ROTHERHAM FLYBALL TEAMS

Welcome to the home of

ROTHERHAM ROCKETS

FLYBALL TEAMS

SPONSORED BY VITALIN PET FOOD

“Britain’s fastest growing dog sport!”

Based in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, the Rotherham Rockets Flyball Team was formed in September 2007 to bring Flyball to Rotherham to allow more people to enjoy and take part in this fast paced sport for both owner and dog. Currently we run two racing teams and also welcome new members to join and try out the sport. The majority of the team members are from in and around the Rotherham area.

Our training sessions take place on Saturday or Sunday afternoons depends on racing commitments, both for the starter dogs and the racing team dogs.  Our experienced team member Amanda who is our trainer will help out with the training of the new starter dogs. We  compete all year round Easter threw to October is the outdoor season most competition’s run a starter competition and hopefully new dogs will progress to actual racing teams during next summer Flyball is a great way of meeting people who love dogs. As the season progresses and tournaments take place more often then team members will stay over for the weekend, usually camping. Although the majority of dogs that are seen competing in the sport are Border Collies and Working Sheep Dogs we actively encourage owners of other breeds and crossbreeds to take part in the sport. If your dog likes to play with a ball, are active and sociable then you have the makings of flyball dog.

If you like the sound of this fantastic sport and want to try it with your dog then please contact us for further details. andy@rotherhamflyballteams.co.uk

 What is it Flyball?   Invented in California in the late 70's; Flyball is a relay race for 4 dogs. The course is 51 foot in length consisting of a starting line, with electronic lights and timing device 4 hurdles and a spring loaded box witch holds a tennis ball. The dogs jump the hurdles and steps on to the box, thus triggering the release of a tennis ball. The dogs catch it, turn, and scurry back over the 4 hurdles. As the dog returns across the start line; the next dog then races down the first team to have all 4 dogs run without errors wins the heat. Teams compete against each other at tournaments which are usually organized in a round robin format.  The hurdles'heights are dependent on the height of the dogs in the team - 4" below the shoulder height of the shortest dog. 7" is the minimum height and 14" is the maximum