BFA Flyball Box

Flyball is a very fast dog sport consisting of two teams of four plus two reserve dogs, which race against each other over identical courses. Each of the four dogs in turn has to jump over a line of 4 hurdles & trigger the box which then releases the tennis ball. The dog then returns over the jumps carrying the ball. When the 1st. dog's nose crosses the start/finish line, the next dog can go. Under BFA rules the height of the jumps must be between 7" and 14" - depending on the height of the smallest dog in the team.

BFA flyball is a fast team sport which originated in North America more than 15yrs. ago.

Four dogs participate in any one leg, although the two reserve dogs are permitted to be swapped between legs. A race usually consists of three or five legs. Two teams race against each other & it is the fastest "clear" team that wins the leg.

RACING LANES

The dimensions are very important. : 6' from the start line to the first jump. 10' between jumps and 15' from the last jump to the front of the flyball box. Markers are placed at intervals back from the start line so as to enable the handlers to judge the changeovers which are a very important part of the race.

THE BOX

The BFA box is totally different to the Flyball boxes seen at Crufts. The curved front boxes have thick rubber padding on them to absorb the impact when the dogs hit them at speed. BFA boxes can vary in styles - some having 1, 2, or 3 holes for the ball to be loaded depending on which way each individual dog turns at the box.

BALLS

Standard unpunctured tennis balls are used in Flyball although smaller balls are acceptable for the smaller breeds of dogs.

CHANGEOVERS

As speed is of the essence in Flyball, it is important that the dogs cross nose to nose on the start line. It take a great deal of practice to build up the dogs confidence on the changeovers & for the handlers to know from what distance to let the dog go.