Hoover-Ball
Hoover-Ball was invented by President Herbert Hoover’s personal physician, Joel T. Boone to keep the president fit. It is a combination of tennis and volleyball that uses a weighted medicine ball. Teams of up to five people play on a court with an 8-foot volleyball net. A 4- or 6-pound medicine ball is used and scoring is exactly like tennis. The sport originated in 1928 and was played by Hoover and other VIP's on the White House lawn nearly every morning during his Presidency. It is now a popular CrossFit activity across the nation and a beloved part of Hoover's Hometown Days. West Branch, Iowa, proudly hosts the Hoover-Ball National Championship Tournament each August.
The National Championships are powered by West Branch Parks & Recreation!
Adult Hoover-Ball
Divisions: Mens and Womens.
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Registration: $20 per person. Must register by 7/31/25. No onsite registration this year! Each team member must register individually. Teams must have 3 to 5 players to be eligible to play.
Prizes in Each Division:
1st Place - $200 Cash, Medals, and team member names on the trophy that is permanently displayed at the Herbert Hoover Museum & Library!
2nd Place - $150 Cash & Medals!
3rd Place - $100 Cash & Medals!
Youth Hoover-Ball
Youth Tournament: Friday, August 8, 2025 @ 4pm
Register for the Youth Hoover-Ball Tournament by Tuesday 7/22/2025! Register as an individual and note your Team Name on the registration form. Every participant receives a t-shirt and winners will be awarded individual medals.
Youth Divisions:
Division I
Students entering grades 4 and 5. Teams are Co-Ed.
Division II
Students entering grades 6 and 7. Teams are Co-Ed.
Division III-F
Female students entering grades 8 and 9. Division III-M and III-F could be combined based on numbers.
Division III-M
Male students entering grades 8 and 9. Division III-M and III-F could be combined based on numbers.
Youth Hoover-Ball Camp:
Youth Hoover-Ball Camp is a free and fun way to build skills, learn the rules, and practice before the tournament. ​ Attend as many or as few camp dates as you'd like:
Div. I and Div. II Camp Dates: 5:30-6:30 PM on July 16, 23, and 30.
Div. III Camp Dates: 6:30-7:30 PM on July 16, 23, and 30.
Camp location and more information will be provided via email closer to the dates.
West Branch Parks & Recreation Department is proud to coordinate and execute the annual Hoover-Ball National Championship Tournaments as a cornerstone event of Hoover's Hometown Days festival. Working in close collaboration with the festival committee, P&R ensures this unique sport—inspired by President Herbert Hoover himself—continues to thrive as both a local tradition and national competition.
Beyond this signature event, the West Branch Parks & Recreation Department is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all West Branch residents through the development and maintenance of beautiful parks, accessible trails, and diverse recreational activities for community members of all ages.