Matkot
Israel's seaside bat-&-ball game
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Issue: September 1997 Artist: A. Berg Size: 20mm x 25.7mm Plate #: 321 Sheet of 50 stamps Tabs: 10 Printers: Government Printers Printing Method: Photogravure |
atkot is a supremely unsophisticated game suited to open spaces, although it is usually and best played in pairs on the beach. Each player holds a paddle-shaped bat (a "matka") with which she hits a small rubber ball towards her partner. The object of the game is to keep the ball going back and forth between the players without letting it touch the ground.The distance between the players and the force of the strokes are determined by the players themselves. The game style has also developed to include batting in different standing positions. The higher the level of the game, the greater the degree of skill and physical fitness required.
It is a non-competitive game, played purely on the friendly level, and there are no scoring rules.
Over the years, the equipment has developed. The bat, once made of wood, has undergone a "hollow" design change. Recently, a colorful, transparent plastic bat has become popular. The black rubber ball has metamorphosed as well, both in colour and material.
Matkot has become an integral part of Israel's summer scene.
