VX (sport)

Timothy Malingha, first V2 African Nations Champion who won the inaugural tournament in 2012 and went on to retain his title in 2013

Tom Hildreth in action against Scott Snowdon in the 2013 V2 World Cup Final. Tom became the first player to retain the title

V2 Youth World Champion Tom Brown (in red) in action against Liam Leckenby in the 2013 V2 Youth World Cup Final

External Awards 2012: VX player Tom Hildreth who was awarded the honour of being an Olympic Torchbearer as a direct result of his achievements in the sport and his community work within the sport

VX is a sport that originated in the United Kingdom in the early 21st century. Combining elements of dodgeball, lacrosse, and badminton, VX is known for its unique blend of skills and strategies. The sport is played with a VstiX, a stick with a stringed pocket at each end, used to catch and throw a double-skinned, soft, low-bounce rubber ball. The main objective of VX is to score points by hitting opponents with the ball or scoring goals in a net or target area, depending on the version of the game being played.

History

VX was developed as a non-traditional sport with the aim of promoting physical fitness and inclusivity. It quickly gained popularity in the UK and has since spread to various other countries, including the United States, India, and Italy. The sport's governing body, the International VX Federation (IVXF), was established to standardize rules and promote VX worldwide.

Gameplay

VX can be played in two main formats: V2 (singles or doubles) and V10 (team VX).

V2

In V2, players compete individually or in pairs in a defined area, with the aim of hitting their opponent(s) with the ball using their VstiX. Points are awarded for successful hits and for defensive plays, such as catching the ball.

V10

V10 is the team version of VX, played on a larger field. Each team consists of five players, and the objective is to score points by throwing the ball into a goal or target area. Physical contact is minimal, making the sport accessible to a wide range of participants.

Equipment

The primary equipment used in VX includes:

• VstiX: A lightweight stick with a stringed pocket at each end.
• VX Ball: A double-skinned, soft, low-bounce rubber ball designed specifically for the sport.

Rules

The rules of VX emphasize fair play, sportsmanship, and safety. Key rules include:

• Players must not make physical contact with opponents.
• The ball must be caught and thrown within a few seconds of possession.
• Points are scored by hitting opponents (in V2) or scoring goals (in V10).

Competitions

VX has a growing competitive scene, with national and international tournaments being held regularly. The IVXF oversees world championships and works with national bodies to promote the sport at all levels.

Popularity and Growth

Since its inception, VX has seen a steady increase in popularity. Its appeal lies in its accessibility, minimal equipment requirements, and the fact that it can be played by people of all ages and skill levels. The sport has also been recognized for its potential to improve physical fitness, coordination, and teamwork skills.