Volleybird Is Poised for Takeoff as Next Hit Game

For back yard or beach fun this summer, consider Volleybird, a game new to the United States (the version called Pateka long has been played in Brazil).

Volleybird is a brightly colored shuttlecock slapped with the hand--sort of like badminton without a racket. Its American developer, Scot Morris, a psychologist and writer in Del Mar, first saw the game in South America in 1986 and decided to fashion it into several models and market it in the United States.

His standard sport Volleybird has 6-inch colored feathers and a rubber-padded striking surface at the end. There are seven different models, all made in Brazil.

To play, two or more people stand at prearranged distances and bat the Volleybird back and forth. The object is to keep it in the air as long as possible. Or, Morris says, players can use it on a volleyball court, ensuring that the birdie clears the net.

“It’s one of the simplest action games ever,” Morris explains, “and a game people seem to pick up immediately. It’s a very appealing game to people who aren’t athletes. . . . By the time they’ve hit back and forth a few times, people, non-athletes, say, ‘Hey, I can do this. This is fun.’ ”

Volleybird is available nationwide in selected sporting goods, toy and gift stores. To find the outlet nearest you or to order, call (800) 523-1776. The models range in price from $4 for one a small child can use to $11.95 for a larger one for adults.