Bat and trap rules, origin, history and equipment used

Bat and trap rules, origin, history and equipment used

Kevin Omuya
updated at October 8, 2023 at 10:00 AM

Bat and Trap is an English bat-and-ball pub game. Currently, the game is mainly played in Kent and, to a lesser extent, in Brighton. It is possibly an ancestor of the game of cricket. The equipment used for gameplay is a trap, a bat, and a ball.

What Is Bat And Trap
A full-size league standard ash bat and trap starter set. Photo: Master Traditional Games
Source: UGC

The game shall be played on a grass pitch, 21 yards long and 13 feet 6 inches wide, suitably marked with lines along each side. Across the width, the line at one end is the bowling line, and at the other, the batting line.

What is bat and trap?

It is a bat-and-ball-based English pub game. Currently, the game is mainly played in Kent and, to a lesser extent, in Brighton. It is possibly an ancestor of the game of cricket.

The equipment used for gameplay is a trap, a bat, and a ball. The web is a wooden box 22in X 5in X 5in dimension with a simple see-saw mechanism on top. The ball used is a heavy, solid rubber ball.

Bat and trap sport

Bat and Trap is a traditional English pub game rather than a widely recognized sport on a larger scale. It has roots in the pub culture and has been played in various forms for centuries. The game is mainly played for recreation and social enjoyment in local communities.

While it may not have the formal structure and organization of recognized sports, its charm lies in its simplicity and the camaraderie it fosters among players; the casual and relaxed nature of bat and trap makes it a favourite in social gatherings and local events.

If you are interested in the sport-like aspect of bat and trap, you might want to look for local leagues or clubs that organize regular games. These would be where enthusiasts gather to play, share tips, and enjoy the unique charm of this traditional game. It might not be on the global sports stage, but it is cherished in local and community traditions.

Bat and trap bats

The bats used in bat and trap are typically flat and rectangular. They are similar in appearance to cricket bats but are usually smaller and designed for the specific requirements of the game.

History of the bat and trap sport

The game is a traditional English pub game from the 17th century. The game originated in Kent, a county in southeastern England, and it was initially conducted in the courtyards of inns and alehouses.

The game is played between two teams with up to eight players on each team. One team bats first while the other team bowls, and then teams switch roles after the first innings.

How to play bat and trap

It is a bit like cricket but has unique twists. Here is a basic rundown:

1. You need an open space with a flat surface, like a lawn or a specially designed bat and trap pitch. Set up the trap at one end and the 'target' at the other. The target usually has a small rectangular hole.

2. It is typically played between two teams with several participants.

3. One player from the batting team operates the trap. The trap consists of a flat board with a small pivoted 'trapdoor' that holds the ball.

4. The batting team has a bat. The batter stands by the target.

5. The ball is placed on the trap.

6. The trap player releases the ball by striking the trapdoor with a flat bat-like implement. The batter then tries to hit the ball through the target at the other end.

7. The batting team scores points if the ball goes through the target. If the fielding team catches the ball, the batter is out. The teams take turns batting and fielding.

8. The team with the highest score at the end of a predetermined number of innings or rounds wins. Local variations might exist, and the rules can sometimes be adapted to suit the players. It is a game that has been enjoyed for generations, so have fun!

Bat and trap rules

Bat And Trap Rules,
Canterbury Rotarians take part in the Bat and Trap challenge. Photo: RT Canterbury
Source: UGC

The specific rules of this game can vary depending on local traditions and agreements among players. Here are some standard rules to give you a good starting point:

1. Two teams usually play against each other, with multiple players on each team.

2. The game is typically played on a rectangular pitch with a trap at one end and a target (with a small hole) at the other.

3. A coin toss or another method determines which team bats first.

4. The batting team has one person operating the trap and one batter.

5. The trap player releases the ball by striking the trapdoor with a flat bat-like implement.

6. The batter attempts to hit the ball through the target at the opposite end.

7. Points are scored when the ball successfully passes through the target. The scoring might vary, but standard systems include 1 point for the ball passing through the target and additional points for hitting certain parts of the target.

8. The batter is typically considered out if a fielding player catches the ball. Some versions might have additional rules for outs, such as if the ball hits the ground before going through the target.

9. The fielding team tries to catch the ball and prevent the batting team from scoring.

10. The game is played in innings, with each team taking turns to bat and field.

11. The team with the highest total score at the end of the agreed-upon number of innings wins.

How do you play bat and trap?

Bat and Trap
A man participates in bat and trap during a family fun day gathering in Canterbury, England. Photo by ITV News Meridian
Source: UGC

It is a traditional English pub game that involves hitting a wooden bat to propel a ball against a trap, with the objective of scoring points. Here is a simplified guide to playing the game:

  1. Gather Equipment: You will need a bat, a trap (a board with a pivoted trapdoor), and a ball.
  2. Set Up the Pitch: Find a suitable playing area. If you have a designated bat and trap pitch, that is ideal. Otherwise, a flat surface like a lawn will do.
  3. Divide into Teams: Typically, it is played between two teams with multiple players.
  4. Decide Batting Order: Determine the order in which players from each team will bat.
  5. Batting Team: One player from the batting team operates the trap, and another is the batter.
  6. Trap Operation: The trap operator releases the ball by striking the trapdoor with a flat bat-like implement.
  7. Batting: The batter tries to hit the ball through the target at the opposite end of the pitch.
  8. Scoring: Points are scored when the ball successfully passes through the target. The scoring system may vary, so check your specific rules.
  9. Fielding Team: The fielding team tries to catch the ball and prevent the batting team from scoring.
  10. Innings: The game is played in innings, with each team taking turns to bat and field.
  11. Winning: The team with the highest total score at the end of the agreed-upon number of innings wins.

Players often consider personal preferences for weight, grip, and overall feel when selecting a bat for bat and trap. If you are getting into the game, you might want to check with local players or leagues for recommendations on bat specifications and where to purchase a suitable bat for the game.

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Authors
Kevin Omuya photo
Kevin Omuya
Kevin Omuya is a Content Writer with 4 years of experience who joined Sports Brief in 2022. In 2019 he held a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Digital Media from KCA University.