Motoball was derived from association football and polo, originated in France and became an official sport in the mid 1930s.

Origins

Developed in France in the 1930s from association football and polo, motoball became an official sport in the mid 1930s.

Where It Is Played

Motoball has its strongest following in France, with organized leagues also operating in other European countries.

Top Competition

The European Nations Championship is the highest level of international competition, held annually.

How Motoball Is Played

Moto-ball is played between two teams with five players on each team. Four players on each team ride motorcycles to maneuver the ball around the field, while the fifth player — the goalkeeper — protects the goal on foot without a motorcycle.

The objective is to score as many goals as possible by getting the ball into the opposing team's goal. There is an important restriction: goals can only be scored by kicking the ball with the legs, and only from outside the semi-circular restricted area in front of each goal. Riders are also prohibited from entering this restricted zone.

A match consists of four periods of 20 minutes each, for a total of 80 minutes of playing time.

Motoball is a fascinating example of how traditional sports can be reimagined through the lens of mechanized transport. Its survival as an organized competitive sport for nearly a century demonstrates a devoted community of participants, especially across Europe, who appreciate its unique blend of motorsport skill and ball-sport strategy.

Motoball at a Glance

Key Rules and Facts
Category Detail
Players per team 5 (4 on motorcycles + 1 goalkeeper on foot)
Match duration 4 periods of 20 minutes (80 minutes total)
Field Standard association football field with same-sized goalposts
Ball size 40 cm diameter (larger than a standard football)
How to score Kick ball with legs from outside the restricted area
Restricted zone Semi-circular area in front of each goal; motorcycle riders cannot enter
Origin France; became official sport mid-1930s
Top international event European Nations Championship (annual)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is motoball?

Motoball (also called Motorcycle Polo) is a team sport where players on motorcycles maneuver a large ball into the opposing team's goal, much like football/soccer. It combines elements of association football and polo and has been an organized competitive sport since the mid-1930s.

How many players are on a motoball team?

Each team has five players. Four of them ride motorcycles during play, while the fifth player is the goalkeeper, who defends the goal on foot without a motorcycle.

How long does a motoball match last?

A match is played in four periods of 20 minutes each, making 80 minutes of playing time in total, not including any stoppages or breaks between periods.

How do you score in motoball?

Goals can only be scored by kicking the ball with the legs, and only from outside the semi-circular restricted area in front of the goal. Motorcycle riders are not permitted to enter the restricted zone to attempt a goal.

Where is motoball most popular?

Motoball is most popular in France, which has a well-established league structure including the Coupe de France and Championship of France. The sport is also played in leagues across other European countries.

What is the biggest international motoball competition?

The European Nations Championship is the highest level of international competition in motoball, contested annually between European national teams.

Is the motoball the same size as a regular football?

No. The motoball is similar in appearance to a standard football but is larger, measuring 40 cm in diameter. The bigger size allows riders to control it with their feet and motorcycles more effectively during play.

References

  1. Federation of Motoball (France). (2024). "Official Rules of Motoball." French Motoball Federation.
  2. Union Européenne de Motoball. (2024). "European Nations Championship." UEM Official Publications.
  3. Fédération Française de Motoball. (2023). "Coupe de France and Championship of France." FFM Official Records.
  4. SportAccord/Global Association of International Sports Federations. (2022). "Recognised Motorsports: Motoball." GAISF Sport Directory.

Similar Sports

  • Association Football — more commonly known as Football or Soccer. It is the world's most popular sport, played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball. The game is played on a rectangular field with a goal at each end. The object is to score by using any part of the body except the arms and hands to get the ball into the opposing goal.
  • Cycle Ball — the gameplay is similar to that of association football, but is played with each player riding a bicycle.
  • Polo (Horse) — the classic equestrian ball sport from which motoball draws its name and some of its concepts.