http://www.ocalajaialai.com/game/thegame.htm The Game of Jai-Alai The origins of the sport are obscure, but it is believed that Jai-alai began in the Basque region of Spain and France more than three centuries ago. The first permanent Jai-alai fronton in the United States was built in Miami in 1926. Jai Alai was introduced in America by L. Stanley ("Buddy") Berensen as a spectator sport. Pari-mutuel wagering on the game began in 1928. Translated, Jai-alai means "Merry Festival" in the Basque language. Equipment The Cesta The wicker basket, cesta (ses'tah), is tailor-made to each player's specifications. Frontcourt players usually play with smaller cestas designed for speed and quick delivery of the pelota. Backcourt cestas are larger and are designed for throwing from longer distances. The length, curve and ribbing of the cesta give the pelota extraordinary speed and spin. The hand is inserted flat into a leather glove sewn to the outside area of the cesta. A long tape (cinta) is wound around the glove to prevent the secure the cesta to the player's hand. Cestas cost over $200 each and only last a few weeks. The Pelota The most lethal ball of any sport, the pelota (pay-lo'-tah) is about 3/4 the size of a baseball, harder than a golf ball, and has been clocked at speeds of up to 188 m.p.h. The Guinness Book of World Records calls it "the world's fastest projectile." The pelota is constructed of hand-woven virgin de Para rubber from Brazil with a layer of nylon thread and two coats of specially hardened goat skin. A pelota costs over $100 and after 20 minutes of play, the outside layer of goat skin must be re-covered. The Uniform The players wear rubber-soled shoes, white trousers with a red sash (faja), and a colored jersey designating the player's post position. The following chart lists the colors representing the eight post positions: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 The number on the front of the jersey designates the post-position. The number on the back is the player's roster number. Safety helmets were introduced in 1968, after a series of severe injuries. The Court ("Cancha") The court or "cancha" measures 176 feet long. The 60-foot wide playing surface is divided into two sections: A 40-foot concrete floor and a 20-foot wood apron. The "ceiling" of the court is in reality a overhead screen. The screen is out of bounds. The rock-hard front wall is composed of 12-inch thick slabs of granite block backed by 12 inches of concrete block. When the pelota strikes the granite surface at the incredible speeds generated by the action of the cesta, the results are lightening fast and unpredictable. PLAYER VIEW OF COURT FOR SCORING AND HOW THE GAME IS PLAYED>>>>>>>http://www.ocalajaialai.com/game/scoring.htm FOR HOW BETTING IS DONE>>>>>http://ocalajaialai.com/betting.htm

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Fronton diagram: http://www.personal.psu.edu/crh189/jaialai.html Good explanation of the game, rules, etc. http://tigerchalktalk.home.mindspring.com/bullets1.htm Action shot: http://www.buber.net/Basque/Sports/pelota2.html