Simply, Roundnet is a ball game, usually played by 2v2 teams, but can be played 3v3. The object of the game is to hit the ball in such a manner that the opposing team cannot return it. Much like volleyball, pickleball or tennis.
Players take turns to serve a softball-sized ball onto a circular, trampoline-like net on the floor. Like volleyball, the opposing team has three hits to return the serve to the net, where the opposing team equally have three touches to return the ball. Play continues like this until one team is unable to return the ball, whereupon the winners of that round score a point.
Play can be extremely fast, requiring a lot of running in short bursts to retrieve the ball before it hits the ground.
One of the benefits of Roundnet is it requires very little equipment and space. It's typically played with service lines but no outer boundaries lines, so can be played in any park or even beach. However, we do recommend a soft playing surface as enthusiastic players are fully committed to retrieving the ball, even if that means diving and late lunges.
How did you get into Roundnet?
Totally by accident... a happy one! I was in Romania with my wife, and we received an invitation to our friend’s birthday party.
It was taking place in an adventure park where we also played other games amongst which was Roundnet! I fell in love immediately!
How did you get into Roundnet?
Totally by accident... a happy one! I was in Romania with my wife, and we received an invitation to our friend’s birthday party.
It was taking place in an adventure park where we also played other games amongst which was Roundnet! I fell in love immediately!
How did you first find you had a passion for Roundnet?
From the very beginning, I was fascinated. It felt so different, interesting, dynamic and fun that I picked it up immediately, although it required a different type of practice than badminton, running 360 degrees and hitting the ball with the hand, not a racket.
To be honest, I’m a natural learner when it comes to sports. Soon, Roundnet became my main sport and I was keen to improve. Once I got back to London, I looked up some clubs which were extremely scarce due to the novelty of the sport in Europe at the time (a few months before the pandemic). Looking back, I think Roundnet has helped me navigate those difficult times because I could still practice sport when the restrictions were in place.
What is it you enjoy the most?
I enjoy the fun it brings and the synergy of skills it requires. It’s strategic, varied and spectacular at the same time, especially when you engage with high level players. Also, it’s challenging, pushing my limits and showing me how intelligent, intuitive and capable the human body is.
What’s it like competing internationally representing your country and taking part in both Roundnet World Championships so far?
It honors and humbles me at the same time to know I’m one of the pioneers of Roundnet in Great Britain, being at the grassroots of this sport and one of the founding members of the biggest club in the UK, London Roundnet Club.
From there, Roundnet has taken me places. I’ve been travelling a lot in three years, participating in many European Tour Championships and Spikeball Challenger events in over 20 different countries.
The highlight of my performance was taking part in the first Roundnet World Championships in 2022 (Belgium) and 2024 (London). This year we secured 11th place as country and 5th in the mixed individual event. It was challenging, but a great opportunity to stretch and learn where we need to improve. The whole atmosphere was incredible and I’m so grateful.
How do you relax and unwind when you’re not competing or training?
I enjoy cooking delicious Pakistani recipes with a twist, spending time with friends and family, playing boardgames, watching TV and different series, travelling and discovering new places, cultures and especially.... yummy food.
Does Roundnet help in your everyday life?
Yes, it keeps me young, fit and healthy. Apart from this, Roundnet has widened my social circles and I’ve met some of the nicest people through the sport. I also think it made me a better person, more resilient, understanding, empathic, supportive - more of a team player. I’m still competitive, but this doesn’t override my human side anymore. Now I can play intensely, yet also enjoy and accept my own or my partner’s mistakes with a lighter heart. This also positively impacted my marriage, as we often play competitions together.
What specialised training or equipment do you need to take part?
In terms of training, Roundnet requires endurance, adaptability, quick but calculated reactions, intuition and capacity to predict the other teams’ shots, great communication with the partner, etc. Training is usually focused on developing skills such as setting, hitting, defense, ambidexterity and athleticism. Regarding equipment, one needs a Roundnet kit, usual sport clothes and football boots.
How has the CSSC funding benefited you?
I was very fortunate and thankful for receiving CSSC funding because I was able to cut down some of the costs for participating in the second World Championship (2024). It helped me pay for some coaching sessions and general costs during the tournament.
What’s your favourite CSSC benefit?
Apart from participating at the biggest Roundnet event of the year, I’ve used my membership to visit the beautiful Kew Gardens with my wife, who loves everything about nature. Although I’m not a nature walking enthusiast, seeing her happy and spending some quality time together in the open air was great.
If you’d like to give Roundnet a go, we recommend looking it up on YouTube to see what’s involved. If this piques your interest, why not get in touch with your CSSC Local Area Association to organise a local experience day. CSSC might even be able to fund the hire or purchase of equipment for a workplace activity. And who knows, you too could be representing Great Britain in the 2026 World Championships like Faisal.