Squash meets volleyball — the 'secret' bush sport winning over new fans
In short:
"Squalleyball" or "volley squash" — depending where you hail from — is a fast-paced indoor game that combines volleyball and squash.
It is played on a squash court, allowing the ball to rebound and stay in play.
What's next?
The hybrid sport has been a secret in Cobar and Parkes for decades, but players are hoping it will find its way into other towns.
In the heart of western New South Wales, a quirky sport has been quietly thriving behind the doors of the local squash courts for three decades.
Welcome to the world of "squalleyball", if you are from Cobar, or "volley squash", if you are from Parkes.
Same game, different name, and a vital boost to the bottom line.
"It pays our rent, much more than squash," Parkes squash court manager Judy Kross said.
Part volleyball, part squash, the fast-paced game has been passed down through generations, evolving into a local institution without ever making it into the mainstream.
But who invented it remains a mystery.
Squalleyball or volley squash is a mash-up sport of volleyball and squash. (Supplied: The Cobar Weekly)
Australian first?
Squalleyball has been a Cobar staple for between 25 and 30 years, according to longtime Cobar player Colby Lawrence.
But head east for about 360 kilometres and Ms Kross will tell you she recalls playing volley squash in primary school in the early 90s in Parkes.
Which means this fast-paced fusion might just be one of regional NSW's best-kept sporting secrets.
"We claim it as ours,"Ms Kross said.
At the moment, a weekly competition draws 150 people to Parkes.
"The local high school comes to play too," Ms Kross said.
"If it was squash, they could probably bring 16 kids, but with volley squash, they can have 40 playing."
Colby Lawrence says people of all ages can play the sport. (Supplied: Colby Lawrence)
Over in Cobar, Mr Lawrence agreed it was a sport "anyone can play".
"Squalleyball is a variant of volleyball, but we play it on squash courts," he said.
"So you get to play rebounds off the wall and things like that, so it is a little bit faster-paced."
Played four-a-side, the game follows traditional volleyball rules with a few local twists.
"It's a point for point, you do not have to be serving to score a point, you cannot use your feet, and it is first to 21," Mr Lawrence said.
"You cannot touch the net or the walls on the serve, and [the ball is] never allowed to touch the roof."
Mr Lawrence said the walls meant quick reflexes were key, as the ball bounced unpredictably off painted brick.
"You have to be quick, but you do not need a lot of skill," he said.
"A bit of hand and eye coordination is probably the only thing that would be of benefit for you."
Squalleyball has been played in Cobar in western New South Wales for nearly three decades. (ABC news: Gary-Jon Lysaght )
It may have been a well-kept secret for several decades, but Mr Lawrence said he hoped the sport would spread to other towns.
"I did have a couple of colleagues who were working out here last year who said we definitely need to take it further than Cobar,"he said.