Jai alai

Jai alai, or pelota, Spanish-Basque game similar to handball, from which it evolved in the 17th century. The ball, or pelota, is made of hard rubber covered with goatskin. Each player is equipped with a cesta, a narrow, basket-shaped racket of wicker, which is strapped to the player's wrist. The jai alai court, or cancha, is enclosed by three walls, the fourth side consisting of a wire screen that protects spectators. The players alternately throw the ball against the front wall, catching it in the cesta either on the fly or after one bounce on the floor. A player is awarded a point if he/she served, and their opponent is unable to return the ball off the front wall. The game is extremely popular in Cuba, Mexico, and Spain. It is usually associated with betting.