The object of Jai-Alai is to hurl the ball (Pelota) against the
front wall with such force, spin, and placement that an opponent
will not be able to return it. The ball may touch the side
wall, the back wall and/or the floor and remain in play until it
strikes the floor a second time. A player may take the ball
off the front wall in the air, or he may elect to play it off the
back wall after one bounce.Any throw which strikes the front wall
and the floor is fair. A foul is called when the throw strikes
the red cushion, the overhead screen, or the red areas (unless it
first hit the front wall and then the floor) and if it has touched a
player or his clothing. Holding or juggling is a foul, which
awards the point to an opponent.
When the game begins, post one serves to post two. The
serve must strike the front wall first and land between arrows 4 and
7 (unless intercepted.) The other arrows on the side wall are
to aid players in judging distance and angles of shots.
Games are played on the elimination system. A team plays
until it loses and then goes to the end of the bench to await its
next turn on the court. Games are to 7 or 9 points. One
point is awarded for each point scored during the first round.
Starting with the second round, points double for the remainder of
the game.
Once a team achieves game point, second place is
awarded to the team with the next most points, and the same for
third. In case of a tie, playoffs determine second and third.
EQUIPMENT USED IN JAI-ALAI Cesta--The wicker basket used to
catch and throw the ball. The frame is made of steam-bent
chestnut. The reed is woven over the frame and ribs.
Cestas are hand-made and cost in excess of $200.00 The hand is
strapped into the glove, and the length, curve, and ribbing allows
the ball more speed and spin than in any other sport. Cestas
are repaired daily as the force of the ball breaks the reed weaves.
Cestas are tailor-made to players' specifications. No two
cestas are exactly alike. Pelota--The ball is made with
hand-wrapped strips of virgin rubber, hardened in stages, a few
strands per day. It takes a year to produce a pelota, because
of the hardening process. Two covers of goat skin are applied,
and after a 100 day "resting" period, the pelota is ready. The
outer cover of the pelota must be replaced after one or two games.
The pelota is thrown at speeds in excess of 150 m.p.h..
Pelotas cost about $100.00 each.
|
