A high-velocity Basque ball game played in a three-walled court with a curved wicker basket strapped to the hand.
Origin and rules
Jai alai is the long-court variant of Basque pelota, formalised in the 19th century in the Basque Country and spread to Cuba, Mexico, the Philippines, and Florida. The name means “merry festival” in Basque.
How it plays
Players use a wicker scoop, the cesta, to catch a hard goatskin pelota and hurl it against the front wall on the fly. The ball rebounds at speeds reportedly above 300 kilometres per hour, making jai alai among the fastest ball sports.
Competition
The Basque Pelota World Championships include jai alai under its cesta punta name. Spain, France, Mexico, Cuba, and the United States have produced top players. Jai alai was a demonstration sport at the 1924, 1968, and 1992 Olympics.
Find more sports by letter
Jai Alai starts with J and ends with I. Browse other sports along the same letter.
Sports that contain a letter from "Jai Alai":