[2] In 1996, an article in the Journal of Sport History written by Joan Paul speculated that Newcomb ball may have preceded the creation of volleyball and may have influenced its development.

A more detailed paper was later prepared for the American Physical Education Association, which was received with "hearty approval".

These listed 22 separate rules and 16 fouls, with the major objective still being to score touch-downs by throwing the ball so that it hit the ground or floor on the opponent’s side of the court.

[4] By this time the Spalding sports equipment company marketed a "Newcomb Outfit" including ropes and wall-posts.

The revised rules allowed six to twelve players on each side and required both teams to agree on the number of participants at least a week prior to the game.

A 30-minute time limit, consisting of 15-minute halves, was prescribed for a Newcomb ball match, which could be altered with agreement between the teams before the game began.

[2] Today Newcomb ball is not widely played on a competitive basis, but remains a popular game for people with limited athletic ability or those with certain disabilities or as a simple introduction to volleyball.

[citation needed] The sport teaches children the fundamentals of volleyball and is beneficial in promoting the development of hand-eye coordination and motor skills.

There is evidence of the game being played in the United States,[5] Canada,[6] Mexico,[7] China,[8] Argentina,[9] Australia.

The game is played to 11 (must win by 2), and points are awarded following college volleyball rules (e.g. a side must serve in order to score).

The game is played at a much faster pace than in the playground variant, and rewards speed, strategy, and positioning.

These throws add complexity to the game and require a higher degree of athletic ability than in many other varieties of Newcomb.

[citation needed] Scott Adams, the creator of Dilbert, describes the details of a game he calls "Scottyball" with rules very similar to Newcomb ball on his blog.

In addition, there is another league called "Mamanet" (its name being a portmanteau of "Mama" and "net") that is organized through schools, especially for mothers of schoolchildren.