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IMPCT Weekly
Teqball
Have you ever come across a video on social media of footballers playing table tennis, but instead using a football on a strange curved table? It looks like a fun way to end training, but here's the surprising part: this "training game" has grown into a professional sport in its own right. Teqball is now played competitively across the globe, complete with world championships, international rankings and elite athletes. So how did a simple idea dreamt up by footballers become one of sport's fastest-growing success stories?
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IMPCT Weekly
Origins
The story begins in Hungary, where former professional footballer Gabor Borsanyi became frustrated that football training didn't always recreate the unpredictability of a real match. Alongside computer scientist Viktor Huszar and entrepreneur György Gattyan, he developed a curved table that would return the ball consistently while encouraging better technique, control and creativity. The curved surface wasn't just a design choice—it forced players to adapt to different angles and trajectories, helping improve first touch, balance and decision-making. Professional football clubs quickly recognised its value, using Teqball as an engaging alternative to repetitive drills. Before long, videos of elite players producing outrageous rallies and tricks began spreading across social media, introducing millions of fans to a sport they didn't even realise existed.
The Wild World of the Van Gogh Truthers
In 1990, after years of practicing medicine and reviewing Van Gogh’s case history via his hundreds of letters, Arenberg published a paper in JAMA diagnosing Van Gogh as suffering not from epilepsy, as the artist’s physician claimed a century earlier, but from Ménière’s disease, an inner-ear affliction that can cause vertigo, of which Van Gogh complained, and tinnitus, a persistent ringing in the ears. Ménière’s, to Arenberg, could better explain Van Gogh’s decision to slice off his ear. After retiring, in 2017, Arenberg recommitted himself to studying Van Gogh and became convinced that art historians had made an even more alarming mistake: Van Gogh had not committed suicide. He’d been murdered.
Read the article for free on Air Mail, a lively digital read for the world citizen, with stories both foreign and domestic that you won’t find anywhere else, written by some of the world’s finest journalists.
Visibility
This online exposure proved to be the spark Teqball needed. What started as a football training tool soon developed its own competitive identity. National federations were established around the world, international tournaments attracted players from every continent, and the sport found a place in major multi-sport events such as the European Games. While football icons helped generate the early buzz, today's biggest names in Teqball have built careers dedicated entirely to mastering the sport. It's now played in countries as diverse as Thailand, Brazil, Romania, Poland and across much of Africa, showing that its appeal goes far beyond football's traditional heartlands. The sport continues to push towards greater international recognition, with long-term aspirations of one day earning a place on the Olympic programme.
IMPCT Weekly
Thailand vs Brazil : A MUST Watch
Want to have a brief glimpse into the levels this sport has reached already? Check out the video below, as well as TEQ TV’s YouTube channel to explore the world of Teqball further.
For The Future
Perhaps that's what makes Teqball such an intriguing story. It didn't set out to replace football or compete with it; instead, it carved out an entirely new lane by borrowing something millions of people already loved. In an era where new sports often struggle to gain attention, Teqball has quietly built a global community through innovation, accessibility and a steady stream of spectacular moments that are almost impossible not to watch twice. The next time you spot a footballer volleying a ball across a curved table, remember that you're not just watching a training exercise, you're watching a sport that's still writing its own history. The question is, how much bigger can it get?
IMPCT Weekly
Has This Sport Peaked Your Interest?
Where to Watch?
1. YouTube
"Teqball" (Official) or TEQ TV for full World Series matches, World Championships, spectacular rallies and beginner-friendly rule explainers.
"FITEQ" for international tournament coverage, player interviews and behind-the-scenes content from the world's biggest Teqball events.
Search "Teqball Best Rallies" to see some of the sport's most incredible points and understand why it's become such a social media favourite.
2. Instagram
@teqball for highlights, trick shots, tournament updates and the latest news from around the world.
@fiteq for official international competition coverage, athlete features and rankings.
Follow some of the sport's top players, including @blazsovicsadam, @abanikinga and @aeszti, to see how the world's best train and compete.
3. Official Websites
Visit the Teqball website to learn the rules, discover upcoming competitions and explore the sport's continued global expansion.
The FITEQ (International Federation) website is the best place to follow international rankings, national federations and major events throughout the year.
Want to Try Yourself?
1. Learn the Basics
Start by understanding the core rules, scoring system and serving technique.
The official YouTube channel has beginner tutorials that make learning the game quick and accessible.
2. Find a Table
Many football clubs, universities, sports centres and community venues now have Teqball tables available.
If there isn't one nearby, keep an eye out as more facilities continue to install them each year.
3. Build Your Ball Control
You don't need to be a football expert to enjoy Teqball, but practising simple touches, juggling and passing will help build confidence.
Focus on consistency before trying the spectacular rallies you see online.
4. Play With Others
Teqball is most enjoyable with a partner.
Whether you're playing singles or doubles, regular rallies are the fastest way to improve your reactions, technique and tactical awareness.
5. Train Consistently
Even 20–30 minutes a couple of times each week can dramatically improve coordination, first touch and overall control.
Like many skill-based sports, steady progress beats occasional marathon sessions.
6. Join the Community
Check your national Teqball federation, local sports clubs or football organisations to find beginner sessions and local tournaments.
The Teqball community is still growing, making it a great time to get involved while the sport continues to establish itself around the world.
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