Oceanside Resident Creates New Zone Ball Game

Play ball! Zone Ball that is. Oceanside's Steve Strangio has created a new, non-contact, co-ed sport that centers around a 6-inch inflatable ball.

Here's how to play:

The ball - which players can palm- is passed around. The Zone Ball is advanced by passing and dribbling. Players can stop and start while dribbling. They can also bounce the ball up, down, backwards or forwards. The object is to score in the center goal. Points are scored in zones, starting from the center (1, 2 or 3 points are awarded). Defense is non-contact. The ball can only be blocked or intercepted.

According to the website, "Zone Ball is a fast-paced non-contact sport that can also be adapted to inline skates and wheelchair athletes."

This Saturday, folks can try a game for free at the South Shore Sports Complex in Oceanside. Game starts at 8 p.m.

Ages high school and up are welcome to attend. Teams and leagues are forming.

(Editor's note: Steve Strangio is a former freelance videographer for Patch.)