What is Catchball?

The Basics

Catch It. Throw It. Win.

Catchball is a net sport similar to Volleyball — the key difference is that you catch the ball instead of hitting it. You catch, set up your team, and then spike the ball over the net with a powerful throw. That single rule change makes the game more accessible for newcomers while keeping it deeply strategic for competitive players.

Catchball is a global sport now active in over 20 countries across 5 continents — and growing fast. It combines the flow of volleyball with the throwing mechanics of handball. Easy to learn in an afternoon and competitive enough to play for decades.

Players

6 per team

Sets

Best of 3

Open to

Women 25+

Reach

20+ Countries

Gameplay

How the Game Works

Six rules. Infinite strategy. Here's the breakdown.

1

The Serve

A player serves from behind the end line — throwing the ball over the net into the opponent's court to start the rally.

2

Catch & Pass

The receiving team catches the ball with both hands and passes within their court. A team has up to 3 touches before it must go back over.

3

The Attack Throw

The final throw goes over the net. Teams aim for open spaces and read the defense in real time — this is where the strategy lives.

4

Scoring

A point is scored when the ball lands in bounds on the opponent's side, or when the other team commits an error.

5

Rotation

Players rotate positions after winning the serve — like volleyball. Every player plays every position throughout the match.

6

Winning

Winning a set requires reaching the target score with a 2-point lead. Best of 3 sets wins the match — specific scoring formats may vary by tournament and league.

Eligibility

Who Can Play?

MapleNet welcomes women 25 and older of all backgrounds and fitness levels — whether you've never picked up a ball or you're a seasoned athlete looking for your next challenge.

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New to the Sport

If you can catch and throw, you can play. Most women are competing confidently by their first session.

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Experienced Athletes

Players with a background in volleyball, handball, or basketball will find real strategic depth and strong competition.

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Teams & Communities

Workplaces, community centres, sports clubs — Catchball builds real bonds, fast.

Interested? Get in Touch

Why Women Love It

Built for a Lifetime

In countries where Catchball is established — Israel, Hungary, Brazil, Germany — women play for decades. Here's why:

Accessible to learn — most players are competing confidently from day one
Women 25+ — a welcoming community with serious competitive options
Deep team bonds — the sport is inherently communicative and collaborative
Great workout — cardio, agility, coordination, and core in one
Growing globally — world championships and international leagues in 20+ countries
Minimal equipment — just a net and a ball to get started

Global Reach

A Sport With Deep International Roots

Catchball has grown from a community sport into a global movement spanning 5 continents and over 20 countries. From Germany to Kenya, from Mexico to South Africa and from Israel to the USA — women are catching, throwing, and competing on courts worldwide.

The ICF (International Catchball Federation) oversees the sport globally, with national associations growing rapidly across Africa, South America, Europe, and North America. The sport has been especially powerful as a tool for women's empowerment and community building in developing countries, including Kenya, South Africa, and Mexico.

Canada has been part of the Catchball story for years. MapleNet is here to build on that foundation — creating a national competitive league, developing a Canadian Women's National Team, and taking Canada to the international stage.

Get Involved →

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5 Continents
20+ Countries
1 Passion

Europe, Africa, South America, North America and beyond — Catchball communities are growing on every continent, united by the love of the game.