route card shows the order in which the holds must be used. In the classic game, the player starts with two fingers on the starting holds. A third finger is then placed on the next hold and the player releases the first finger. This movement is repeated until the route is complete. Beginners can practise with four fingers first.
The route cards provide different challenges. Finger coordination, spatial awareness and concentration come together during play. The player reads the route, thinks several moves ahead and looks for a stable solution at every step. Continuously holding the ball and moving from hold to hold trains finger coordination. It also exercises grip and finger strength.
No climbing experience is needed to start playing Boulderball. Bouldering enthusiasts will recognise the process of reading holds and planning movements. Other players can use the ball as a tactical puzzle solved with the hands. Boulderball therefore appeals to climbers as well as people who enjoy dexterity games.
Boulderball can also be used as a fidget toy. The ball can be held, turned or used to follow a route during a phone call, meeting or focused task. This keeps the hands moving while the game also requires attention and dexterity.
Boulderball was developed by South Tyrolean climbers Joachim Schrott and Dieter Oberrauch and is made in Italy. Immenz supplies the original version of Boulderball with its route cards and parts.
The game concept is immediately visible and easy to demonstrate. This makes Boulderball relevant for toy shops, game shops, outdoor retailers, climbing centres and gift shops looking for a compact dexterity game for teenagers and adults. Immenz supplies Boulderball to retailers in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Boulderball is recommended from age 9. From this age, players generally have the manual dexterity, finger coordination and concentration needed to follow the routes according to the rules.
Not suitable for children under 3 years.
The age limit of 3 years follows product safety requirements. The recommendation from age 9 is based on the skills needed to play the game.
