Enter the Fronton
Understanding the rules of Basque Pelota
The fundamentals of Cesta Punta
The origins of the game
The essential rules
Players' equipment
Types of matches
Dive into the heart of the action
What our spectators say
WHAT IS CESTA PUNTA?
The game consists of returning the pelota (= the ball) sent by the opponent on the frontis (= striking wall) by taking it either on the fly or after a single bounce on the ground. The pelota reaches speeds of 200 to 300 km/h.
The “but” (= serve) is made at the height of line n° 10
The pelota, after bouncing against the frontis, must fall between lines 4 and 7, unless the opponent intercepts it.
If n° 4 is not exceeded, it is FALTA, the point is acquired by the opponent.
If n° 7 is exceeded, it is PASA, the player is entitled to a second and final commitment.
Each player has the right to make 5 PASA, from the sixth they will no longer have the right to a second commitment and will lose the point immediately.
The team that won the point starts the next point and can change the ball at its convenience depending on its strategy.
During the game, the front or back player can indifferently return the pelota in forehand or backhand, but always in motion. There is a fault when the player does not catch the pelota, when the latter is kept too long in the chistera, bounces in it or goes out of the playable limits. A game is played in two sets of 15 points with a third set of 5 points, in case of a tie at one set each.
Three judges officiate at lines 4, 7 and 10. The judge of 7 is the referee. His decisions are final.
Basque pelota
The Jaï-Alaï, an emblematic field of Cesta Punta, is composed of three walls: a striking wall (frontis), a left wall and a back wall. Over 54 meters long, the field, called cancha, is divided into cuadros spaced 4 meters apart. These numbered markers help players respect distances during the game.
The pelota
The pelota, the true heart of the game, is a ball wrapped in rubber thread covered with cotton, then protected by two leather skins. With a diameter of 65 mm and a weight varying between 115 and 125 g, its design requires artisanal expertise. Each pelota, made to measure according to the playing conditions, costs around €100.
The chistera
The chistera, or glove, allows the pelota to be sent at over 300 km/h. Made of wicker and chestnut, it combines cabinetmaking, basketry and leather goods. The leather interior ensures a perfect fit to the player’s hand. This exceptional tool is the flagship element of Cesta Punta.
Left wall
The little brother of the Jaï-Alaï, with reduced dimensions (34 to 40 meters).
Trinquet
This closed field has four walls and unique specificities, such as the xilo (hole in Basque) which surprises opponents with unpredictable trajectories.
Fronton
The only outdoor field, composed of a single wall and a playing area that can reach 100 meters. The ground can be concrete, sand or clay.
The specialties
Basque Pelota has 25 specialties, each adapted to one or more types of terrain (Jaï-Alaï, left wall, trinquet or fronton). Some specialties use similar instruments, such as the pala, which comes in five variations. Playing several specialties requires great dexterity and remains a challenge accessible to few players.
Go from spectator to connoisseur
Are you ready to understand every detail of the game and fully enjoy the matches? Don’t miss our educational events and let yourself be captivated by the intensity of Cesta Punta, where strategy and agility reign supreme.