Bat Ball

Bat Ball is a game that is an outdoor version of squash/tennis. It involves players hitting a ball (commonly a tennis ball) against a brick wall (10 metres in height). The court is the same size of half a tennis court and is marked with similar boundaries. The 10-metre high brick wall has a marked line representing the same height of tennis net. To score points a player must hit the ball over the line and land in the marked boundary. A game can be played with a number of players, with each player going in order of their turn.

Equipment
Traditionally, Bat Ball is played with wooden paddles, which are hand made. However, many games are played with tennis racquets. A tennis ball is also used, often one that is a little older and has less bounce.

Starting the game
In two player Bat ball, players will alternate hits, until the ball goes over the net 3 times in a row, at that point, the winner will serve the first point.

In three player Bat ball, a game of paper scissors rock is played, with the majority winning. First out will go last, and the game continues until first place wins, and they take the first serve.

Scoring
There are many variations in scoring in bat ball, due to different number of players and the amount of time you have to play. Some of the scoring systems are outlined below:

Three Player plus
To score a player must put points on their competition. When a player either makes a mistake by not hitting within the boundary or missing the ball, they then receive a one point. The first person to receive eleven points is eliminated from the game. The winner of the game is the last person remaining on the court.

Two Players
If played with two players, a player will gain one point if they 'win the point'. The first player to 11 wins. To expand the game longer, it can also be played that to gain a point, you must win the point on your serve, with the winner of the previous point gaining the serve.

All of these versions can be played with just one set, or three set matches.

Bat Ball court locations
Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia

Currently there are limited courts but it is gaining popularity amongst Australians.

Tournaments
The Newcastle council in association with the Elephant Shop in Cooranbong, New South Wales sponsored the first Bat Ball Championship at Newcastle in January.

Media
The Game of Bat Ball is seen being played in the movie The Brave One staring Jodie Foster. While her character is filming the sounds of New York she stops at a Batball Court and records the sounds of tennis balls hiting the wall.

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See Also

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