Expert Customer Support

Our team is always ready to help

Fast & Free Delivery

Rapid delivery across the UK

5-Star Rated

Based on thousands of reviews

Trusted by UK's Best

Leading supplier to UK's biggest brands

Flyball - The Everything Guide

by Richard O'Connor

Jan 17, 2023 | *8 minutes to read

Are you looking for a new activity to enjoy with your dog? Perhaps you want to help socialise your pup while providing excellent exercise that stimulates their brain, agility, and heart rate. Flyball could be your dog's new favourite pastime.

Flyball was first played by dogs and their owners in California in the 1960s until its popularity spread across the entire United States. And now this high-action competition sport is a big deal in the UK.

This article is all about flyball — offering insight into the kit you need, the rules, and how to train your pooch to participate in this super-fun pursuit.

Ready? Let’s go!

What is flyball?

Most dogs love playing fetch — and if your dog is an avid fetcher, they’ll love flyball, which is a bit like a team game of fetch with obstacles.

The big difference between fetch and flyball is that the owner doesn’t throw the ball — you have to teach your dog to run over four hurdles, trigger a spring-loaded box that ejects a ball, and then retrieve the ball back to its owner.

dog bounding over flyball hurdle

Flyball is a relay game, so it offers excellent socialisation for your dog as they team up with other dogs (and their owners). It's played in two teams of four dogs, and the quickest team to complete the circuits without errors wins.

What are the rules for flyball?

The course includes four hurdles that the team of dogs need to jump in a "fetch and return" action to complete the circuit.

One human commands the dog while another loads the flyball box, setting tennis balls into the spring-loaded mechanism throughout the game.

The dogs navigate the jumps until they reach the end of the first lap, at which stage they activate the box, which ejects the ball into the air for the dog to catch. Once the dog has the ball, they race back to the start.

As one dog crosses the starting line, the next dog begins the same course — this is called the “changeover”, “pass”, or “cross”.

Find the fully detailed list of rules at The Kennel Club.

How do you build a flyball course?

The course for this immensely fun sport needs to be 15.5m long from the box to the finish line, with the first jump at 1.8m and the following three at 3m intervals. Then it's a further 5.5m from the last hurdle to the front of the spring-loaded box.

Flyball relay course diagram

The correct flooring is essential — the dogs need high-quality ribbed foam matting, which protects their paws, hips, and knee joints. This offers excellent traction, preventing slips and slides, along with a foam base to cushion the impact of the "swimmer's turn" at the box end of the course.

You can adjust the height of the jumps depending on the size of the shortest dog competing in the game — the minimum height is 20cm, and the maximum is 40cm. The recognised standard is to set the jump at 10cm below the shoulder height of the smallest competing dog.

Flyball matting in sports hall

Does flyball have a scoring system?

Yes! Your dog earns points depending on how long the team takes to complete their circuits, allowing each pooch to build its profile towards flyball titles.

The points are allocated like this:

  • Under 32 seconds: each dog gets 1 point
  • Under 28 seconds: each dog gets 5 points
  • Under 24 seconds: each dog gets 25 points

And they can build their profiles by accumulating points:

Abbreviation Title Points needed Award

FD

Flyball Dog

20

Certificate

FDX

Flyball Dog Excellent

100

Certificate

FDCh

Flyball Dog Champion

500

Certificate

FDCh Silver

Flyball Dog Champion (Silver)

1000

Certificate

FDCh Gold

Flyball Dog Champion (Gold)

2500

Certificate

FM

Flyball Master

5000

Pin

FMX

Flyball Master Excellent

10000

Pin

FMCh

Flyball Master Champion

15000

Pin

ONYX

ONYX Award

20000

Plaque

FGDCh

Flyball Grand Champion

30000

Plaque

FGDCh 40k, 50k

Flyball Grand Champion 40k/50k accordingly

40000/50000

Plaque

Hobbes

Hobbes Award

100000

Plaque Addendum


So, not only is Flyball great fun for you and your dog, but they can win prizes. But, of course, for most dogs and their owners, it’s the taking part that’s more important than the prizes.

Is flyball good for dogs?

Flyball is excellent doggy exercise. However, participating requires training, and dogs should be 18 months old before competing in Open Flyball tournaments and 12 months old before competing in Starter competitions. 

At what age can dogs start flyball?

The name of the game is inclusivity, so as long as the dog is healthy, it can compete.

Many competing dogs are 10 years old and over, so there's no upper age as long as the dog is healthy. The only requirement is that they perfect the turning technique at the box, known as the "swimmer's turn", to minimise potential knee and hip joint impact.

What is flyball training?

The great thing about flyball is that it's suitable for all breeds and sizes — from chihuahuas to wolfhounds. But, to participate, they must have completed some basic training. That way, they'll know how to play the game and make the most of the exercise.

How do you train flyball at home?

You could, of course, join a local flyball club. But it’s a good idea to start with some basic home training.

You’ll need:

  • Some small hurdles
  • A tennis ball (or similar-sized ball)
  • Quite a lot of patience

Step 1: Teaching the Commands

The most crucial step to overcome is to teach your dog to catch the ball and hold onto it until you give them the command to drop. This is fundamental to flyball success.

You might already play fetch with your dog, using voice commands, such as “release” or “drop it”. If you do, you’re already halfway there.

Engage your dog in short “fetch” sessions each day, and when they successfully return the ball in response to your command, give them a treat. This will help them associate the act of returning with a positive outcome.

The ultimate goal is for your dog to:

  • Remain at your side when you throw the ball until you give them the command to fetch, then
  • Release the ball when they return.

Step 2: Incorporating the first hurdle

Now you have the commands fixed in your dog's head, you can introduce the jumps. And while there are four hurdles in a flyball track, we recommend starting with just one.

Lay out a small hurdle suitable for your dog’s size, then stand in front of it with your dog at your side.

Throw the ball OVER the hurdle and command your dog to fetch. The idea is to:

  1. Get your dog to fetch, as in step 1 
  2. Jump over the hurdle on the fetch AND the return, then
  3. Drop the ball at your feet

This will likely take some time — we recommend 15 minutes a day until they've learned all the steps. Remember, treats for successful completion will keep your dog focused!

Step 3: Introduce more hurdles

Your dog is probably getting the hang of it by now. So, now we can introduce a second hurdle, 1.5m away from the first. And like you did in step 2, throw the ball over the two hurdles, encouraging them to fetch, return, and drop.

At this stage, you may have to walk your dog over the hurdles a couple of times to familiarise them with the new route, offering treats as a reward for success.

And once your dog is successfully fetching, returning, and dropping while leaping over the two hurdles, you're ready to introduce another jump - until you reach four.

Now your pup is running a mini-flyball course.

Step 4: Introducing the flyball box

The final stage is to teach your dog to press on the box to release the ball.

You might not have a flyball box at home, although they're relatively inexpensive online, or you might be able to get one from your local pet shop.

But if you don't have a flyball box, now is an excellent time to join a flyball club to complete the training.

You may need to develop a voice command such as “press” while showing them the action to help your dog understand how to operate the machine.

And that’s it — you’re ready to introduce your dog to the world of flyball.

Getting started with Flyball

Flyball is great fun for you and your dog, but when playing the game indoors, you must have the correct flooring to protect their paws and joints.

Check out First Mats’ flyball case studies: Junkyard Dogs, Clyde Warriors. We've helped many flyball clubs kit their centres for safe play with high-quality flyball matting.

We hope we've inspired you to join in with this entertaining activity with your dog!

 

Explore More Topics

Buying Guides
*7 minutes to read

Colorful Classrooms: Leveraging Floor Matting and Adjustable Furniture to Create Engaging Spaces

Learning environments are evolving to meet the needs of students who think, move, and learn differently. Colourful classroom spaces that combine thoughtful design with vibrant visual elements are more than...

Read More
Buying Guides
*3 minutes to read

Entrance Mat Sizing Guide

Have you ever purchased a mat only to find it's too small to catch dirt or too large for your doorway? Selecting the right-sized mat is essential, not just for...

Read More
Buying Guides
*5 minutes to read

What Are the Most Eco-Friendly Floor Mats?

Have you ever paused at your front door and wondered if your doormat is eco-friendly?  We often focus on recycling and reducing energy use in our homes, but even a...

Read More
Buying Guides
*3 minutes to read

Which Floor Mats Can You Use Outdoors?

Have you ever stepped outside your door and slipped on a wet, ineffective mat? Or perhaps you've noticed your once-attractive mat has deteriorated rapidly after being exposed to rain and...

Read More
Buying Guides
*3 minutes to read

How to Fit a Recessed Door Mat

Recessed door mats keep your entryway tidy and safe by fitting flush with your floor. If you have an existing matwell or frame, installing coir...

Read More
Buying Guides
*4 minutes to read

Why Branded Floor Mats Are a Smart Business Investment

Have you ever considered the importance of your entrance area to your overall business image? Are you making the most of every opportunity to showcase your brand?...

Read More
Buying Guides
*3 minutes to read

5 Benefits of Using Cable Protectors

Cable protectors are a great way to ensure your cables stay safe and in place. They can be used for many everyday purposes, such as preventing tripping hazards, covering unsightly...

Read More
Buying Guides
*3 minutes to read

Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal with the Right Doormat

Have you ever walked up to a house and immediately felt like this is a house you want to own, even before even stepping inside? That first impression is...

Read More
Buying Guides
*4 minutes to read

The Versatility of Floor Mats: More Than Just the Front Door

When most people think of floor mats, the front door is the first place that comes to mind. While it’s true that entrance mats are essential...

Read More
Buying Guides
*3 minutes to read

Ergonomic Workstations: Things You Need to Know When Setting One Up

Creating an ergonomic workstation is essential for maintaining employee well-being, increasing productivity, and improving staff retention. Poorly designed workstations can lead to discomfort, musculoskeletal issues, and decreased efficiency. This guide...

Read More
Buying Guides
*3 minutes to read

How to Protect Your Hardwood Floors Using Entrance Mats

Hardwood floors add warmth and elegance to any home, but keeping them looking pristine requires careful maintenance. One of the biggest threats to hardwood flooring is the dirt and grime...

Read More
Buying Guides
*5 minutes to read

The Different Textures of Entrance Matting and Their Benefits

Entrance mats may seem like a simple addition to your home or business, but not all mats are the same. A mat's texture is crucial in how well it...

Read More
Buying Guides
*5 minutes to read

What Vegans Need to Know About Door Mats

This article has been written by our Director, Richard O’Connor, who has been exploring how well door mats can align with vegan values. As a vegetarian making more vegan choices...

Read More
Buying Guides
*4 minutes to read

6 Tips for using a Standing Desk Correctly

As people are becoming more aware of their fitness levels and ways in which they can stay healthy, standing desks have increased in popularity because those who have previously had...

Read More
Buying Guides
*4 minutes to read

5 Creative Ways to Use Your Logo on Products to Boost Brand Awareness

Businesses today compete for attention across countless platforms. Customers have more choices than ever, so brand loyalty is becoming harder to secure. In this landscape, a brand’s image needs to...

Read More
Buying Guides
*6 minutes to read

The Different Surfaces of Anti-Fatigue Matting Explained

Understanding the different surface textures of anti-fatigue matting is essential for selecting the right one for your workspace. Anti-fatigue mats come in various textures, each designed to provide specific benefits...

Read More
Buying Guides
*7 minutes to read

Industrial Matting Fact Sheet

Introduction Industrial matting plays a crucial role in maintaining safety, comfort, and efficiency in various work environments. This fact sheet provides essential information about the different types of industrial mats,...

Read More
Buying Guides
*7 minutes to read

How to keep warm at work: Cost-effective ways to beat the bills

Are you concerned about your business running costs now that energy prices have gone through the roof? Electricity prices have increased 74% for large industrial units in the past...

Read More
Buying Guides
*8 minutes to read

The Cost of Slips, Trips, and Falls to British Industry

The Cost of Slips, Trips, and Falls to British Industry Are slips, trips, and falls costing your business dearly? Is your workforce underperforming? Are you missing expertise on the floor...

Read More
Buying Guides
*6 minutes to read

4-Day Work Week in the UK - Key Facts & Statistics

The world of work has seen a lot of change since the beginning of the 2020s, and — in turn — many companies have placed employee well-being at the top...

Read More
Buying Guides
*5 minutes to read

From Nut to Mat - How Coir Matting is Made

Door mats might not stand out as being the most obvious product to boast an interesting manufacturing history, but the truth of the matter is that coir...

Read More
Buying Guides
*3 minutes to read

A Quick Guide to Storing Small Chemical Products Safely

Introduction This blog post provides a simplified guide to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) document titled 'Storing Chemical SR24 Products (small scale)'....

Read More
Buying Guides
*4 minutes to read

Executive Summary of HSE Work-Related MSDs Statistics

Executive Summary: Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Statistics in Great Britain This article provides a comprehensive summary of the key findings from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) report on work-related musculoskeletal...

Read More
Buying Guides
*4 minutes to read

Executive Summary of HSE Work-Related Fatal Injuries Statistics

Executive Summary of HSE Work-Related Fatal Injuries Statistics This article is compiled by First Mats and provides an executive summary of the

Read More
Buying Guides
*4 minutes to read

The Costs to Britain of Workplace Accidents, Injuries and Ill-Health: HSE Report Summary

An Executive Summary of the HSE Report: Costs to Britain of Workplace Fatalities and Self-reported Injuries and Ill Health Published in November 2023, this report presents the latest estimates of...

Read More
Buying Guides
*3 minutes to read

Summary of HSE Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders Statistics 2022

Executive Summary of HSE Report 2022: Key Findings on Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders This blog post provides a summary of the key findings from the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) report...

Read More
Buying Guides
*4 minutes to read

The Environmental Impact of Generator Spills and How to Mitigate Them

Generators, while vital in modern life for a variety of applications, come with certain environmental risks. When not managed properly, spills from these machines can have devastating effects on our...

Read More
Buying Guides
*5 minutes to read

How to Prevent and Clean Oil Spills in the Workplace: A Comprehensive Guide

Workplace oil spills are more than just an inconvenient mess; they present serious risks to employee safety and the environment. Several pieces of legislation in the UK, such as the...

Read More
Buying Guides
*4 minutes to read

AdBlue: Its Risks to Health and the Environment

In an era where environmental responsibility and sustainable practices take centre stage, understanding the various components of these efforts is paramount. One such component, extensively used in the automotive industry,...

Read More
Buying Guides
*3 minutes to read

The Best Colour Door Mats for People With Dementia

Dementia is a syndrome associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning, affecting memory, thinking speed, language, understanding, judgement, mood, and movement. It impacts more than 850,000 people in the...

Read More
Buying Guides
*5 minutes to read

Tips for Moving Plasterboard Safely and Efficiently

Plasterboard, also known as drywall, is a common material used in construction and renovation projects. While it's a versatile and useful material, moving plasterboard can be challenging due to its...

Read More
Buying Guides
*3 minutes to read

Understanding UDL: Uniformally Distributed Load

What Does UDL Mean? UDL, or Uniformally Distributed Load, is a term used in the field of manual handling equipment to describe the weight capacity of a particular piece of...

Read More
Buying Guides
*5 minutes to read

Bund Integrity Testing - What You Need to Know

As a responsible business owner, protecting your assets should be one of your top priorities. One approach to securing your assets is using portable bunding solutions, such as

Read More
Buying Guides
*4 minutes to read

The Complete Guide to Foam Impact Protectors: Enhancing Workplace Safety

Impact Protection Foam is a vital component in industrial environments, serving as a crucial safeguard against injuries caused by impacts with hard surfaces. Designed with a...

Read More
Buying Guides
*3 minutes to read

Rising Stress Levels in the UK and the Impact on Workers - Facts and Statistics

A recent study conducted by First Mats has highlighted the growing issue of stress among the UK population. Our survey of over 1,000 UK adults found that more...

Read More
Buying Guides
*5 minutes to read

Mats for Wudu / Ablution Areas in Mosques

Here at First Mats, we have an extensive selection of wet room matting ideal for Wudu/ Ablution areas in Mosques and other spiritual sites. The outstanding water drainage, anti-slip...

Read More
Buying Guides
*2 minutes to read

The Most Unsafe Places to Work in Britain (2023)

The Health and Safety Executive releases updated figures on workplace injuries and fatalities annually, and its latest report has...

Read More
Buying Guides
*7 minutes to read

Workplace Safety Facts and Statistics

Workplace-related injury is shockingly high in the UK. And statistics from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) show that thousands of UK workers are injured or killed on the...

Read More
Buying Guides
*5 minutes to read

A Simple Guide to ISO 14001 Certification

ISO 14001 certification is a globally recognised standard for implementing an effective environmental management system. It is designed to help organisations reduce their environmental impact, manage resources more efficiently, and...

Read More
Buying Guides
*5 minutes to read

How to Remove The Smell from Rubber Mats

Rubber mats are versatile and extremely useful in various applications, from gyms to warehouses to garage floors. They are naturally durable, flexible and have a long lifespan. However, amongst all...

Read More
Buying Guides
*8 minutes to read

Flyball - The Everything Guide

Are you looking for a new activity to enjoy with your dog? Perhaps you want to help socialise your pup while providing excellent exercise that stimulates their brain, agility, and...

Read More
Buying Guides
*6 minutes to read

How to Charge Your Electric Car if You Don’t Have a Driveway

Are you considering buying an electric car, van, or moped? If you have your own driveway, it’s easy to charge your EV — but what happens if you don’t? How...

Read More
Buying Guides
*7 minutes to read

The Importance of Doormats & How They Can Save You Money

Most of us are considering how we can save money around the home right now. But for business owners, cost-cutting has become essential to sustaining a long-term business.  And while...

Read More
Buying Guides
*5 minutes to read

How to Deal with Wet Floors in Warehouses

Did you know that slips and falls are the most significant cause of non-fatal injuries in UK workplaces? And what’s most frustrating is that most of...

Read More
Buying Guides
*6 minutes to read

Fire Safety Facts and Statistics UK

Fire safety is one of the cornerstones of health and safety – fires are among the most devastating accidents that can happen in the home or the workplace, both in...

Read More
Buying Guides
*5 minutes to read

The Best Anti-Fatigue Mats by Job Role

Anti-fatigue mats are one of the best, most cost-effective ways of improving health and safety at your premises and boosting employee productivity and engagement. There are many different available, so...

Read More
Buying Guides
*4 minutes to read

Rubber Sheet Types and Applications

Rubber sheets are used in a broad spectrum of different industries, for an equally broad range of reasons. From gaskets and seals to shock absorption and anti-vibration padding, rubber is...

Read More
Buying Guides
*5 minutes to read

The Best Matting for Kennel Flooring

The flooring you choose for your kennel will have a big impact on how much time you have to spend on cleaning and maintenance, how often you have to replace...

Read More
Buying Guides
*8 minutes to read

Manual Handling Equipment Types

Manual handling injuries are one of the most common types of injury in the United Kingdom workplace, accounting for thousands of incidents every single year. As well as the legal (and...

Read More
Buying Guides
*3 minutes to read

What does Shore A Hardness Mean?

Shore hardness scales are the way in which different materials are measured for their hardness – it allows people to accurately compare the relative hardness of different items, much as...

Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, we’re here to help

How long does delivery take?

Each product comes with a specified lead time for delivery. We'll keep you informed if there are any delays in meeting this timeline.

Typically, once you’ve finalised your order and approved the proof, it will take 4-5 business days to make and deliver your finished mat.

If my order is damaged, can I return or exchange it?

Got a problem with your order? If something's not right or you're not thrilled with the quality, just let us know within 14 days of getting it. Drop us a line, and we'll tell you what to do next—usually, it starts with you sending us a photo of the issue. Once we check that out, we'll sort you out with a refund or a new item, no fuss.

Can I get my mat delivered more quickly?

Need your item in a hurry? Just Contact us to explore the faster delivery options we might have for you!

If my custom mat is damaged, can I return or exchange it?

Got a problem with your order? If something's not right or you're not thrilled with the quality, just let us know within 14 days of getting it. Drop us a line, and we'll tell you what to do next—usually, it starts with you sending us a photo of the issue. Once we check that out, we'll sort you out with a refund or a new item, no fuss.


Expert Customer Support

Our team is always ready to help

Fast & Free Delivery

Rapid delivery across the UK

5-Star Rated

Based on thousands of reviews

Trusted by UK's Best

Leading supplier to UK's biggest brands