Skyball…Never let it hit the ground!
Before it became the beloved bouncing ball by Maui Toys, Skyball had an earlier incarnation as a net and ball set that captured the attention of enthusiasts in the late eighties. Here's how my personal experience led me to give it a try.
During that time, I had a friend who was deeply passionate about frisbee. Every week, we would meet up at the park, engaging in friendly conversations while gracefully tossing the disc back and forth. While he honed his skills, executing impressive catches with finesse, I happily played my part by setting him up for his acrobatic displays.
One fateful day, my frisbee-loving friend arrived at our usual meeting spot, but this time he carried a peculiar contraption in his hands—the Skyball set. Intrigued, we embarked on an adventure that consumed the entire afternoon, determined to unravel the mystery of its allure. As we attempted to grasp its essence, I discovered that catching the ball in the net did possess a certain degree of amusement. However, I couldn't shake the feeling that the whole endeavor was somewhat tedious and jarring.
Skyball reminded me, in a way, of lacrosse—an observation I made despite never having played the sport myself. Yet, unlike lacrosse, it lacked the convenience of a specialized stick. As my friend grew increasingly exasperated with my inability to embrace Skyball earnestly, he decided to recruit another athletic acquaintance to join him in their Skyball sessions.
Whenever I tagged along thereafter, resigned to being a mere spectator, I found myself sitting under the shade of a tree, observing their endeavors with a mixture of confusion and amusement. They assured me that their feats were truly extraordinary, but from my perspective, their actions often appeared more comical than anything else.
Reflecting on my experience, it became apparent that the commercial for Skyball showcased a far more captivating version of the toy. The promotional materials had succeeded in portraying an exciting and awe-inspiring spectacle that I, unfortunately, failed to witness in person.
However, despite my personal reservations, it is evident that the story of Skyball didn't end there. Over time, it evolved into the iconic bouncing ball that captured the imagination of countless individuals, transcending its humble origins as a net and ball set. The subsequent success of Maui Toys' Skyball serves as a testament to the toy's enduring popularity and the ever-evolving nature of playthings in our world.
The commercial for Skyball is much cooler than the actual toy…