Pelota

Pelota is the name given to a variety of sports that are played by hitting a ball with the hand, a racquet or a basket attached to the hand. Pelota and its variations were first played during the 13th century in the Basque region of Spain. There are variations of the game depending upon the equipment used.

• Played with the hand it is called pelota mano, or just pelota.

Played with a racquet, it is called frontenis.

Played with a hand basket, it is called jai-alai.

The game is similar to squash - players hit the ball against the end wall of a three-sided court, if possible, out of reach of their opponent. Pelota is popular in Spain, Mexico, South America, Cuba, Italy and many US states, including Florida.