How Israeli Catchball Transformed From a Casual Game Into Elite Sport
Catchball has evolved into a powerhouse of women's sports in Israel, blending grassroots community spirit with elite international competition and growing global ambitions.
Casharset, commonly known as catchball, has evolved into a prominent pillar of women's sports in Israel. Originally derived from the American game of Newcombe, the sport found a unique identity in Israel, growing from grassroots community initiatives into a structured, highly competitive arena with thousands of active players across the country.
From Grassroots to World Champions
The journey of competitive casharset is exemplified by the "Dora" Kfar Saba team, which clinched the World Club Championship in Amsterdam. Shiraz Sagaa Liam, a 37-year-old physiotherapist, sports entrepreneur, and head coach of Dora, has been instrumental in this transformation. Having started her athletic career as a volleyball player, Sagaa Liam recognized an intense desire among women to engage in competitive athletics at a high level.
Over nearly two decades, she helped build a professional infrastructure around the sport, introducing fitness coaches, nutritionists, and sports psychologists. Today, Israel boasts numerous leagues, youth divisions, and school programs, exporting its expertise internationally through the World Catchball Association, which aims to secure Olympic recognition.
Balancing Professionalism and Public Perception
Despite its athletic rigor, casharset often battles stereotypes. Media depictions, such as television dramas or comedy routines that portray the sport merely as a casual social gathering accompanied by pizza, fail to reflect the intense dedication of its participants. Sagaa Liam emphasizes that Dora operates like any elite professional team, though players fund their own activities without significant institutional budgets.
For Sagaa Liam, the sport is deeply intertwined with her personal life. She met her wife through her coaching projects, and today their young children accompany them to practices and championship games. Ultimately, casharset serves as both a competitive outlet and a metaphor for life, teaching resilience, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of personal excellence.
