Hoover-Ball
Hoover-Ball was invented in 1928 by President Herbert Hoover's physician, Admiral Joel T. Boone, to keep the president fit. The sport was played nearly every morning on the White House lawn during Hoover's presidency.
A combination of tennis and volleyball using a weighted medicine ball, it's played on a court with an 8-foot net, and scoring is exactly like tennis.
Since Hoover was born right here in West Branch, there's no better place to keep his legacy alive. West Branch, Iowa hosts the Hoover-Ball National Championship Tournament each August during Hoover's Hometown Days. Teams of 3–5 players compete across Youth and Adult divisions for cash prizes and a spot on the permanent trophy at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library & Museum.
​
The National Championships are powered by West Branch Parks & Recreation!
Free Clinics with Registration!
Whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills, join us for clinics this July in West Branch before the tournament.
These optional sessions are open to all registered players. Teams don't need to attend together, as participants will be grouped and play with others in their division.
​
Wapsi Park | Wednesdays - July 15, 22, 29th
201 N 2nd St, West Branch, IA
Divisions I & II : 5:30–6:30 PM
Division III: 6:30–7:30 PM
See division details below.
Adult Hoover-Ball
Divisions: Mens and Womens.
​Registration: $20 per person. Deadline: Register by 8/7/2026.
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 7, 2026 @ 4pm
Register for the Youth Hoover-Ball Tournament by Tuesday 7/15/2026! 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.
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.