Machanayim
Encyclopedia
Machanayim is a game similar to dodge ball that is often played by in Orthodox Jewish schools and summer camps. The name Machanayim (sometimes spelled Machanaim
) comes from the Hebrew word meaning "two encampments" or, in this case, two teams.
Game Play:
Players are divided into two teams and the room is split in half with the teams facing each other. The playing area does not extend all the way to the back of the room or court - the two far ends are left empty, and one volunteer, typically one of the better players, from each team is placed behind the opposing team. This player is called "the captain"
Several balls are thrown into play at the start, although none are activated (see below). The game is similar to Dodgeball
, in that players try and throw balls at opponents. When a player is hit, they are out. If someone’s throw is caught by an opponent, then they are out instead.
The difference between Machanayim and Dodgeball is that when a player is out in Machanayim, they are still part of the game. Rather than leaving the court, the player goes to the end area behind the opposing team, joining the original volunteer from their team.
Activation:
Only balls that have been "activated" are eligible for use in getting others out. To activate a ball someone from the middle or the captain's side must throw a ball from behind the opposing team line over their heads and back to their team without it hitting the ground. At first, only the team volunteer can do this, but once other players have been hit and are out, they can activate more balls for their team. As soon as a ball hits the ground, it needs reactivation. The ball is announced "alive" when it has been activated.
Ball Types:
Almost any type of ball can be used to play Machanayim, the only rule being that it must be easily catchable by most players. To that extent, very small balls (like a handball) or very large ones (like a beachball) should not be used. Basketballs are generally considered too heavy and can cause injury. Soccer balls and volleyballs are the most popular.
Winning:
When one team runs out of players (they are all behind the opposing team), the captain goes into the middle. The captain has more than one "life" (can be up to 3) Some games allow the captain to give over one of her lives to another team player to give the captain respite. Once the captain is out 3 times, the other team wins.
.
Machanaim
Machanaim is a word from book of Book of Genesis meaning "two camps".It is also a name of organization dealing with spiritual absorption of Jewish people from the former USSR in Israel. The organization produced many books, classes, especially for conversion...
) comes from the Hebrew word meaning "two encampments" or, in this case, two teams.
Game Play:
Players are divided into two teams and the room is split in half with the teams facing each other. The playing area does not extend all the way to the back of the room or court - the two far ends are left empty, and one volunteer, typically one of the better players, from each team is placed behind the opposing team. This player is called "the captain"
Several balls are thrown into play at the start, although none are activated (see below). The game is similar to Dodgeball
Dodgeball
Dodgeball is any of a variety of games in which players try to hit other players on the opposing team with balls while avoiding being hit themselves. This article is about a well-known form of team sport with modified rules that is often played in physical education classes and has been featured...
, in that players try and throw balls at opponents. When a player is hit, they are out. If someone’s throw is caught by an opponent, then they are out instead.
The difference between Machanayim and Dodgeball is that when a player is out in Machanayim, they are still part of the game. Rather than leaving the court, the player goes to the end area behind the opposing team, joining the original volunteer from their team.
Activation:
Only balls that have been "activated" are eligible for use in getting others out. To activate a ball someone from the middle or the captain's side must throw a ball from behind the opposing team line over their heads and back to their team without it hitting the ground. At first, only the team volunteer can do this, but once other players have been hit and are out, they can activate more balls for their team. As soon as a ball hits the ground, it needs reactivation. The ball is announced "alive" when it has been activated.
Ball Types:
Almost any type of ball can be used to play Machanayim, the only rule being that it must be easily catchable by most players. To that extent, very small balls (like a handball) or very large ones (like a beachball) should not be used. Basketballs are generally considered too heavy and can cause injury. Soccer balls and volleyballs are the most popular.
Winning:
When one team runs out of players (they are all behind the opposing team), the captain goes into the middle. The captain has more than one "life" (can be up to 3) Some games allow the captain to give over one of her lives to another team player to give the captain respite. Once the captain is out 3 times, the other team wins.
Similar games
Machanayim is similar to the German or Austrian variant of dodge ball called VölkerballVölkerball
Völkerball is the German heavy metal band Rammstein's live album/DVD set. It was released on November 17, 2006 in Europe, December 19, 2006 in Canada, and on September 18, 2007 in the U.S...
.