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Bat and ball is an unsophisticated game suited to open spaces, usually played in pairs on the beach.
Each player holds a paddle-shaped bat ("matka") with which he hits a small rubber ball towards his partner. The object of the game is to keep the ball going back and forth between the players without it touching the ground.
The distance between the players and the force of the strokes are determined by the players themselves. The game style has developed to include batting in different standing positions also. The higher the level of the game, the greater the degree of skill and physical fitness required.
It is a non-competitive game, one played purely as a friendly match, and there are no scoring rules.
Over the years, the bat has undergone a process of development and change. The original bat was made of wood. Subsequently, a "hollow" bat was designed, and recently a colourful, transparent plastic bat has made its appearance. The black rubber ball has metamorphosed as well, in colour and type of material.
The bat and ball game is a highly popular pastime in Israel and has become part of the Israeli summer scene.
