Mr. Zadok was among a group of matkot die-hards who began playing a more-aggressive form of the sport in the 1990s.

WSJ: In Israel, Sounds of Spring Include Thwack of Paddleballs

Mr. Zadok even petitioned to have matkot included in the London Olympics.

WSJ: In Israel, Sounds of Spring Include Thwack of Paddleballs

The first novel category sees former waitress Rachel Zadok nominated for Gem Squash Tokoloshe, about a young girl growing up during under apartheid in South Africa.

BBC: NEWS | Entertainment | Hornby on track for novel prize

"It was a dark summer for matkot, " says Mr. Zadok.

WSJ: In Israel, Sounds of Spring Include Thwack of Paddleballs

"It is a game of couples, of partners, of love and community, " says Morris Zadok, 62, owner of a sporting-goods store dedicated largely to matkot and regarded as one of the sport's leading advocates.

WSJ: In Israel, Sounds of Spring Include Thwack of Paddleballs