Games - Matanage

	Games - Matanage

Matanage is a Japanese sport, somewhat akin to American dodgeball. 'Mata,' from the Japanese word for 'again,' and 'nage' for 'throw.'

Two teams line up on opposite sides of the designated field (usually about 50 feet). One team throws off to the other to put the ball into play. The most fundamental rule of matanage is the manner in which the ball is thrown. It must be thrown from between the legs, launching the ball underhand. Also, the team that is throwing the ball can't move their feet. Once the ball is in the air, the team catching it can advance closer to the throwing team. If the ball is dropped, everyone that moved is out. Teammates must stop moving as soon as the ball is caught. The game is like dodgeball in the sense that each team tries to hit people on the opposing team with the ball, throwing in the manner mentioned above. However, it is unlike dodgeball in the rule that the team that is catching the ball at the time does NOT want to dodge the ball. If the ball is thrown and is within the reach of members of the opposing team, those who could have caught it are out. If a person is hit, they are out. If the ball is not within the reach of any of the opposing team, the thrower is out. If anyone moves and the ball is not caught, the person moving is out. The ball is thrown back and forth until all members of one team are out.

To return teammates from 'out': The team mates of the people who are out of play must catch the ball with their hands crossed and hold it like that until it's clear they have not cheated by supporting the ball with any other part of their body. This is known as a 'resurrection' and returns all the teammates of the resurrection to game play.

This game is a popular pastime of members of the Unification Church.

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