Headis

Headis is a mix of table tennis and the heading of football. It is played at a regular table tennis table so it combines tactical elements of table tennis and the legwork of tennis. The sport Headis was invented in 2006 by the at that time sport student René Wegner. By this time there are international tournaments, World and European Championships and an estimated number of players of 80,000. In 2008 the first Headis World Cup Tournaments were hosted. In 2016 there were eleven World Cup Tournaments with more than 1,000 competitors. Every year there are ten to twelve tournaments that are the base for the Headis World Championship.

Rules and gameplay: Two players play at a regular table tennis table and the ball must only make contact with the head. The table, however, can be touched by any part of your body. Playing a volley is allowed as well. After every ball played you have to touch the ground before heading the next ball. Sets are played to eleven (11) points, with the exception that players must win by two (2) points. Games are decided by best of three (3) sets.

Equipment:

• Table tennis table: Headis is played at a regular table tennis table. The measurements are the same. As the Headis ball is heavier than a table tennis ball the net is made of metal so it is more stable.
• Headis ball: Headis is played with a special ball. It consists of rubber, weighs about 100 grams (3.5 oz) and has a circumference of 50 centimetres (20 in). 

Tournament Series: Every year there are ten to twelve Headis World Cup Tournaments held. The results of these tournaments make the Headis World Ranking.

1. World Championship: The annual Headis World Championship is the most important tournament all year. It is the only tournament with unlimited players and it affects the World Ranking more than every other tournament. At the World Championship 2016 there were players from 12 nations.
2. European Championship: Since 2015 a European Championship (EC) is hosted. The EC is the only tournament where men and women play the same competition. In 2015 four countries competed: Germany, Czech Republic, Switzerland and Belgium. In 2016 the Dominican Republic joined the tournament as well. The EC doesn’t affect the World Ranking.
3. Headis Masters: Since 2011 the annual Headis Masters is hosted. The 18 best men and the eight best women of the last calendar year qualify for it. The starting field is completed by two wildcards each.

The sport is popular in other countries than Germany as well. There are official partners in Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, the Dominican Republic, China, Australia and Japan.