Jai-alai

Jai alai means merry festival in the Basque language. It is known for the name Pelota (ball) in Spain. A dispute exists where as to where the game originated. Some people think that Hernando Cortez learned that early Aztecs had played it long before he invaded Mexico and that he carried the idea back to Andalusia, Spain. Other historians say jai alai is just a game of handball, with variations supplied by the Basques. They …showed first 75 words of 984 total…

…showed last 75 words of 984 total…thrown from shoulder level or higher. Picada: A ball thrown overhanded with great wrist action that comes off of the front wall with a very high bounce. Al Ancho: Ball thrown toward the outside. Bote Corrido: The ball is caught at shoulder level or higher as it ascends from the bounce. Paredon: The ball comes far out from the back wall. Pasa: Overserve. Saque: Serve. Derecha: Ball thrown from the right side. Reves: Backhand (reverse).