Zorbing vs. Bubble Soccer: What’s the Difference?

They both involve giant inflatable balls. They both look totally ridiculous. And they both guarantee a whole lot of laughs. But make no mistake — zorbing and bubble soccer are not the same thing.

If you’ve ever wondered what separates rolling downhill in a zorb from smashing into your friends in a bubble, this post is your ultimate guide.

We’ll break down everything — from history and gameplay to gear, safety, and which one gets you the best Instagram footage.

Let’s bounce right into it.

⚽ What Is Bubble Soccer?

Bubble Soccer (also called bubble football, zorb football, or bumper ball) is a team-based sport where players wear giant inflatable bubbles over their upper bodies and attempt to play a regular game of soccer.

Now, picture this:

You run at full speed toward the ball…
You slam into an opponent…
You both bounce off in opposite directions like human pinballs.

The ball? Forgotten.

The game? Absolute chaos.

That’s bubble soccer — a high-energy mashup of soccer, sumo wrestling, and slapstick comedy.

Check out dellaadventure.com

Key Bubble Soccer Facts:

Played in teams (usually 5v5)
Each player wears a body-sized inflatable “bubble”
Legs are free to run and kick
Common in gyms, outdoor fields, parties, and events
Contact is not just allowed — it’s the point

What Is Zorbing?

Zorbing (also known as globe-riding or orbing) involves climbing into a giant inflatable ball and rolling downhill or across a flat surface — sometimes with water inside the ball, sometimes strapped in, sometimes completely free to bounce.

Imagine:

A giant beach ball with a human inside
Rolling downhill at wild speeds
Sometimes over 300+ meters
Screaming optional, but highly likely

There are many types of zorbing: harness zorbing, hydro zorbing, snow zorbing, and even water-surface zorbing.

Key Zorbing Facts:

Usually done solo or in pairs
No teams, no goals — just rolling
Can be done on hills, ramps, water, or flat ground
Focused more on adrenaline, not competition
Often used as a thrill ride at adventure parks

⚔️ Key Differences Between Zorbing & Bubble Soccer

Feature	Zorbing	Bubble Soccer
Primary Purpose	Thrill ride / Adventure sport	Competitive team game
Environment	Hills, ramps, water, open fields	Indoor gyms, turf, fields
Player Setup	Inside a fully enclosed zorb	Wearing a torso bubble (legs free)
Control	Minimal – you roll with gravity	Full – you run, kick, bump
Duration	Short downhill runs (30–60 secs)	5–10 minute match rounds
Water Use	Hydro zorbing includes water	No water involved
Contact	None (except gravity & surfaces)	Lots of physical contact
Risk Level	Low (controlled setting)	Medium (player collisions)
Audience	Thrill-seekers, tourists	Groups, sports lovers, party-goers
Skill Needed	None – just bravery	Some coordination & cardio

The Zorbing Experience

Pros:

Incredible adrenaline rush
Great for photos/videos
Feels like skydiving without leaving the ground
Very beginner-friendly
Surprisingly safe with proper equipment

Cons:

Short experience (one roll = 30–60 seconds)
Can cause dizziness or motion sickness
Not much physical exercise — more of a ride than a workout

Best for:
Adrenaline junkies, vacationers, team bonding days, thrill-seekers, and TikTok content creators.

???? The Bubble Soccer Experience

Pros:

Hilariously fun for groups
Great for parties, corporate events, bachelor/bachelorette groups
Gives a full-body workout
Competitive and chaotic

Cons:

It can get tiring fast (running while inside a bubble is hard)
Players can fall awkwardly
Less safe if rules aren’t followed (helmetless hits, head bumps)

Best for:
Fitness fans, youth groups, team events, sports lovers, and party organizers.

Which One Burns More Calories?

Hands down — bubble soccer.

You’re running, dodging, colliding, laughing, and sweating buckets inside a hot plastic bubble. Some people report burning up to 400–600 calories in an hour-long session.

Zorbing, on the other hand?

You’re more likely to burn a few calories from screaming or laughing, but it’s not exercise. It’s a thrill ride.

Which One Looks Better on Instagram?

That’s a tough one.

Zorbing gives you epic slow-motion footage of a human rolling like a potato down a hill, often into a puddle of mud or water. Bonus points for GoPro face-cams and underwater splash shots.
Bubble soccer offers wipeouts, bouncing collisions, mid-air flips, and pure chaos. It’s like watching football meets bumper cars.

Verdict: It’s a tie. Your followers will love either — especially if you fall in style.

What About Safety?

Zorbing safety:

Done in controlled environments
Hills are designed for gentle rolling
Double-layered balls absorb impact
Very low risk if supervised

Bubble soccer safety:

More player responsibility
Safety rules must be followed (no head-first tackles)
Leg injuries or head collisions possible if played recklessly

In both cases, listen to the staff and don’t treat the equipment like armor.

Which One Is More Affordable?

Prices vary by country and location, but here’s a rough estimate:

Zorbing: ₹800–₹2,500 per ride in India / $25–$45 USD per roll
Bubble Soccer: ₹300–₹500 per player for 15–30 mins / $15–$25 per match session

Zorbing tends to cost more per minute, since it’s a one-time thrill, while bubble soccer offers more value for group play over time.

Verdict: Sport vs. Stunt?

Bubble soccer = a sport. There’s a ball, rules, teams, and real cardio involved.
Zorbing = a stunt-turned-adventure sport. It’s built for thrill, not competition — but it’s a blast every time.

You’re not choosing a winner here.

You’re choosing whether you want to laugh while rolling downhill or laugh while slamming into your best friend at full speed.

Either way — you’re bouncing, breathless, and probably going again.

The Bounce Breakdown

Zorbing	Bubble Soccer
Solo or pair activity	Group/team activity
Downhill or water-based	Field/court-based
Thrill-focused	Game-focused
Short bursts of fun	Longer, competitive play
Low skill required	Moderate fitness needed

So, Which One Should You Try?

Trying to conquer your fear of gravity? Go zorbing.
Want to bond with friends through full-body bumper chaos? Bubble soccer.
Trying to burn calories and egos at the same time? Bubble soccer again.
Just need a good scream and a GoPro moment? Zorbing, 100%.

But here’s the truth:

Do both.
Get bumped. Get rolled. Get unforgettable memories.

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