Balloon (game)

Ball game in progress

Balloon, balloon-ball or wind-ball was a game similar to the modern game of volleyball in which a leather ball would be batted by the fist or forearm to prevent it from touching the ground. The game was played in ancient Rome where it was known as follis — the Latin word for a leather bag. Such a ball made of leather was quite heavy and so protection might be used such as a leather gauntlet or wooden bracer.

Once rubber became available, modern players in Great Britain played the game with lighter balls of inflated rubber, so that younger children could play too.

See also

• Episkyros
• Handball
• Harpastum
• History of association football
• Pallone