Wham-O Trac Ball Racket Game Reviews
Wham-O Trac Ball Racket Game Reviews
Other products by Wham-O Ratting 4.5 Out of 5.0 Special Offer Total New 18 Total Use 0
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Technical Details
- Action trac design- Easy throwing and catching
- Jumbo size racquet
- Includes 2 rackets and 2 special air actrion balls
- Outdoor fun for everyone
See more technical details
By M. Bressi (Philadelphia, PA)
I got my first set when I was 13 about 25 years ago. At that time the rackets were all black and the balls were orange. If you are buying because you had as a child, like I did, you'll note once you receive the set that they are very similar, the colors are a little different though. I still have my old set, but wanted to add more rackets for more people. The balls on the newer set are definitely a little thicker and a little heavier. I found it does change the way the ball flies slightly but not necessarily in a bad way, just different. The old ball being lighter spins more and curves a little better, while the new ball is better for straight shot throwing but you can still curve it pretty good with practice.
In the box:
Rackets (2 plastic rackets like lacrosse nets only hard with an interior track that helps whip the ball from the racket and direct it into the cup of the racket when catching the ball)
Balls (2 Plastic hollow balls, fairly light)
Here are the general Pros/Cons/Tips.
Pros
-Great Lacrosse Catch Type game, very fun
-Gets the kids and the adults moving around in the yard for exercise that doesn't involve the Wii, thats still enjoyable.
-Challenging to play and you can create different variations of catch games
-Create some wicked curves with the balls in every direction, I think I shattered the space-time curve continuum once.
-All ages (almost) can enjoy it.
-Something that you can start off with slow and gradually learn the different moves if you have younger players.
-Inexpensive game that provides hours of outdoor entertainment.
-Easily expandable, buy more rackets.
Cons
-Really there are none but keep in mind the following:
-If you are uncoordinated or playing with younger players you might want to take it easy at first, because the ball can be curved in extreme manners and with some velocity if you want. Therefore if you get hit in the face its going to hurt.
-If you are playing near or on concrete beware: once it hits concrete especially after a missed catch, the ball is going to be rolling for a while, if you live on a hill, well you get the idea. Watch for cars!
Game Types
Essentially the game centers around throwing the ball back and forth with the rackets. You can have a simple catch, you can play hockey and try to get into the opposing players goal(whatever you want to use), create your own variance. I suppose you could also make a tag game out of it and try to nail the other players, could be fun, do it at your own risk. Our favorite game is trying to throw the ball so the other person can't catch it. This is a point based game, where you earn a point each time the person trys and fails to catch because they missed it or it hit their racket, etc.. You can play up to 10 points with best out of 5 games or whatever. You have to set the framework in the beginning of the game though as what constitutes a missed catch, basically it has to be catchable and a honest attempt has to be made because if it hits the racket or it was a clear whiff then the other player gets a point. The honor system applies.
Playing Tips
First off be creative when throwing the ball. Using a quick whipping motion with your hand you can drag the racket across your body or downwards to create curves towards your opponent or victim(ha ha)in almost any direction. You can spin and whip your wrist at the same time putting curve and spin on the ball like English in pool. Not only does this cause some extreme curving, but the spin can make it difficult to catch by your opponent if they don't have the ball locked onto, it also makes it more likely to land in their racket and jump back out again. You can throw super high floaters straight up in the air towards your opponent as well, this can be very difficult to catch especially on a windier day, the ball moves while coming down.
Try playing at different wind level days, it can make a huge difference on how the game is played, but switch sides to be fair. You can throw direct speed shots straight-aways. Remember if you throw hard and straight without curving the ball is going to go very fast at the person and usually where you aimed, they should be coordinated enough to catch the ball or some pain could ensue. You are going to catch the ball either over or under handed (pretend the open face of the racket is your palm side) depending on what angle the ball is coming from. Underhanded is more difficult because the ball has a better chance of spinning out of the racket if your not careful, you have to let it hit the cup of the racket and move your hand up quickly to secure the ball in the cup. When the ball comes in from above if you time it correctly it should stay put but its best to cock your hand back a little once the ball is in the cup to avoid it from bouncing out. When catching it helps if you square your body with whatever direction (angle)the ball is coming from. The most challenging part of the game is when you have two skilled players throwing lots of curves because on the receiving end it can be difficult to anticipate the balls movement. Truly the ball can have some weird movements. A straight curve isn't too bad, but if there is even a little wind and all of sudden the wind drops off or picks up, then you have a fast curve coming where the ball can drop or rise 5 feet in height in a second right before it gets to you. This is where the true fun comes in, watching your opponent trying to catch a crazy throw or watching them be out of position or juggling the ball as its bouncing in their racket before an awesome reel in or as the ball ignominiously hits the ground.
Overall you and your family will love this game.
By Gary H (Las Vegas)
An absolute classic! I played TracBall as a kid and now I got to introduce it a new generation and they loved it. I didn't realize they still make this. I'm so glad I found it again! A++++++!!!
By N. Meyers (Covington, LA United States)
Ordered this for my 5 and 6 year old sons as a Christmas gift. Very impressed with how easy and fun these are. The boys were tossing and catching the ball in no time. I can see us having several hours of fun with this racket game. It will be sure to be taken with us camping, to grandma's, and anywhere else they have space for some outdoor fun. Great toy!
By Adam Lasnik (San Francisco, CA USA and http://www.bladam.com/)
My dad and I used to play Tracball when I was growing up, and our favorite time with Tracball was always at the beach! My dad and made up a sort of "dareball", where we'd both go into the ocean and throw the ball to the other at a slight angle, so that he'd have to reach or even slightly move closer to the incoming waves. And for a bit of extra devious fun, we'd often time it so that the catch would be required just a second or two before a wave was to come crashing down :D
Penalty for missing? The ball would get carried to shore, so it was kinda like Chutes and Ladders where the losing party would have to swim + trudge back to shore (or wait for a kindly stranger to throw the ball back out :D)
So what makes Tracball so much fun? Well, the rackets are pretty durable, the balls float, and the game supports beginners as well as more advanced players (who can come up with umpteen ways to have the balls curve to the side and even do last-minute dips). My dad and I also had fun trying to catch and throw with our non-dominant hands, or throw the ball while facing away from each other, and so on. Endless varieties, and in the end, lots of laughs and a ton of burned calories.
Downsides? Beware of ball-eating trees, since you can throw the balls pretty high. Oh, and -- while I thankfully never experienced this -- watch out for excited retriever dogs who could likely crunch the hollow plastic balls into oblivion. Only other downside I can think of is that you'll have everyone else on the beach jealous and wanting to play with your toy. This thing is that much fun!
By M. Bressi (Philadelphia, PA)
I got my first set when I was 13 about 25 years ago. At that time the rackets were all black and the balls were orange. If you are buying because you had as a child, like I did, you'll note once you receive the set that they are very similar, the colors are a little different though. I still have my old set, but wanted to add more rackets for more people. The balls on the newer set are definitely a little thicker and a little heavier. I found it does change the way the ball flies slightly but not necessarily in a bad way, just different. The old ball being lighter spins more and curves a little better, while the new ball is better for straight shot throwing but you can still curve it pretty good with practice.
In the box:
Rackets (2 plastic rackets like lacrosse nets only hard with an interior track that helps whip the ball from the racket and direct it into the cup of the racket when catching the ball)
Balls (2 Plastic hollow balls, fairly light)
Here are the general Pros/Cons/Tips.
Pros
-Great Lacrosse Catch Type game, very fun
-Gets the kids and the adults moving around in the yard for exercise that doesn't involve the Wii, thats still enjoyable.
-Challenging to play and you can create different variations of catch games
-Create some wicked curves with the balls in every direction, I think I shattered the space-time curve continuum once.
-All ages (almost) can enjoy it.
-Something that you can start off with slow and gradually learn the different moves if you have younger players.
-Inexpensive game that provides hours of outdoor entertainment.
-Easily expandable, buy more rackets.
Cons
-Really there are none but keep in mind the following:
-If you are uncoordinated or playing with younger players you might want to take it easy at first, because the ball can be curved in extreme manners and with some velocity if you want. Therefore if you get hit in the face its going to hurt.
-If you are playing near or on concrete beware: once it hits concrete especially after a missed catch, the ball is going to be rolling for a while, if you live on a hill, well you get the idea. Watch for cars!
Game Types
Essentially the game centers around throwing the ball back and forth with the rackets. You can have a simple catch, you can play hockey and try to get into the opposing players goal(whatever you want to use), create your own variance. I suppose you could also make a tag game out of it and try to nail the other players, could be fun, do it at your own risk. Our favorite game is trying to throw the ball so the other person can't catch it. This is a point based game, where you earn a point each time the person trys and fails to catch because they missed it or it hit their racket, etc.. You can play up to 10 points with best out of 5 games or whatever. You have to set the framework in the beginning of the game though as what constitutes a missed catch, basically it has to be catchable and a honest attempt has to be made because if it hits the racket or it was a clear whiff then the other player gets a point. The honor system applies.
Playing Tips
First off be creative when throwing the ball. Using a quick whipping motion with your hand you can drag the racket across your body or downwards to create curves towards your opponent or victim(ha ha)in almost any direction. You can spin and whip your wrist at the same time putting curve and spin on the ball like English in pool. Not only does this cause some extreme curving, but the spin can make it difficult to catch by your opponent if they don't have the ball locked onto, it also makes it more likely to land in their racket and jump back out again. You can throw super high floaters straight up in the air towards your opponent as well, this can be very difficult to catch especially on a windier day, the ball moves while coming down.
Try playing at different wind level days, it can make a huge difference on how the game is played, but switch sides to be fair. You can throw direct speed shots straight-aways. Remember if you throw hard and straight without curving the ball is going to go very fast at the person and usually where you aimed, they should be coordinated enough to catch the ball or some pain could ensue. You are going to catch the ball either over or under handed (pretend the open face of the racket is your palm side) depending on what angle the ball is coming from. Underhanded is more difficult because the ball has a better chance of spinning out of the racket if your not careful, you have to let it hit the cup of the racket and move your hand up quickly to secure the ball in the cup. When the ball comes in from above if you time it correctly it should stay put but its best to cock your hand back a little once the ball is in the cup to avoid it from bouncing out. When catching it helps if you square your body with whatever direction (angle)the ball is coming from. The most challenging part of the game is when you have two skilled players throwing lots of curves because on the receiving end it can be difficult to anticipate the balls movement. Truly the ball can have some weird movements. A straight curve isn't too bad, but if there is even a little wind and all of sudden the wind drops off or picks up, then you have a fast curve coming where the ball can drop or rise 5 feet in height in a second right before it gets to you. This is where the true fun comes in, watching your opponent trying to catch a crazy throw or watching them be out of position or juggling the ball as its bouncing in their racket before an awesome reel in or as the ball ignominiously hits the ground.
Overall you and your family will love this game.
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