Kaatsen at the 1928 Summer Olympics facts for kids
Kaatsen or Frisian handball (West Frisian: keatsen; Dutch: kaatsen) is a super old and exciting sport from the Dutch province of Friesland. It's a bit like American handball or fives, but with its own special rules! This cool game even made an appearance at the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam, though it was part of the unofficial program.
Kaatsen: A Traditional Sport from Friesland
Kaatsen (pronounced "KAHT-sen") is a traditional sport that comes from Friesland, a province in the northern part of the Netherlands. It is mostly played by people from this region. Many people believe it is one of the oldest ballgames ever played!
How Do You Play Kaatsen?
Kaatsen is played between two teams. The goal is to hit a small ball with your hand. The game is similar to tennis in how it's scored. Teams try to win "games" and "points." The first team to score six games wins the entire match. It takes a lot of skill and teamwork to play Kaatsen well!
Kaatsen at the Olympics
Kaatsen was featured at the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands. However, it was part of the "unofficial" program. This means it was shown as a demonstration sport, not as a sport where official Olympic medals were given out. It was a great way to show this unique Frisian sport to the world!