KAATSEN.
TYPICAL FOR FRIESLAND.
PLAYED A LOT IN HÚNS.
FRIESLAND & CHICKENING
Kaatsen is one of the oldest and most beloved sports in Friesland. Kaatsen has been deeply rooted in Frisian culture for centuries. Would you like to attend a kaats match? Then look at the agenda of the Royal Dutch Kaats Association.
Below we go into the rules of the game in more detail, but these are the basics:
Kaatsen is similar to tennis, but with hands instead of rackets. Frisian kaats players play on a grass field. The aim is to hit the ball across the field and eliminate the opponent. Each team - or party - consists of three players. The players must not drop the ball on the ground and must keep it in the air as much as possible.
WHAT IS KAATSEN?
To be able to kaatsen, you need a special handball glove as a kaats player. For storage and for the return stroke, it is important that the glove has a firm palm and a flexible finger side. The glove is specially designed to provide grip on the ball and to protect your hand while serving and catching. The glove is made of leather or synthetic materials.
THE GLOVE
THE BALL
The kaats ball, also known as the 'kaats', is made of leather and filled with horsehair. The ball has a specific weight and size that meet the requirements of the game. With its soft yet firm texture, the ball is perfect for the precise and agile game of kaatsen, where players must hit the ball with precision and control to score points.
THE BALL
THE PC IN FRANEKER
THE PC IN FRANEKER
​
One of the most prestigious events in the world of kaatsen is the PC (Permanent Committee) in Franeker, an annual kaats-competition that is considered the highlight of the kaats season. Since 1853, the best kaats players from Friesland and beyond have come together to compete for the coveted title of PC champion. The PC is not only a sporting event, but also a social and cultural spectacle that attracts hundreds of spectators and contributes to the rich tradition of kaatsen in Friesland.
Another well-known kaatsen competition near Húns is the Freule party in Wommels.
PC champion
Since 1853, the best kaats players from Friesland and beyond have gathered in the city of Franeker to compete for the coveted title of PC champion. Every fifth Wednesday in July, the best 'parturen' (teams) gather in the kaats capital.
Big event
The PC is not only a sporting event, but also a social and cultural spectacle that attracts hundreds of spectators and contributes to the rich tradition of kaatsen in Friesland.
Frouljus PC
Another famous handball match near Húns is the Freule-partij in Wommels. Also the "frouljus PC", the annual tournament for women in Weidum, is a big event that you must have seen.
KAATSMUSEUM IN FRANEKER
14 minutes from Húns.
For those who want to know more about the history and traditions of kaatsen, the Kaats Museum in the city of Franeker is a must-see.
It is the oldest sports museum in the Netherlands and completely dedicated to the sport of kaatsen. Here you will get a fascinating insight into the evolution of the game. From its humble origins to one of Friesland's most beloved sports.
​
With its extensive collection of kaats gloves, trophies and historical artifacts, the museum is a true tribute to the rich tradition of kaats.
0517- 859291
Voorstraat 76 in Franeker
​
​
There is a large kaats court in front of our holiday home. Local kaats players can regularly be seen on the kaats court in Húns to practice. Parties and competitions are often held there in the summer. When there is no kaats game, you have the entire field to yourself for a picnic or to play.
​
Would you like to know more about kaatsen in Húns?
And are you curious when there will be another competition?
Then take a look at the website of the Húns kaats association.
​
​
CHICKENING IN HUNS
One of our bedrooms overlooks the kaats field and we have therefore called it the kaats room. The kaats room is decorated with gloves, balls and a scoreboard.
Would you like to sleep in our kaats room sometime? Make plans for your Friesland holiday and book our holiday home immediately.
.jpeg)
KAATS ROOM IN HÚNS 16
THE RULES OF THE GAME OF KAATSEN
Partuur
Kaatsen is played on grass by two teams of three players each. Such a team is called a "party". On each team you have one server and two perk players.
Crite
The playing field, the "krite," is rectangular. A lawn of 61 by 32 meters. In the middle of this crite lies the "top compartment". The aim of the game is to get the ball over this top line without the other team being able to hit it back.
Storage and return stroke
One team takes care of the serve, while the other team has to hit the ball back. Storage is always done privately with the bare hand. However, the return stroke can be performed both overhand and underhand. The aim is to score points by getting the ball over the top line without the other team being able to hit back.
Undecided battle
A special rule in kaatsen is the "undecided stroke". This happens when the ball is not clearly in or out. The trick is then replayed.
Scoring
Points are earned by a service ball that scores immediately or by a long return hit, a so-called "overshot". If the ball stops without an immediate goal being scored, mark this with a wooden block, the "kaats". The scoring runs in steps of 2, 4, 6 and 8 points. This result is called a "first". The first two together form a "game". The first team to reach six firsts (or three games) wins. The points won are kept on a traditional scoreboard.
Tournament
Matches are often played in a tournament format, where a team must win several games to emerge as the winner.
HISTORY OF CHAMPIONSHIP
16th and 17th centuries
Kaatsen originated in the Middle Ages. In the 16th century it became popular in the Netherlands and Belgium. Cities such as Antwerp had several kaats courts. Kaatsen was played both indoors and outdoors. Kaatsen connected boys in their youth and thus forged friendships for life. After a tournament, the inns filled with stories.
Bats
At the beginning of the 16th century, players began to protect their hands with gloves. They also used bats to hit the ball further and faster. This led to a ban on playing kaatsen within the city walls. That is why kaats courts were built outside the cities.
Nuisance
Due to nuisance in urban areas, playing kaatsen on streets and squares was banned. The game moved to the countryside. The game's popularity declined around 1700.
18th and 19th centuries
In the 18th century, interest in kaatsen continued to decline. The game was mainly played in the countryside. There was little organization or uniformity in the rules of the game.
​
The Dutch Kaatsbond was founded in 1897. This led to the standardization of the rules of the game. The association based itself on the Frisian game of kaatsen. This is how the game was standardized in the Netherlands.
20th century to the present
In the 20th century, the rules of the game were further refined. The association ensured a standardized field layout, playing method and scoring. Regional variants such as Dokkumer kaatsen continued to exist.
International
Kaatsen spread internationally. European emigrants provided local variants, such as pelota in Spain and South America.
Oldest sports competitions in the world
Nowadays, kaatsen is mainly known as the Frisian kaats game. Annual tournaments, such as the PC in Franeker, have been held since 1853. These competitions are among the oldest sporting competitions in the world.
KAATSEN DURING YOUR HOLIDAY IN FRIESLAND
Knowing more? Want to visit competitions? Then take a look at the website of the Húns kaats association or visit the Kaats Museum in Franeker for a deeper dive into this fascinating sport.
Kaats clinic
Fancy a fun sporting activity during your holiday? Register with friends, colleagues or family for an original kaats clinic in Franeker . Such a clinic is given by experienced kaats players. They teach you the basic rules of the game. And you will discover why kaatsen is such a popular sport in Frisian culture.
