The Schutt Slow Pitch Softball Strike Zone Mat gives you something to aim forthe strike zone, that is. 18 W x 26 L. SKU: 40410 Categories: 2022 Odeys Catalog, Baseball / Softball, Home Plates. Premium 10 Feet X 3 Feet Softball Pitching Mat in Clay Color. Where the batter stands in the box has no bearing on the strike zone. Press J to jump to the feed. she is a relief pitcher with the first batter. Links. Then, arrange your fingers so that your index finger is parallel to 1 of the seams and your thumb is parallel to the opposite seam. In slow pitch, the ball must land on a carpet or marked area behind the plate, therefore standardizing the strike zone. Sign in to remove ads. 1996-2023, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates, Select a location to see product availability. It measures 17 inches across the front, 8 inches down each side and 12 inches diagonally to a point nearest the catcher. 31 $99.99 $99.99. Sorry, we were unable to perform your search at this time. This heavy-duty rubber mat fits perfectly behind home plate and clearly displays the width of the strike zone, giving slow pitch pitchers a target. No sales may have occurred at this price. If the pitch does not meet these requirements, an illegal pitch shall be called. ASA rules define the zone as front knee/back shoulder while the batter is standing adjacent to the plate. $99.99 Quantity. Yup wooden plate is the way to go. . As well, I want to offer the following reminder. No, Putting aside the height difference (we will talk more about this in a short while), each player will have their own batting stance. For a pitch to be valid, it's enough that any part of the ball . The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". STRIKE ZONE MAT. I play both and I prefer the mat, as most people say because the only argument you can have is how high or low the ball is. E. . No new inning shall begin after 1 1/2 hours of play. What You Will Learn. As you can see, the strike zone will vary with the height of the pitch as well as the height of the batter. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 1.1M. (Best Age to Play Baseball), How Fast Does A Baseball Travel? We can process your order online or over the phone. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. The minimum fence distance is 300 feet, with the maximum 315 feet. she just hit a batter. We get commissions for purchases made through links on this website from Amazon and other third parties. Personally, I am not a fan of a ball/strike mat. by Geno8121 Thu Dec 26, 2019 9:27 pm, Powered by phpBB Forum Software phpBB Limited, General League Announcements and Discussion. Mats used are 19- 21 inches wide and fit around plate starting a point where plate angles to triangle. No juking. That's why he is simply called the Chefhe serves up those meatballs all night, every night! I. 800-747-5985 | fax 608-836-0724 If you want to frustrate your pitcher with a small strike zone, this mat will do that nicely. This will probably be more of an issue with amateur games, with umpires at the professional level being a bit more consistent with the calls they make. Item Package Dimensions L x W x H 24 x 17 x 2.6 inches : Package Weight . Basically, a strike is a good pitch and a ball is a bad one. For slow-pitch softball, we also offer a couple of long-lasting softball strike zone mats. With 2021 in full swing, many gardeners are looking for new varieties of plants to grow. ORDER TODAY.. I love you being a pitcher too. That's just off the top of my head. If the pitch is swung at, the illegal pitch is ignored. The strike zone ensures that the hitter always hassomechance of being able to hit the ball. No it is not. Front Knee to back shoulder always as though you are standing at the plate, no matter where you are in the box. The dimensions of home plate in softball are 17 x 12 x 12 x 8.5 x 8.5. Dowdle Sports & Outdoors | Established 1909 | E-commerce Since 1997 | 901-751-1499, I agree to allow Dowdle Sports & Outdoors to store and process my personal data as described in the, Fits behind home plate to clearly display the width of the strike zone, Teaches slow pitch softball pitchers where to aim, High-visibility orange is unmistakable from the mound, Heavy-duty molded rubber holds up to repeated use and abuse, Umpire, Officials, Referee Apparel & Gear, Schutt Extended Strike Zone Home Plate Softball, Schutt Quick Link Training Aids Flex Net Softball. This equates to just over 5.3 cubic feet for the strike zone for an average player. . Need additional help? These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Strike Zone. I sold your last home run ball you hit off me, some dude in kansas said it was laying in his back yard. Mat is a strike. Baseball and Softball. Chop swing is a trick used by batters to direct the ball towards the plate or just on the ground; slowing down of the ball resulting from the chop swing shot makes it difficult for the fielder to collect it. This will benefit both the pitcher and the hitter. The only real similarity between the two strike zones is that the ball will have to pass over the home plate. I umpire without the mat and I tell the guys who like to let close ones go bye, "Don't leave it up to me because you probably won't like the outcome". Sometimes this game is so easy. Softball strike mat ships at 17W x 36L. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Please give us a call (800-747-5985). A batter's waistline is called the middle zone (some may also call it the belt zone). If the ball is pitched in the strike zone and the hitter fails to hit it, it is regarded as a strike. If the umpire is overly strict on the height, the mat is useless if its just going to get called illegal anyway the opposite side of the coin is sometimes getting that close pitch to go your way. Always read labels and directions before using a product. ONE TEAM. Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout. Baseball bats are illegal, . Here in Sacramento and surrounding areas. I used to not think this way but I believe ASA should all be mat strike zones. Log In. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. If the ASA rule states it, that's pretty clear - now I know! 50+ Senior Softball League - 2018 . Product Code: . We work hard to protect your security and privacy. League Rules and Regulations. 481 Notre Dame Street, Lakeshore, ON. Great product, but picture was misleading. No arguments (unless the pitch is flat or to tall). This NEW one-piece strike zone mat incorporates home plate in an All-N-One1/8 inch, heavy duty, tough-wearing, black rubber mat with home plate in white and eliminates the old fashion way of the umpires having to constantly replace the strike zone mat to the home plate. Slowpitch Strike Zone Mat. Based on that criteria, would it not be a physical impossibility for the ball to be considered a strike on both positioned hitters?? My bad?? ASA rules define the zone as front knee/back shoulder while the batter is standing adjacent to the plate". For men's 16-inch slow pitch, the bases are 60 feet apart, the pitcher's rubber is 38 feet from home plate and the fence distances are 250-feet minimum . Knowing where the strike zone lies is very important when playing baseball. Each pitch is judged on whether it's a ball or strike as it crosses above the home plate in a flight. The pitch must have a minimum arc of 6 ft. from the ground. For many gardeners, it starts with tomatoes. Champro Home Plate Extension (Orange) , 17 x 25, Franklin Sports Home Plate Baseball Softball Rubber Home Plate. That pitch would be called a ball when in reality it should be a strike. The fruit typically ranges from 8 to 10 ounces and is smooth with no blemishes or cracks. ADVERTISEMENT. A variant of baseball, softball is played with a larger ball and a faster pace due to the shorter distances on the field. The fielders wear gloves. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. If the baseball does not pass through this zone it will be called a ball. No reason why it should be in there since hitting the plate is a very likely ball in strike zone umpiring. Perfect for umpire training. Grip the ball tightly with your fingers to keep the ball in your hand. The slow pitch arc is between six and twelve feet in height. The rulebook notes the width of the strike zone is fixed regardless of the batter. We love sports and love to share information and experiences and address some of the common questions any athlete raises when pursuing these types of sports. Great for practice and drills for any age pitcher! The pitcher's platform must be 50 feet from home plate. Slowpitch Strike Zone Mat Can be cut to USSSA specifications (24L). Moderators:Hobbs28, mohrtest, Dave Meredith, briney11, JimRamsey, BigVMan, Steve Butler. leaving a gap wide enough for . main This black edge is what holds the white portion in place and should technically reside out of sight beneath the playing surface. The height requirement is 6' to 14', not 12'. In senior play, both SSUSA and NCSSA a single mat is used and plate area is considered a strike. The strike zone is not impacted by where the batter stands in the box. This means that you will need to practice your pitches with people of various heights and batting stances. Pitch hits the white surface of home plate and the back black edge - ball or strike. Product is as described and a fair price, but was folded on packaging in such a fashion that the corners of the plastic was bent, and did not recover after unpacking and use over several weeks. Softball Fields are regulated playing fields for the sport of softball. Middleton WI 53562. Copyright var date = new Date(); document.write(date.getFullYear()) Dowdle Sports & Outdoors. You should not rely solely on this content, and Amazon assumes no liability for inaccuracies. The Schutt Slow Pitch Softball Strike Zone Mat gives you something to aim for.the strike zone, that is. by Robbin Worthington Wed Nov 13, 2019 7:15 am, Post 17 Strike Zone: The strike zone is defined by an extended home plate whose width is the normal plate width and whose depth extends approximately 2.5 feet behind the front of the plate. STRIKE MAT: A Mat 25 inches long with a V shaped cut out with the edges 12 inches long to fit tight with the point of home plate. Q: 257: Kao-Lok high-temperature anchor. bases are loaded with less than 2 out. Is The Strike Zone The Same For All Players? Softball. Strike Zone Mat: A strike zone mat will be used to determine balls, strikes and outs at home plate. As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. First and foremost, it's much wider than the traditional strike zone . No BS about the strike zone. More Information. 16-inch softball (sometimes called clincher, mushball, cabbageball, puffball, blooperball, smushball and Chicago ball) is a variant of softball, but using a larger ball that gradually becomes softer the more the ball is hit, and played with no gloves or mitts on the fielders.It more closely resembles the original game as developed in Chicago in the 19th century by George Hancock, and today it . The online rule book supersedes the printed edition and will contain any updated rule or by-law changes. COACH BOARD BASEBALL/SOFTBALL SOFTBALL CATCHERS MASK HOCKEY STYLE WHEELED DUFFLE BAG - 17" X 17" 36" BASEBALL HELMET CHIN STRAP Our Price:$19.00. You have to remember that the strike zone will always be determined by the umpire when you are playing baseball. have an arc of between 6 and 12 feet from the ground. Hitting & Pitching Mats; Portable & Rollaway Backstops; Pitching Machines; Portable Mounds. Your question might be answered by sellers, manufacturers, or customers who bought this product. Item arrived as described. The plate itself is 17 inches wide and the diameter of a softball is 3.82 inches, making the actual width of the strike zone 24.64 inches when the inner edge of the ball is over the edge of the plate. If the pitcher could throw the ball wherever they wanted, the hitter would have absolutely no chance to hit the ball. Getting Started Estler's Mortgage Lifter tomato is one of the most popular heirloom varieties that is perfect for home gardeners. It takes 60 days for Red Rocket tomatoes to reach maturit. I didn't read the description until after, was expecting a bigger plate; but it's quite clear in the description. ASA rules define the zone as front knee/back shoulder while the batter is standing adjacent to the plate. STRIKE ZONE: A rectangle 17 x 34 which includes the plate and the plate extension (mat). Below is a visual depiction of the moving strike zone in slow-pitch softball. A GOOD PITCH must be pitched from the pitching plate. slow pitch rules. This heavy-duty rubber mat fits perfectly behind home plate and clearly displays the width of the strike zone, giving slow pitch pitchers a target. It's the best home plate you can buy. Your slow pitch softball pitching becomes more effective once you get a thorough understanding of the strike zone. The slow pitch strike zone is at a diagonal so moving forward and/or backward would manipulate the zone. My position is.If it's close swing, especially if you have 2 strikes. 1. fuzzy_socksucker 1 yr. ago. First, any pitched ball much above the navel/ belly button is almost un-hittable. The ball is a little softer than the 11-inch version. We have had it for about four months and it is ripping. 1. This site is all about Strike zone mats, Slow Pitch Softball Strike Zone Mats - This site is all about the new and improved one piece softball strike zone mat made of 1/8 inch heavy-duty black rubber with a white home plate mat all in one easy piece to us. Dimensions: 16 1/2"" x 25"" mat. Then all they screw up is not calling the 20 foot high pitches illegal and the 10 foot high ones flat. For those of you who have played both specifically pitched which do you prefer and why? All Rights Reserved. Gotta hurl it in pretty fast to maintain 4'. The strike zone therefore varies from batter to batter. This allows pitchers to throw softer pitches in the area near the batter's knees without fear of being called a ball or an automatic walk. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". ASA Slow-pitch softball rules will govern all play with the following modifications. A sensing system and method determines whether a slow pitch softball has been delivered in a strike zone. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Heavy-duty 3/8 thick, molded rubber strike mat makes the strike zone visible behind home plate. sandy amphitheater promo code; lashfood lash & brow enhancer serum duo. I purchased this extension for an Intramural Softball league. Senior Softball-USA Email: info@SeniorSoftball.com Phone: (916) 326-5303 Fax: (916) 326-5304 9823 Old Winery Place, Suite 12 Sacramento, CA 95827 When we need another one, i will order this product from Amazon. Who wrote the music and lyrics for Kinky Boots? 2 How big are slow pitch softball fields? Then they make adjustments so they can be successful. Using Natural Predators Yes, Remember, the strike zone will be the area between the armpit and the top of the knee. If the ball lands outside of the strike zone and the hitter doesnt take a swing, this is regarded as a ball. Four of those and they can walk to first base, which works against the pitcher. Post 728 km (519) 728-3717. All players are expected to demonstrate fair . I think Umps like the reduced stress too. How do I protect my assets if my spouse goes into a nursing home? FREE delivery Fri, Dec 9 . Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Enhances pitching and hitting skills. Below the chest is considered the top zone. she appears to be tiring. And then every umpire is different. Heavy-duty 3/8 thick, molded rubber strike mat makes the strike zone visible behind home plate. by wdshipe Fri Jun 15, 2018 1:08 pm, Post All rules not mentioned in this packet will be governed by the ASA slow pitch softball rules. Every other ump has a different call on that. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Fortunately, there are a variety of methods you can use to protect your garden from these pesky critters. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. USSSA Conference. Discover: Where Baseball Players Live During the Season? Fuck the plate. The purpose of the strike zone is to give the pitcher less advantage when throwing the ball. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Ajvarski, Donkey's Ear, Gatherer's Gold, Jimmy Nardello, Lipstick, Melrose, Gypsy F1 hybrid, Mareko Fana, Stocky Red Roaster, Red Wonder, Little Bells and Sirenevyi are all discussed here. SOFTBALL STRIKE ZONE MAT. Tom Wagner's varieties of tomatoes have been a hit among gardeners for years. As an aside, we use a ball/strike mat in the 1-pitch tournaments. Rough sometimes to handle front plate pitches. 4.8 out of 5 stars 122. Before you get started, you'll need to decide what type of vegetables you want to grow. The zone leaves to much to umpire discretion. 1.1.2 A team must have at least 8 players on the field to continue playing, if a team only has 8 Why take a chance and put it in the UMPs hand anyway. The batter whom is adjacent to the plate, or the batter whom is deep in the box and the ball falls into the criteria for a strike on their body? main All majorcredit cardsacceptedwith online ordering. A: One of the most effective ways to protect your garden from pests is to use natural predators. I like the wooden board we use over the plate. Regardless of this minor flaw, I thought it was a good product, with thick rubber, and worked well for our slow pitch softball season and will probably last for many more years. The pitcher must take a position with at least one foot in contact with the pitcher's box. Is the Strike Zone in Softball and Baseball Different? One of the jobs of the umpire will be to define the strike zone based upon the players batting stance. 16W x 25L. First pitch to me (RH to RH), hits the inside line with a huge puff of chalk strike. Yes, Remember, the strike zone will be the area between the armpit and the top of the knee. by wdshipe Fri Jun 15, 2018 11:12 am, Post 4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars (23) $89.31 $ 89. The conduction of heat by the ceramic cone causes shrinkage of the fiber materials around it, especially the back-up lower-temperature materials, Fig. Challenge Cup. 0. Thanks for the clarification, Les. Missile Marker Starter Set Soft Touch Stanchion T. Product categories Home Plates. The fruits of this plant are large and can weigh over one pound. We will contact you as soon as this product is available. Pretty huge advantage to any pitcher worth a shit as you can go low and hard to front edge of the plate and then high and deep. [{"displayPrice":"$17.61","priceAmount":17.61,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"17","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"61","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"XxXpkDeIjpUNNTd%2BZw8fUsafWQuPFqy66FP64FWWSy7DTAirLAdgXSSuKqOpnBXwPXN%2FtQSPcoqVoaynJhK5HoGG3MX5N0qw7bzOvVLANJ2b%2BTADMFhR6jjy4%2BXHGJW9TUwCIDJrE0QC76lS0BRgWw%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW"}]. Who wants to walk anyway, Swing away!!!! To place an order over phone call "Mike" at 850-572-4056. Home > Baseball/Softball > SLO-PITCH HOME PLATE EXTENSION OFFICIAL SIZE : Our Price:$ 62.00. How big is a strike mat for softball? Can be cut to USSSA specifications (24L). When the batter misses the three balls in a row pitched within the strike zone, he 'strikes out'. "Where the batter stands in the box (OOPS there is no box) has no bearing on the strike zone. Please use a different way to share. Product Features. The batter has the option of taking the pitch for an automatic ball or swinging at the pitch. Discover health tips, recipes, and fitness ideas. The bases on a Softball . Add to cart. Where can I find the slow pitch softball rule book? I might not have been very clearI want to make a mat to practice pitching and I wanted to know what the dimensions were so i could make one. They are the most inconsistent bunch and this would alleviate that. Isn't this why we use umpires to call the games, instead of mathematicians? ${cardName} unavailable for quantities greater than ${maxQuantity}. that while it did slow down the destruction of the anchor studs, it didn't last long in twice-daily cone 10 firings. The 3-ball, 2-strike count will be used in all games; each batter will start an at bat with a 1-1 count. I agree with WDJD about the mat. Gardening can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be a challenge. Here, as with most places I am guessing, the strike zone is what ever the ump wants it to be. Gardeners around the world have been growing these varieties for the past 8-10 years and are sharing their experiences with others. Copyright Tomatoes are a great choice for beginners as they're easy to care for and c, Co-Existing with Nature: Protect Your Garden from Pests Easily, Protecting Your Garden from Pests Jan-Feb 2023 | Viera, FL. ORDER TODAY - Call Mike @ Northwest Florida Sports, 850-572-4056. 1-877-439-9400. Granted, I'm looking at the 2010 book (only book I have with me in the hotel . Captain's Directory. Fits behind home plate. Arguing balls and strikes can be grounds for an immediate ejection. Does The Strike Zone Change Based on Height? The One Pitch You Should Avoid at All Costs: The Surprising Truth About Baseballs Worst Pitch, Find out if youre too old to play baseball and get back in the game! Make the mat a little wider than the plate and make it not quite to the back of the batters box and include the plate. ReadSchutt Slow Pitch Hollywood Strike Zone Mat product reviews, watch videos or select the style of your choice. The maximum allowable arc is 12 ft. from the ground. I actually prefer the strike mat, as long as it doesn't include the plate. Without a mat. The 12-inch ball is the standard for slow-pitch softball. Related Products. To place an order over phone call "Mike" at 850-572-4056. Remember; the umpire will always have the final call as to what the strike zone in softball is. In a regular game, if the umpire makes a questionable strike call, at least the batter has another opportunity. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If you are playing softball, then it is important to understand the strike zone. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. The use of WBSC mechanics applies to all Slo-Pitch play, including competitions using the mat in lieu of the strike zone and the use of a commitment and safe line instead of a live plate. Aj, Growing Tom Wagner's Varieties of Tomatoes: A Gardener's Guide With Tips & Advice, Tom Wagner is a renowned horticulturist who has created several varieties of tomatoes, including the popular "Fort Vancouver Yellow Pear", "Pennsylvania Catchfly", "Santa Anna" and "Sunspot". Enhancements you chose aren't available for this seller. This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt. Gardening is a great way to spend time outdoors and get in touch with nature. Slow-pitch softball is the more popular of the two, as its rules are relatively simpler, which makes it an ideal choice even for the rookies out there. Only ASA approved slow pitch softball bats are allowed in league and tournament play. Is this just the extension, or is the home plate included? 1. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. This rubber mat is an "extension" of the plate and isn't ideal for most leagues that require a mat that is slightly bigger. Full content visible, double tap to read brief content. Why in the world would you think I would have something SMART to say??? I can't explain this except to say that the tradition and culture of baseball has modified the written rule with a generally accepted "real . Concourse Team Express. Pros. If the batter reaches four balls, the batter is awarded the first base in what is known as a "walk". Designed for slow pitch softball as well as baseball and softball pitching and hitting training. A pitched ball will be described (by the umpire) as either a STRIKE or a BALL. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Home for all USSSA Specialty Slowpitch programs. Read . FREE delivery Wed, Mar 8 . With the right planning and dedication, anyone can have a successful garden this summer. If the pitcher cannot do that, they will never hit the big leagues. Estler's Mortgage Lifter is ideal for growing in northern climates due to its ability to withstand cooler temperatures better than other varieties. $209.22 $ 209. Pitches . Due to the variance in the way that the strike zone is judged, pitchers will want to be aiming well into the strike zone as opposed to the outskirts of it. The sides shall be 8.5 inches long, and the edge facing the pitcher shall be 17 inches wide and parallel to the pitchers plate. I know if I'm short inside, I'm about to eat a ball. Umps ready to wear catcher's mask. Here we discuss some of the most popular early sweet pepper varieties, their characteristics, and how they fare in different climates. by sixofdiamonds Wed Nov 13, 2019 6:56 pm, Post In fact, a lot of ballplayers choose to live just outside the city limits in the suburbs that surround the city their home park [], Are you a newbie interested in baseball, but dont know when it was considered popular or if its even popular any more? The typical distance between the bases for a softball field is 60 feet. Illegal pitcher said: It's 25 x 17. Description. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Reviewed in Canada on February 21, 2020. While the pitcher and the hitter will have a rough idea about the strike zones size, it will be an umpire that makes the final call. For slow pitch played with a 12-inch ball, bases must be 65 feet apart. Constructed of heavy duty, high visibility orange molded rubber. Legend. We have had it for about four months and it is ripping. Let us explain why. It is completely fair that the strike zone changes based on height. 75th ANNIVERSARY: Save on Streamliner chalkers! Shop By Sport. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. . What is the size of home plate in softball? NCAA Oregon Ducks Disposable Paper Plates, Pack of 20, Paragon - Manufactured Fun SNO-Cone Spoon Straws, 200-Count, Assorted - red, Blue, Yellow, Green, 8", NFL Green Bay Packers Disposable Paper Plates, Pack of 20, Softball Pitching Mat 10' x 3' Softball Pitching Plate with 24 x 6 Inch Pitching Rubber Softball Powerline Antislip Antifade for Softball Pitching Training Aids as Softball Pitchers Mound Green Color, ChalkTalkSPORTS Baseball Coach Home Plate Plaque | Thank You Coach | Ready to Autograph. The mat would be a nightmare though for low division coed as the strike zone widens substantially. Press your palm against the surface of the ball. by sixofdiamonds Sun Nov 19, 2017 2:17 pm, Post ), some where it crosses the plate. As an umpire, I prefer mat strike zone. Schutt Slow Pitch Hollywood Strike Zone Mat Designed for slow pitch softball Bright orange color for high visibility Made of Heavy Duty molded rubber Enhances pitching and hitting skills Perfect for umpire training Used at all levels of play Dimensions: 16 1/2 x 25 mat