Let’s Bailong as often and as long as possible!

🕵️Recap of the BailongBall Workshop on April 26, 2026, in Bonn-Beuel

🧭Investigation Scene: Bonn-Beuel, Rheinauenpark near the beautiful Rhine

🕔Time of the incident: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

🤓Suspects: 16 BailongBall fanatics — or at least people who have been "infected" by it — of both sexes

👣Sequence of events:
After dear Wilhelmina — following some initial difficulties in locating the exact spot (e.g., for the author of this post) — had set up five nets with the help of a few volunteers (three freestanding nets and two strung between trees), everyone was able to gear up with their own equipment, borrowed gear, or what was available on site, and listen intently to Wilhelmina’s opening remarks. Once the friendly, eager-to-learn, and motivated group had gathered, Wilhelmina kicked things off with a nice warm-up routine, followed by a training session using only balls — which was already challenging for some of us. We threw the balls on our own or with a partner and rolled them around our hands, arms, and bodies to develop a basic feel for the ball. The results were promising, so we were able to move on quickly.

Finally, everyone was allowed to grab the coveted rackets, and then the actual BailongBall event began. Standing on either side of the nets with one or more partners, we started with the simpler drills, which were already quite strenuous in the beautiful weather. The more experienced players worked to deepen their skills with their respective partners. Wilhelmina repeatedly offered individual tips or demonstrated general fundamentals for the techniques of playing the ball at the net. As a result, after some practice, all participants were able to execute the forehand return, the simple return to the right and left sides, and even the more complicated redirecting in a circle to the right and left quite well.

In any case, time flew by, and during a short break for snacks and drinks, everyone eagerly shared their experiences with the ball, racket, and their respective opponents. Afterward, the game naturally became even more challenging, so those who wanted further guidance were well provided for by Wilhelmina with additional exercises and techniques. The balls flew, the rackets were swung energetically and used with varying degrees of grace. Sweat was pouring down, and some soon sought the shade of the trees. But the majority remained highly motivated until the very end, and everyone was surprised when Wilhelmina had to announce the end of the workshop, as we had already gone well over the scheduled time.

Everyone agreed … this wasn’t our last time … and after breaking down the set and loading the equipment into the waiting vehicles (some on bikes, the people from Cologne by car or public transportation), everyone headed home satisfied, but not without making it clear: We want more!