Neighbour Won’t Throw The Balls Back

Euphemistic on 03/12/2019 - 17:32
Last edited 03/12/2019 - 17:49 by 1 other user

Bit of venting and hopefully to get some ideas.

Our kids play soccer and cricket in the backyard. Inevitably, a ball (or 7) goes over the fence. Three neighbours will throw them back, sometimes it takes a few days. One neighbour might throw the odd one back, mostly leaves them for me to collect with a pool scoop and a few times has collected them and placed them out of reach. The old timber/brick pylon fence needs replacing and I’ve nailed back plenty of palings, not sure how to redesign the fence so haven’t got to a rebuild yet.

I’ve installed netting along the fence to help keep the balls in. I’ve spoken to her a couple of times and she has asked for an apology from the kids (given) and then reluctantly throws them back. Right now there are about 6 soccer balls on her trampoline (that no one uses since the grand kids don’t seem to visit). I’m reluctant to just go and retrieve because it’s her property after all.

Not sure how to proceed. Any OZB helpful hints? Practical, funny, vengeful tips all welcome - it’ll help the vent process. Thanks.

Edit: should add, the area of her yard is virtually unused, except to hang out washing and is just weeds, gravel and junk.

Home & Garden

closed Comments

  • timthetoolman on 03/12/2019 - 17:46
    +26

    Just ask if the kids can jump the fence and get them so she doesn't have to?
    Nothing was more stealth than that as a child.
    Felt like Rodriguez doing his run in the sandlot

    • Euphemistic on 03/12/2019 - 18:03

      I will need to try that. My last attempt was saying we use the scoop ie don’t jump the fence trying to indicate we respect it is your land.

      • HardlyCharly on 04/12/2019 - 01:27
        +1

        I agree with jumping the fence, it's what we did when we were kids. Alternatively, two story high netting.

      • gumbo45c on 04/12/2019 - 09:03

        +1 Get the kids to jump the fence.

        Alternatively keep buying cheap soccer balls until her yard fills up.

        • Ravensbane on 04/12/2019 - 13:46

          Giant ball pit for the win.

        • juki on 04/12/2019 - 14:44

          or hide a stink bomb in one of the balls so she throws them all back. I'd probably talk to her as people are probably defensive about even kids coming into their yard, and if she doesnt want to play nice suggest the 2 story netting which would probably be an eye sore.

          maybe she has good reason not to throw them back ie arthritis?

      • xmail on 04/12/2019 - 15:43

        If she isn't ok with you using a pool scoop she won't be ok with you jumping the fence.

    • Ozbargainite on 04/12/2019 - 10:19
      +14

      Build a big beautiful wall and make her pay for it.

      • rave75 on 04/12/2019 - 11:42
        +15

        Make your backyard great again

        • capslock janitor on 04/12/2019 - 13:11
          +3

          tell the kids to go and get it theirselves knock politely on her front door, actions have consequences

    • SneakyDiquey on 04/12/2019 - 15:46

      THIS

  • elgrande on 03/12/2019 - 17:46
    +103

    Here is a suggestion:

    Get the kids to stop kicking/hitting the ball over the fence! Crazy idea I know.. but sometimes its good to think outside the box.

    Otherwise, just invest in a recovery drone.

    • Euphemistic on 03/12/2019 - 18:03
      +11

      Awesome. I’ll keep the kids indoors on their iPads. 😉

      • dcep on 03/12/2019 - 18:18
        +2

        just grab PSVR deal here + any ball games

      • Ughhh on 03/12/2019 - 18:36

        Great problem solving skills! 👍

      • AbsX on 03/12/2019 - 19:01
        +1

        Dunno why this was negged.i found your comment funny =)

      • ozhunter on 03/12/2019 - 23:03
        +1

        well, if that's what you have to do…

      • magic8ballgag on 04/12/2019 - 09:35

        That seems like the only other logical option, right!?

      • Dan_ on 04/12/2019 - 11:23
        +2

        Yeah, why all the negs?

        OP has kids now. Everyone knows that the well-being of his/her kids trumps your right to enjoy peace and quiet in your own backyard.

    • ChillBro on 03/12/2019 - 18:10
      +46

      Have to agree.

      Neighbours don't owe you squat and the one in question probably has to deal with copious amounts of noise already.

    • bobwokeup on 03/12/2019 - 19:47
      +2

      Can't tell if you're being sarcastic or just don't have kids???

    • CheapskateQueen on 03/12/2019 - 21:12
      +17

      rubbish.

      as a kid, our balls would frequently go over the fence. not like we're aiming to, but it happens. it's akin to an inevitable event. 2 neighbours would throw them back, one wouldn't. grumpy grandma had an attitude problem, but the rest of her family was fine.

      maybe get the kids to take her a "Thank you" box of chocolates… kill em with kindness as they say.

      they're certainly not going to want you jumping their fence. As kids we'd jump 2 of them, but certainly not grumpy grandma house.

      • magic8ballgag on 04/12/2019 - 09:38
        +9

        What's rubbish about this suggestion?
        The neighbours aren't obligated to cater to anyone's child's playtime.

        • CheapskateQueen on 04/12/2019 - 11:25
          +5

          it's rubbish to say "don't kick the ball over the fence". The kids aren't trying to kick the ball over the fence. It's not their aim. Playing a ball game will almost inevitably result in it happening occasionally.

          I also think it's rubbish to say "so then don't play ball games in the backyard". It's better for kids to be outside playing, than inside being a zombie. Sure if they're planning a cricket match, go to a park. But im sure for the most part they're playing outside while parents are cooking/adulting/being human beings.

          Should OP be thankful to the neighbours for giving the balls back, of course. Should all of us as neighbours to someone else, not be douchebags, yes.

    • HardlyCharly on 04/12/2019 - 01:26
      -6

      Do you not understand physics? Well, obviously not, but I had to ask.

      • Ughhh on 04/12/2019 - 10:22
        +1

        And the body controls the physics. If you can't control yourself…don't make it someone else's job to help you.

        • Euphemistic on 04/12/2019 - 11:31
          +1

          Never seen a pro footballer sky a goal shot?

          • Dan_ on 04/12/2019 - 11:54
            +5

            @Euphemistic: Into my backyard? No.

          • Ughhh on 04/12/2019 - 11:55
            +1

            @Euphemistic: They're paid to play like that and to not hold back. Your kids are not, nor do neighbours have to do anything for you.

          • elgrande on 04/12/2019 - 15:32

            @Euphemistic: I am sure if he did it 7 times they would have a chat with him.

    • rave75 on 04/12/2019 - 11:42
      +2

      better invest in coach so the kids can better control their kicks….

    • [Deactivated] on 04/12/2019 - 15:44

      I doubt they are trying to kick the ball over. Kids are just being kids and playing with ball in their backyard like every kid since the dawn of time.

      Let's apply some rudimentary napkin maths. Assuming 2 hours of kicking a ball a week between 2 kids getting 50 kicks an hour each in is 10,400 kicks a year. Assuming the 7 that went over was just in one year and that's 0.07% chance of a ball going over each kick, or about 1 in 1500 kicks.

      Neighbour is being an a-hole, but they are in their right to be an a-hole. Kids will just need to learn that and accept that they lose their ball if they hit it over. Call it a life lesson that they will need to deal with a-holes in life. OP will also need to accept that if they break a window they will need to pay for it.

  • tsunamisurfer on 03/12/2019 - 17:48
    +11

    Thinking outside the box here…but what about going over again and asking nicely for the 6 balls?

    • Euphemistic on 03/12/2019 - 18:04
      +2

      Of course, have done so, will continue to do so. Just venting and looking for silly ideas really.

      • pegaxs on 03/12/2019 - 22:07
        +2

        Tie the balls to elastic strings?

        Silly enough?

  • plmko on 03/12/2019 - 17:48
    +20

    So you know that the lady wants an apology from your kids, but instead of direct relationship building with your neighbours you go and ask OzB.

    LMAO

    • Euphemistic on 03/12/2019 - 18:05
      -1

      Of course. Ozb is the only way. FWIW other neighbours consider her a not very nice person as well.

      • AbsX on 03/12/2019 - 19:02
        +11

        Don't forget MS paint to set the scene between you and the lady you are asking nicely for the balls back

        • serpserpserp on 03/12/2019 - 20:22

          This is very important +1.

        • GaryQ on 04/12/2019 - 08:58

          Bikies

          • Neptunesblood on 04/12/2019 - 09:43
            +1

            @GaryQ: A bikies joke. Wow how original. You must be a hit at parties.

            • Pootie Tang on 04/12/2019 - 10:50
              +2

              @Neptunesblood: Someone who points out one must not be fun at parties, would in fact, be the least fun at parties.

              • AbsX on 04/12/2019 - 13:10
                +1

                @Pootie Tang: If you want to express your feelings to someone, do it by drawing your emotions in MS paint,

                Get with the times guys =)

                • AbsX on 04/12/2019 - 13:11

                  @AbsX: Ops didn't mean to direct that at one person, was meant to all the people who commented at my comment haha

      • brad1-8tsi on 04/12/2019 - 08:26
        -1

        She's probably an old cow because she's lonely and has the poops with the world. I'd try the relationship building thing.

  • Eeples on 03/12/2019 - 17:50
    +103

    Please help.
    I’m an old lady and balls and such from my neighbour keep coming over the fence. I know other neighbours have had similar issues.
    I wonder if the kids are being suitably supervised.
    I dare not go in to my back yard anymore in case I get hit and so the weeds have really taken off but I do brave putting out the washimg.
    Can I call council about it?
    I asked for an apology from the kids just to check if the kids have any bruises. They don’t.
    Even so, should I call docs?

  • Baysew on 03/12/2019 - 17:50
    +5

    Chuck a block of Cadbury's over.

    • coray8 on 03/12/2019 - 18:34

      Just make sure to aim for their head.

  • The Wololo Wombat on 03/12/2019 - 17:50
    +3

    Imagine being that disillusioned with society that the occasional soccer ball in your backyard upsets you…

    As for practical tips, just be honest with how you are feeling in a tactful way… that's all you can do… if she still dislikes what you are doing that's on her… you just need to make sure you've communicated well…

    • Euphemistic on 03/12/2019 - 18:07

      As for practical tips, just be honest with how you are feeling in a tactful way… that's all you can do… if she still dislikes what you are doing that's on her… you just need to make sure you've communicated well…

      True. Might send my wife over, she’s a better negotiator - deals with kids and grumpy parents all the time.

    • onetwothreefour on 03/12/2019 - 18:21
      +27

      the occasional soccer ball in your backyard upsets you

      6 balls seems more than occasional, sounds bloody annoying.

      • Euphemistic on 03/12/2019 - 18:24

        Normally it’s maybe one every few days, except if we get an ‘enthusiastic’ visitor and the competition factor kicks in.

        • dizzle on 03/12/2019 - 22:59
          +13

          Every few days would get really annoying. Once every couple of weeks I would probably put up with, more than that and it seems they're doing it on purpose.

        • SlickMick on 04/12/2019 - 09:41
          +11

          That's when a bit of parenting needs to kick in.

          Obviously your neighbours are annoyed. One has let you know, the others are just thinking it.

        • [Deactivated] on 04/12/2019 - 13:56
          +1

          send em to the local park instead of pissing off your neighbours.

      • MrsJones on 04/12/2019 - 09:08

        6 balls just seems like kids are playing hard in the backyard.

      • The Wololo Wombat on 04/12/2019 - 11:06

        There are so many issues to worry about in the world. Kids having fun in their backyard…. not one of them.

        What happened to community? If this happened to you… just throw the balls back! Such an innocuous problem.

        • onetwothreefour on 04/12/2019 - 11:33
          +2

          What happened to community?

          It goes both ways, yes throw the ball back if it happens now and again but if you get 6 balls in your yard obviously the other neighbour doesn't care much for community.

          • The Wololo Wombat on 04/12/2019 - 11:35
            +1

            @onetwothreefour: If the balls had some sort of negative consequence or effect, I can see that point… however I can't see how they are a problem… apart from being slightly slightly irritating? I'm a teacher - I work with kids/teens every day. They can be annoying for sure, but opportunities like this can be really great to build relationships and teach them lessons…. that's what community is about!

            • onetwothreefour on 04/12/2019 - 11:40
              +3

              @The Wololo Wombat: It's just having to tidy up after someone else's kids, especially when elderly can get a bit annoying and they shouldn't have to do it.

              I have 4 kids of my own so I know it's not always easy and not as simple as "send them to the park" like other comments suggest but they need to be taught respect and maybe not play near the fences or play in a way so that the ball doesn't go high enough to keep going over. Remember this doesn't just happen to this neighbour, it happens to three others as well.

    • AbsX on 04/12/2019 - 06:58

      Thankfully I'm too poor to have a backyard.

      1 less worry in my life =)

  • spackbace on 03/12/2019 - 17:57
    +13

    Cmon, you've been here long enough to know you need to include an MS Paint drawing of the scenario

    • Euphemistic on 03/12/2019 - 18:06

      Can you get MS paint on a phone?

      • WoodYouLikeSomeCash on 03/12/2019 - 19:14
        -1

        No.

      • MS Paint on 03/12/2019 - 23:30
        +1

        Test

      • Zachary on 04/12/2019 - 12:18

        Well, that would explain why no ms paint, because he's using a phone to make these posts with….

  • dasher86 on 03/12/2019 - 18:06
    +3

    Go over with your kids and a block of Cadbury. Didn't we learn anything from the tv?

    • Euphemistic on 03/12/2019 - 18:18
      -5

      I would, but the chocolate is supposed to say ‘thank you’ not ‘please’

  • roastchook on 03/12/2019 - 18:08
    +5

    Six is a bit too many. 1 or 2 yes. And large doctor balls too. If I were elderly I would have some concerns too.

  • dcep on 03/12/2019 - 18:11
    +4

    Thinking outside the box here … fix a string to the ball ?

    • Euphemistic on 03/12/2019 - 18:18

      Now we are talking.

  • GangGang on 03/12/2019 - 18:21
    +2

    Is anything getting damaged by the balls? Windows or plants?

    An apology seems like alot. I would just throw the balls back over. Then again, your neighbour isn't me.

    • Euphemistic on 03/12/2019 - 18:25

      There aren’t really plants to damage. The windows are protected by the netting that’s about 3m high. The balls do hit the roof a bit which would be annoying.

      At least the fence is timber so doesn’t sound as noisy as colourbond.

  • screensaver on 03/12/2019 - 18:28
    +20

    I HATE balls coming in my yards. One hit me once and it hurt. The main thing is that I dont like being disturbed. So if they can retrieve the balls without disturbing her is the second best solution. They should GO TO THE PARK

    • screensaver on 03/12/2019 - 18:30
      +1

      I definately would not throw the balls back

      • WoodYouLikeSomeCash on 03/12/2019 - 19:16
        +7

        Ok, Pam.

      • pegaxs on 03/12/2019 - 22:09
        +3

        Of course you wouldn’t, Pam. That’s why we like having you around.

    • DARK KHAOS on 04/12/2019 - 08:57
      +4

      Go to the park is a great idea.
      Better than kicking a ball against a fence and driving the neighbors crazy

  • ShannonN on 03/12/2019 - 18:36
    +8

    Is there a park nearby or soccer field, best place for that kinda thing, older people don't like the noise of soccer balls rebounding off fences; having to go play fetch for your kids or maybe having all the neighborhood kids climb over the fence to get stuff back.

    While you and the kids should be able to play in your own yard, sure. But when the play event goes into other ppls areas and disturbs their quality of life. It's time to compromise and get the kids to the park, great opportunity for you to play with them instead of spending time here on OzBargain?

  • Ughhh on 03/12/2019 - 18:40
    +6

    First few balls I would throw back. After that, you can buy your balls back from the OP shop. Only exception is if you're a really nice handy neighbour.

  • Meho2026 on 03/12/2019 - 18:41
    +15

    Old people have old fashioned values.
    This is what you need to do.
    Send the kids round to knock on her front door and say, sorry we keep kicking our balls over the fence, can we have them back please?

    The old bag gets her apology and you and your kids improve your relationships with your elderly neighbours.
    Her and the kids might become the best of friends and when she dies we won’t read in the paper that none of the neighbours noticed for weeks

  • rompastompa on 03/12/2019 - 18:41
    +6

    Got a spare $2000US? Just buy 2000 soccer balls, and then you won't ever have to worry about retrieving them again.

    On a serious note.. if your kids are kicking them that hard that they continually go over every fence, tell them to kick softer. Learn to dribble, only kick on the side of their boot.

  • zombrex on 03/12/2019 - 18:44
    +20

    If they have kicked about six ball over I think it's time to send the kids to kick ball in the park. Clearly the kids have not learnt to keep the balls in the yard after losing so many.

  • WoodYouLikeSomeCash on 03/12/2019 - 19:17

    Build a higher fence.

  • [Deactivated] on 03/12/2019 - 19:37
    +1

    Bake them a cake

  • mini2 on 03/12/2019 - 19:52
    +8

    How your neighbour uses her yard is entirely her choice, it's not a mitigating circumstances for your kids to have balls ended up over into her yard. Good opportunity to teach your kids some responsibilities to clean up after their mess.

  • TEER3X on 03/12/2019 - 20:03
    +24

    Here's an idea, take them to the farking park where they should be and stop being a pest to society.

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