Jai Alai
Multicultural Games

State the name of your game and why you chose it.

We chose Jai Alai because it sounds fun and interesting. We especially like this game because the ball moves 150 mph.

List the countries where it is played and its origin.

The game originated in Spain and is played in South America and the United States.

Describe how your game is played. State the object of the game. Clearly describe the rules.

• In jai alai you hit a hard ball against the front wall.
• The game is played in singles or doubles. When you and your partner win a math it counts as one point.
• The ball is thrown against the front wall very hard and fast with a curved wicker basket. The object of the game is to keep the opposing player from returning the ball.
• A catch and throw must be one continuous motion. The player can continue to serve and accrue points if the opponent misses the ball. The serve and the return must hit the front wall.
• The other side gets to serve if the server puts the ball in foul territory.

List the equipment needed.

A ball, called a pelota, which is similar to a baseball, but harder. A curved wicker basket called a cesta A court with wall to bounce the ball off.

• A ball, called a pelota, which is similar to a baseball, but harder.
• A curved wicker basket.
• A court with wall to bounce the ball off.

Make recommendations for what type of athlete would enjoy playing this game. What skills does it demand?

Sterling: I think a tennis player would enjoy playing this game the most.

Jon: I think the type of athlete that would enjoy Jai Alai would be one with good hand-eye coordination and one who likes one-on-one games. A good place to play would be inside a room like a very small gym.

What are your feelings about this game? Did you enjoy playing it? Would you recommend it?

Jon: I feel that his game is not too good because you could probably get killed. This means you should not play it with inexperienced players.

 

Multicultural Games Unit   | Games Index |  Middle School  |  GAnet

Germantown Academy
P.O. Box 278
Ft. Washington, PA 19034
nsmith@ga.k12.pa.us  |  aowens@ga.k12.pa.us