What is Flyball?
Flyball is a fast‑paced team sport for dogs that combines everything they love: running, jumping, chasing a ball, and working with their humans. In a race, teams of four dogs run one after another over a line of jumps, hit a spring‑loaded box that fires out a tennis ball, grab the ball, and race back over the jumps so the next dog can go. First team to get all four dogs over the finish line cleanly wins.
This guide is written for curious dog owners, new flyballers, and anyone who has seen the sport at a show and wondered, “What on earth is going on?”
What Is Flyball?
We’ll walk through what flyball is, how a race actually works, which dogs can take part, the benefits and safety considerations, and how to get started with your own dog.
Flyball is a relay race between two teams of dogs. Each team usually has:
4 competing dogs in the ring at a time (plus reserves).
4 hurdles set in a straight line down a 51‑foot (about 15.5 m) lane.
1 flyball box at the end of the lane, which the dog hits with their paws to release a tennis ball.
Each dog, one after another:
Sprints over the four jumps.
Hits the box so it fires the ball.
Catches or scoops the ball.
Races back over all four jumps with the ball.
As soon as one dog crosses the start/finish line on the way back, the next dog in that team is released. The team that gets all four dogs over the line with no errors, in the fastest time, wins that leg of the race.
Different leagues around the world (like BFA, UKFL, NAFA, UFLI and others) use slightly different rules, but the core idea is always the same: a clean, fast relay where dogs race side by side.
How a Flyball Race Works (Step by Step)
The Course
A standard flyball course has:
Two lanes side by side so teams can race head-to-head.
A shared start/finish line where handlers stand with their dogs.
Four jumps spaced evenly down each lane.
A flyball box at the end of each lane, angled so the dog can hit it, collect the ball, and turn back.
Standard Course Measurements
Exact measurements can vary slightly by league, but a typical course is:
About 15.5m (51 feet) from the start/finish line to the box.
The first jump around 1.8m from the start line.
The next three jumps roughly 3m apart.
Around 5.5m from the final jump to the front of the box.
The jump height is set from the team’s height dog (the smallest dog running in that line-up), so mixed-size teams can compete fairly without over-facing smaller dogs.
The Relay
During a race:
Dog 1 is released towards the first jump as the start lights count down.
They jump all four hurdles, trigger the box, grab the ball, and race back.
As Dog 1 crosses the finish line, Dog 2 is released so they pass nose-to-nose around the start/finish line.
The pattern repeats for Dogs 3 and 4.
This hand-off between dogs is called the pass (or changeover). Tight, clean passes – where the dogs cross as close as possible without an early start – are a huge part of getting fast team times.
Heats, Legs and Divisions
Racing is usually organised into:
Heats – match-ups between two teams.
Legs – individual races within that heat (for example, best-of-3 or best-of-5 legs).
Divisions – groups of teams with similar seed times, so you race against teams of similar speed.
This structure means there’s space for everyone, from beginner teams learning the ropes to the fastest teams in the world.
Scoring, Points and Titles
In most leagues, dogs earn lifetime points every time they run in an official, clean race at a sanctioned tournament. Those points add up over their career and unlock a series of titles
The exact system depends on the organisation:
In North America (NAFA), dogs work through titles such as Flyball Dog (FD), Flyball Dog Excellent (FDX), Flyball Dog Champion (FDCh), Flyball Master (FM), Flyball Master Excellent (FMX), Flyball Master Champion (FMCh), ONYX and Flyball Grand Champion (FGDCh) as they reach higher point bands.
In the British Flyball Association (BFA), dogs earn certificates at 1,000, 3,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 15,000 points, and then “Milestone” certificates and awards from 20,000 points upwards. Those milestone levels are linked to named awards (such as Silver, Gold, Ice Blue Moon, Sapphire, Emerald and others) in the BFA’s current awards scheme.
The overall idea is the same: the more clean runs your dog completes at competitions, the more points they earn and the further they climb through the title levels.
> Want the full breakdown? > Check out our [Flyball Titles & Points Guide](/flyball-titles-and-points) for league-by-league tables and infographics.
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
40000/5000
Plaque
Hobbes
Hobbes Award
100000
Plaque Addendum
For detailed, official rules and scoring, your national governing bodies (for example, The Kennel Club, BFA, UKFL, NAFA, UFLI, AFA and others) publish rulebooks on their sites.
Faults and Re-runs
If something goes wrong, that dog may have to run again at the end of the line-up. Common faults include:
The dog misses a jump.
The dog drops the ball before crossing the finish line.
A false start (released too early) or an early pass.
The dog interferes with another dog or crosses into the other lane.
At the end of the leg, if any dogs have faults, those dogs run again. The winner is the first team to complete four clean runs.
A Brief History of Flyball
Flyball is a relatively young dog sport. It grew out of scent hurdle racing in Southern California in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when trainers began experimenting with having dogs run over jumps to fetch tennis balls. One of those trainers, Herbert Wagner, is often credited with inventing the first flyball box and later demonstrating the sport on national television, which helped it spread.
From there, flyball clubs formed and early competitions appeared. The North American Flyball Association (NAFA) was founded in the 1980s to standardise rules and sanction tournaments, and other organisations followed around the world. Today, there are dedicated leagues in the UK, Europe, North America, Australia, South Africa and beyond, with major events attracting hundreds of teams.
Why People and Dogs Love Flyball
Flyball looks chaotic from the sidelines, but it’s incredibly rewarding for both dogs and humans. Some of the big reasons people fall in love with it:
Flyball gives dogs a full‑body workout:
Sprinting down the lane.
Jumping over hurdles.
Pushing off the box and turning sharply back.
Done sensibly and at an appropriate level for the dog, it can help build muscle, improve cardio fitness, and keep them at a healthy weight.
2. It Works Their Brains, Too
Flyball isn’t just running fast in a straight line. Dogs must:
Remember a sequence of behaviours.
Stay focused despite barking dogs, crowds and movement.
Make quick decisions (for example, finding the ball if it bounces).
That mental challenge can be as tiring as the physical work and is brilliant for dogs who easily get bored.
3. Teamwork and Bonding
You and your dog are part of a team. You’ll:
Train together week after week.
Learn to read each other’s body language.
Celebrate new personal bests (PBs) and milestone achievements.
All of this builds trust and strengthens your relationship. For people, there’s also the social side: friends, road trips, camping at shows, late‑night ring parties, and a community of equally dog‑obsessed teammates.
4. Suitable for Many Dogs
Because jump heights are based on the smallest dog on the team, tiny dogs can contribute just as much as their larger teammates. Flyball is open to crossbreeds and pedigree dogs alike.
While the very fastest teams are often made up of high‑drive breeds like Border Collies, Whippets and their crosses, many different breeds and mixes play and enjoy the sport.
Which Dogs Can Play Flyball?
Breed and Size
In general, any healthy dog who enjoys chasing a ball and working around other dogs can learn flyball.
You’ll often see:
High‑energy working and herding breeds.
Sighthounds and sighthound crosses.
Smaller dogs acting as height dogs.
But you’ll also find plenty of rescue mixes and unexpected breeds taking part. A good club will assess each dog as an individual.
Most leagues set a minimum competition age (often around 12–18 months, depending on the organisation) so that young dogs’ joints and growth plates are more mature before they start doing full height and speed.
That doesn’t mean you have to wait that long to start. Puppies and youngsters can work on:
Foundation skills like recalls and focus.
Flatwork (turning, body awareness, core strength).
Toy and tug games.
A responsible club will keep this age‑appropriate and low impact.
Flyball is busy and noisy. The ideal flyball dog:
Is happy working in close proximity to other dogs.
Can stay focused on the job even with lots of distractions.
Enjoys toys, tugs or balls as rewards.
Some reactive or worried dogs can still enjoy flyball with careful management and experienced trainers, but safety and welfare always come first. Good clubs will be honest if the sport isn’t the best fit for a particular dog.
Because flyball is a high‑energy sport, it’s wise to:
Have your dog checked by a vet before starting.
Be extra cautious with dogs who already have joint, heart or breathing problems.
Keep them at a healthy weight and good fitness level.
If in doubt, always ask your vet and your club’s trainers.
Is Flyball Safe?
Like any active sport, flyball carries some risk, but there’s a lot clubs and handlers do to keep dogs safe.
Veterinary check‑ups before starting and if anything seems off.
Proper warm‑ups and cool‑downs before and after training or racing.
Teaching a correct, low‑impact box turn so dogs push off with all four feet and spread the load through their body.
Training on suitable surfaces (good grip, not too hard, not slippery).
Building fitness gradually rather than going from zero to flat‑out racing.
If your dog limps, seems stiff, slows down unexpectedly, or just “isn’t right”, they should rest and be checked rather than pushed to keep going.
You don’t need to buy everything yourself to get started – most of this will be provided by your club. But it helps to know the basics.
Jumps – four per lane, with adjustable height so it can be set to the team’s height dog.
Flyball box – a spring‑loaded box that holds and releases the ball when the dog hits the pedal or faceplate.
Tennis balls – usually standard‑sized, but softer or smaller balls can be used for dogs with smaller mouths or dental issues.
Timing equipment – lights and sensors that track starts, passes, and finish times (mainly used at competitions).
Dog Gear
Flat collar or harness – something secure and comfortable.
Lead – often a long, soft one that’s comfy to grab when recalling your dog.
Tug toys – used as a high‑value reward and to help recall your dog back in.
Safe flooring or matting – for indoor training, to protect joints and provide grip.
Plenty of space – for lanes, warm‑up/warm‑down areas, and waiting dogs.
Flyball vs Agility – What’s the Difference?
Flyball and agility are both popular dog sports that involve jumps and fast running, but they have some key differences:
Team vs individual – flyball is a relay race with four‑dog teams; agility is one dog and handler on course at a time.
Course layout – flyball is always a straight lane of jumps to a box and back; agility courses change every time with tunnels, weaves, contacts and more.
Goal – in flyball, it’s all about team speed and clean runs; in agility, it’s about accuracy over a technical course as well as time.
Many dogs (and people) enjoy both sports. The skills can complement each other, especially for dogs who love to run.
How to Get Started With Flyball
Ready to have a go? Here’s a simple roadmap.
1. Check Your Dog’s Health
Before starting any new sport, especially one involving sprinting and jumping:
Book a vet check if your dog hasn’t had one recently.
Mention you’re interested in flyball and ask if there are any concerns.
If your dog has existing joint, heart or breathing issues, your vet can help you decide whether flyball is appropriate.
[INTERNAL LINK IDEA: Link “health” or “vet check” to a future “Flyball & Your Dog’s Health” article where you go deeper into checks, conditioning and warm-up routines.]
2. Find a Local Club or Team
Search online for flyball clubs or teams in your country or region, or look at the main league websites. Many clubs:
Run beginner courses or taster sessions.
Have starter or foundation classes where dogs learn basics before attempting full runs.
Are happy for you to come and watch a session before signing up.
In many UK leagues, dogs must be around 18 months to compete in full open tournaments, with some starter classes available from roughly 12 months, depending on the rules at the time – your club will guide you on what’s appropriate.
If you’re using Flyball Hub, you’ll be able to use the Find a Team tools to look up clubs near you.
[INTERNAL LINK IDEA: Turn “Find a Team” into a prominent CTA button linking to your teams map / directory.]
3. Start With Foundations (You Can Do Some at Home)
Your dog’s first months in flyball are all about building the right foundations – most of which you can start gently at home:
Ball games with a solid drop cue – play fetch and reward your dog for bringing the ball back and releasing it on cue (for example, “drop” or “out”).
Recall games – practise calling your dog back and rewarding them enthusiastically so they love running to you.
Straight-line running – have two people stand apart and call the dog back and forth between you for rewards.
Introduce a single low jump – toss the ball or tug so your dog naturally hops over it on the way to you, keeping the jump tiny at first.
Body awareness and flatwork – simple tricks like spins, backing up, walking over poles, or wobble boards can help build balance and strength.
At club training, these same skills are developed in a structured way, alongside box foundations and controlled work around other dogs.
[IMAGE IDEA: Photo collage of a dog practising foundations – tug games, recall between two people, stepping over a low jump, investigating a (non-loaded) box.]
4. Progress to Full Runs and Competitions
Over time, as your dog’s skills and fitness improve, you’ll work towards:
Full box turns with confident ball retrieval.
Clean runs over four jumps at the correct height.
Passing other dogs at speed without drifting or getting distracted.
Once your dog and team are ready, your club may start entering starter or open competitions. Don’t worry – everyone’s first show feels chaotic. Most people quickly find themselves hooked.
Common Flyball Terms (Mini Glossary)
A few words you’ll hear around the lanes:
Box – the spring‑loaded machine that fires out the ball.
Boxloader – the person who loads the balls into the box during a race.
Height dog – the smallest dog on the team, used to set the jump height.
Leg – one individual race within a heat.
Heat – a match between two teams, often decided over multiple legs.
Division – group of teams with similar seed times.
PB (Personal Best) – the dog or team’s fastest recorded time.
Pass – the crossover of one dog returning and the next dog being released.
Rerun – an extra run at the end to correct a fault.
Starter / Intermediate – lower‑level classes used for new dogs and handlers.
Is flyball suitable for puppies?
Puppies shouldn’t be doing full‑height jumps and box turns at speed, but they can absolutely start foundation skills: recalls, toy play, body awareness and confidence‑building games. Most leagues set a minimum age for full competition, so your club will guide you on what’s appropriate.
How often do dogs train?
Many teams train once or twice a week, with competitions on some weekends in the main season. The right amount depends on the dog’s age, fitness, and how intensely they’re working.
How much does it cost?
Costs vary by country and club, but you’ll usually pay:
A regular training fee (per session or per month).
Entry fees for competitions.
Travel, camping or accommodation for shows.
Most clubs are run by volunteers and try to keep it as affordable as possible.
Can nervous or reactive dogs do flyball?
Sometimes, yes – but it depends on the dog and the setup. Flyball is noisy and busy, and dogs run close to each other. A good club will assess your dog and may suggest one‑to‑one work or a different sport if flyball would be too stressful.
Next Steps
If you’ve made it this far, you probably already know the answer to “Should I try flyball with my dog?”
If your dog loves to run, chase balls, and work with you, flyball can be an amazing way to channel that energy into something structured and fun.
From here, you can:
Head over to our Find a Team tools to look for clubs near you.
Read more about rules and race formats if you want to dive into the technical details.
Explore our guides on dogs and training basics, equipment and safety, and more.
Then, when you’re ready, grab a tug toy, pack some treats, and head to your first training session. You might just find your new favourite sport.
