Flyball

What Is Flyball?

Flyball is a fast relay dog sport where two teams of four dogs race against each other over a course of four jumps, collecting a tennis ball that is released from the Flyball box at the end of the lane, and then returning back over the jumps before the next dog can go. The fastest team to have all four dogs complete the run successfully and cross the finish line win.

The aim of the sport is for each dog to run over the four jumps, trigger the box at the end of the lane, catch the tennis ball & then return over the four jumps holding the ball. Once the dogs nose has crossed the finish/start line the next dog can then be released.

Each team is made up of four dogs & handlers, a box loader, two reserve dogs & a team captain.

Informality is encouraged in this fast and fun sport but the safety of dogs, handlers and spectators is of paramount importance.

Flyball is essentially a spectator sport involving a team knockout competition. It first became popular as a sport in America and made its debut in the UK at Crufts in 1990.

Can Any Dog Take Part?

As long as your dog will retrieve a ball, you can have a go at Flyball. Your dog does not have to be a pedigree, or pure-bred dog to take part, but it must be registered with the Kennel Club on either the Breed Register or the Activity Register.

How Do I Get Started?

If you decide that Flyball is a suitable activity for you and your dog, your next step is to receive some expert training, for a list of local Flyball training clubs, call 0844 463 3980, ext. 212 or visit the Find a Club page

How Do I Compete?

Download a list of YKC Flyball Qualifiers online where you will find details of clubs that hold classes which qualify members for the YKC ring at Crufts, and read the YKC Flyball Rules & Regulations before entering any competitions.

YKC 2011 Flyball Qualifier Results