Of late, the popularity of Matball has been rising and it’s been incorporated into the Physical Education (P.E.) curriculum in many regions. Like most games, it’s played for recreational purposes, fitness, and also for fun. However, despite it being around for many decades, many people know little about it. In this article, we will briefly look at what matball is all about, how it’s played, some of the rules and a few drills that will help improve your performance.

 

What is Matball?

At times referred to as Bat-and-Ball game, Swedish Baseball, or Big Base, Matball is quite similar to kickball. It is a “safe haven” game where an individual is required to stand on a safe point known as a base. It involves kicking a large ball within the defined perimeters and once the ball starts moving you run to the base that is marked by large mats, hence the name. The mats or bases are much larger than those used in kickball and will accommodate several players at the same time. It can be played indoors for example inside the gym, or outdoors on the field, park, football/ soccer pitch, and many other areas.

 

Who Invented It?

The game is a derivative of kickball and in most situations follows similar basics. According to history, kickball also known as kick baseball was invested in 1917 by Nicholas C Seuss. He was a Playground’s supervisor at Cincinnati Park Playgrounds, Ohio and wanted to teach children the basics of baseball. However, in the absence of the normal baseball bats, he opted to use legs as a substitute. A larger, softer and bouncier ball was preferred since it was easy to see and kick. This is basically the point where kickball was invented and, eventually, in time, this lead to other variations, including Matball.

 

How To Play Matball?

Just like in kickball, the game of Matball consists of two opposing teams. At some point, all the players will be required to kick the ball and aim at running towards a base and stopping on it before being tagged out. To score or earn a point, a kicker should successfully run from the starting base to the last one without being caught out or fouling. A player is ruled out or retired after getting 3 to 5 outs depending on the determined rules. Unlike kickball, softball, or baseball, you can have several players standing on the same base at the same time. At the end of the game, the team with the most runs wins.

 

What Do You Need For Matball?

As the name implies, you will need some mats (4 of them). You will use them instead of bases. You can check these sport mats from the Amazon to use for matball. You will also be needing a ball. Matball usess the same kind of ball as kickball, and you can find the best choice on Amazon, here.

 

The Basic Matball Rules

The truth is that the rules vary from region to region or game to game. Usually, the players will decide on what to follow and may change this depending on the number of players or group preference. Nonetheless, the following are some of the notable rules:

– Field of Play: the game is played on a flat surface, indoors or outdoors. Normally, at least 10 players play it although the numbers vary. At least four bases are marked using items such as gym mats. The pitcher, person rolling the ball, stands at the center and targets one player at a time.

– The Players: Two teams are required at any given time: The kickers also known as batters will kick the ball and run within the determined primers in sequence. The fielding team/ fielders will try to tag the kicking team to stop them from reaching a base.

– In matball, several players are allowed to stand on the same base. Due to this, it’s common not to have force-outs. However, in many situations, a runner is required to continue running once one foot leaves the mat.

– Sequential Play: Running starts from the first base to the second, third, and finally fourth. A good kick can see a kicker running through several bases before stopping.

When is the player fouled?

– When hit by the ball before reaching a base
– If the ball hits the ceiling from a kick
– When the ball is caught by the fielding team before it drops to the ground
– When the running player(s) steps off the mat before the batter kicks the ball
NB: Usually, there are no tag ups or force out and a player may continue running when a fly ball is caught.

 

Matball Drills

The drills for this game are similar to those in kickball and are aimed at improving the player’s skills and understanding. Generally, the player needs to learn how to throw or roll the ball, pitching, kicking, and running. You can use a wall or work with a partner by throwing a ball within a distance of 10-15 feet, kicking the ball within a specified path and distance, and also kicking and catching continuously for at least 10 passes.

In order to perform well at matball or kickball, you should also gear up appropriately. Decent sports equipment can make a difference in your performance so you should check out some of the most appropriate gear here.