Valencian pilota
Encyclopedia
Valencian pilota is a traditional handball sport
played in the Valencian Community
. Its origins are not known, but seems to be related to the French Jeu de paume
.
Rules variations within the generic Pilota Valenciana category are frequent from area to area but the common trait is that the ball is struck with a bare, or almost bare, hand (only some minimal protection is applied in some versions of the sport). The general rule involves two teams made from two up to five players each (the numbers depend on the particular version played). Exceptionally, individual matches are also played (mostly in Escala i corda
and Raspall
) between the most renowned players.
The second characteristic being that it is not played against a wall. Instead, similarly to modern tennis, two individuals or teams are placed face to face separated either by a line on the ground or a net.
A distinctive trait of Valencian pilota is that the spectators are often seated or standing very close to the court which means that they may be hit by the ball and thus become an (unwilling) part of the game.
The origins of Valencian pilota are not known with certainty, but it is commonly supposed to have been derived from the medieval Jeu de paume
along with several other European handball sports (for example the Basque laxoa, French Longue paume
, Frisian handball
and Italian Pallone
) similar to the actual Valencian llargues
variant.
Jeu de paume is documented at Paris
in 1292 since there were 13 ball workshops and many tripots (courtfields), it was first played with the hands, and the scoring system was very similar to the current Valencian one. There were so many resemblances with the Valencian pilota sport that, in the 16th century, the humanist
Joan Lluís Vives compared both games in his Dialogues and claimed them to be exactly the same despite some minor differences.
Being played by low-class people and high-class nobles, Valencian pilota was very popular: On June 14, 1391 the Valencia City Council fruitlessly forbid it to be played on the streets, but this caused the expansion of trinquets
(courtfields), there were as many as 13 only in that city in the 16th century. Later on, nobles abandoned the handball game in favour of '"'cleaner" sports and so pilota became the property of the middle and lower classes, which led to the appearance of the first professional players and the rise of gambling and challenge matches.
Also, the break between indoor and outdoor forms caused many variants to diverge from the original Llargues
version. Thus Perxa evolved into Galotxa
, and which in turn gave rise to Escala i corda
, while Raspall
is still played in both courtfields. It should be noted that llargues is the only variant that uses the original "ratlles" rule, the others using a net to separate two sides on the playing area (as galotxa, and escala i corda), or with no court division at all (raspall). Another case is the Frontó
variety, which was first documented in the late 19th century, influenced by the popularity of the main Basque pelota variant, which involves players throwing the ball against a wall.
Nowadays, Valencian pilota is played in the whole Valencian Community
, but every area has its preferred variety. Professional players of Escala i corda
and Raspall
are hired to play at the trinquets or in streets during the towns' festivals. The popularity of this sport is raising again with the building of new cortifields at the schools, weekly broadcastings at the Valencian public TV
, the management of a professional company (ValNet
) and the Handball International Championships
with countries where sports with a common origin are played.
and Raspall
.
Another way to categorize variations is whether they are direct or indirect. The direct games are those whose players are opposed face-to-face in different sides of the court, which is sometimes divided by a net; the indirect games are those with a wall where both teams throw the ball from a shared court. The traditional variations of Pilota Valenciana are direct, even though recently some indirect games ("Frontó" and "Frares") have been introduced based on the Basque Pelota.
, which is very similar to other handball sports derived from the Jeu de paume
. Every year a European championship is held by the International Ball game Confederation
with players from Valencia, Belgium
, France
, Italy
, and the Netherlands
. There's also a World-championship with those teams plus Argentina
, Colombia
, Mexico
and Peru
.
The Handball International Championships
combined local handball variations from all over Europe to create the "International game
" using the shared traits from all the sports related or derived from the Jeu de paume. Eventually, Valencian professional players don't need much adaptation, since Llargues is very close to the international rules.
Another case is the International fronton
, another invented variety that takes back the indirect style to its basics: One wall where the ball must bounce.
the ones called "bote luzea", "mahi jokoa" are extinct but, by all accounts they were extremely similar to what has been preserved in Valencian Pilota as Llargues
, but using a bigger and heavier ball.
An example of the compatibility there used to be between Valencian Llargues and Basque a la larga modalities was the existence during the 19th century of some sort of an early professional side to the sport, with players from elsewhere earning high amounts of money, such as Aragon
ese Lagasa and Valencian
Amigó, who, for example, toured in Navarre
during September of 1680).
In October 2006, for the first time, a youthful Navarrese team played Llargues against a Valencian one during the "Pilota Day" celebrated in Valencia (the adult match confronted the Valencian Community team vs. the Frisian team from the Netherlands
). At the moment the only exchanges between both sports are friendly matches of Frontó
, which is the monopolistical modality for Basques but a mostly irrelevant one for Valencians. In summer, or for special events, exhibition matches are organized, as the "Open Ciutat de València", with particular rules (such as the length of the court), and ball of intermediate size and diameter (70 gr.) of the kind both regions are used to.
in the 1992 Summer Olympics
hosted in Barcelona
.
Every version of the game uses its own kind of ball. Each ball is different in weight, size, the way it bounces and other aspects. They are all handmade by specialized crafters.
and the marxador
gets a commission of these bets.
The two teams dress either with red or blue shirts. Bets are done for one color (red or blue) winning, to a certain margin of victory points, or to an expected way to score each particular point.
Remarkably high amounts of money may be bet during relevant games confronting famous players. The more famous players become, the more betting is involved and so their personal revenues.
and Raspall
.
Traditionally, each player managed his own agenda and arranged his fees, but in 2005 a new company, ValNet
, presided by the retired pilotari Fredi
contracted almost all professional players.
For a list of relevant historical or active players, see Valencian pilotaris
. Also, see below for the existing professional leagues and competitions.
Raspall
Sport
A Sport is all forms of physical activity which, through casual or organised participation, aim to use, maintain or improve physical fitness and provide entertainment to participants. Sport may be competitive, where a winner or winners can be identified by objective means, and may require a degree...
played in the Valencian Community
Valencian Community
The Valencian Community is an autonomous community of Spain located in central and south-eastern Iberian Peninsula. Its capital and largest city is Valencia...
. Its origins are not known, but seems to be related to the French Jeu de paume
Jeu de paume
Jeu de paume is a ball-and-court game that originated in France. It was an indoor precursor of tennis played without racquets, though these were eventually introduced. It is a former Olympic sport, and has the oldest ongoing annual world championship in sport, first established over 250 years ago...
.
Escala i corda
Escala i corda is the most prestigious variant of Valencian pilota, and the only one, with Raspall, that have professional players.- History :...
and Raspall
Raspall
Raspall is a variant of the handball game, Valencian pilota, played mainly in the Valencian regions south to the Xúquer river: the Vall d'Albaida, the Safor, the Costera, the Marina Alta and the Marina Baixa. It is also popular in the Ribera Baixa...
) between the most renowned players.
The second characteristic being that it is not played against a wall. Instead, similarly to modern tennis, two individuals or teams are placed face to face separated either by a line on the ground or a net.
A distinctive trait of Valencian pilota is that the spectators are often seated or standing very close to the court which means that they may be hit by the ball and thus become an (unwilling) part of the game.
History
Jeu de paume
Jeu de paume is a ball-and-court game that originated in France. It was an indoor precursor of tennis played without racquets, though these were eventually introduced. It is a former Olympic sport, and has the oldest ongoing annual world championship in sport, first established over 250 years ago...
along with several other European handball sports (for example the Basque laxoa, French Longue paume
Longue paume
Longue paume is an outdoor version of jeu de paume, an ancestor of modern lawn tennis. Hundreds of years ago it was quite popular, particularly in France. It was part of the Paris 1900 Summer Olympics, but its medal status is disputed. Today, the sport is played regionally in Picardie...
, Frisian handball
Frisian handball
Frisian handball is a traditional Frisian sport, related to American handball and fives, that is most commonly practiced by people from the northern Dutch province of Friesland . It is believed to be one of the oldest ballgames and was an unofficial Demonstration sport at the 1928 Summer Olympics...
and Italian Pallone
Pallone
Pallone is the name of several traditional ball games, played in all regions of Italy, with few differences in regulations...
) similar to the actual Valencian llargues
Llargues
Llargues is the oldest Valencian pilota modality. It's played on the streets, where two teams formed by 3, 4 or 5 players throw each other the ball with the hand try to surpass an imaginary line which changes every game....
variant.
Jeu de paume is documented at Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
in 1292 since there were 13 ball workshops and many tripots (courtfields), it was first played with the hands, and the scoring system was very similar to the current Valencian one. There were so many resemblances with the Valencian pilota sport that, in the 16th century, the humanist
Humanism
Humanism is an approach in study, philosophy, world view or practice that focuses on human values and concerns. In philosophy and social science, humanism is a perspective which affirms some notion of human nature, and is contrasted with anti-humanism....
Joan Lluís Vives compared both games in his Dialogues and claimed them to be exactly the same despite some minor differences.
Valencian trinquet
Valencian trinquet, or simply trinquet , is the court used in the Valencian Community for two different modalities of Valencian pilota: the Escala i corda and the Raspall.- Court :...
(courtfields), there were as many as 13 only in that city in the 16th century. Later on, nobles abandoned the handball game in favour of '"'cleaner" sports and so pilota became the property of the middle and lower classes, which led to the appearance of the first professional players and the rise of gambling and challenge matches.
Also, the break between indoor and outdoor forms caused many variants to diverge from the original Llargues
Llargues
Llargues is the oldest Valencian pilota modality. It's played on the streets, where two teams formed by 3, 4 or 5 players throw each other the ball with the hand try to surpass an imaginary line which changes every game....
version. Thus Perxa evolved into Galotxa
Galotxa
Galotxa is a variety of pilota that is always played in the street, whether artificial or natural, practiced mostly in the northern counties of the Xúquer river....
, and which in turn gave rise to Escala i corda
Escala i corda
Escala i corda is the most prestigious variant of Valencian pilota, and the only one, with Raspall, that have professional players.- History :...
, while Raspall
Raspall
Raspall is a variant of the handball game, Valencian pilota, played mainly in the Valencian regions south to the Xúquer river: the Vall d'Albaida, the Safor, the Costera, the Marina Alta and the Marina Baixa. It is also popular in the Ribera Baixa...
is still played in both courtfields. It should be noted that llargues is the only variant that uses the original "ratlles" rule, the others using a net to separate two sides on the playing area (as galotxa, and escala i corda), or with no court division at all (raspall). Another case is the Frontó
Valencian frontó
Frontó is a modified Valencian pilota version of the original Basque Pelota game. The name frontó refers both to the game and the playing area...
variety, which was first documented in the late 19th century, influenced by the popularity of the main Basque pelota variant, which involves players throwing the ball against a wall.
Valencian Community
The Valencian Community is an autonomous community of Spain located in central and south-eastern Iberian Peninsula. Its capital and largest city is Valencia...
, but every area has its preferred variety. Professional players of Escala i corda
Escala i corda
Escala i corda is the most prestigious variant of Valencian pilota, and the only one, with Raspall, that have professional players.- History :...
and Raspall
Raspall
Raspall is a variant of the handball game, Valencian pilota, played mainly in the Valencian regions south to the Xúquer river: the Vall d'Albaida, the Safor, the Costera, the Marina Alta and the Marina Baixa. It is also popular in the Ribera Baixa...
are hired to play at the trinquets or in streets during the towns' festivals. The popularity of this sport is raising again with the building of new cortifields at the schools, weekly broadcastings at the Valencian public TV
Canal 9
Canal Nou is a public television station in the Valencian Community, Spain. It is run by Ràdio Televisió Valenciana which operates from Burjassot. It is broadcast in Valencian and Spanish and it can be watched in the Valencian Community and adjacent areas...
, the management of a professional company (ValNet
ValNet
ValNet is the company gathering all Valencian pilota professional players.In 2005 the retired pilotaris Alfred Hernando , Daniel Ribera and the trinquet owner Emili Peris, joined to create a brand new company that professionalized this old sport's environment: Assured minimal fees for the players,...
) and the Handball International Championships
Handball International Championships
The Handball International Championships are yearly held competitions where many countries and regions play the handball sports derived from the Jeu de paume....
with countries where sports with a common origin are played.
Playing area
There are two basic versions of the sport depending whether it is played outdoors in a designated street or indoors.- Variations of the game played in the street are GalotxaGalotxaGalotxa is a variety of pilota that is always played in the street, whether artificial or natural, practiced mostly in the northern counties of the Xúquer river....
, LlarguesLlarguesLlargues is the oldest Valencian pilota modality. It's played on the streets, where two teams formed by 3, 4 or 5 players throw each other the ball with the hand try to surpass an imaginary line which changes every game....
and RaspallRaspallRaspall is a variant of the handball game, Valencian pilota, played mainly in the Valencian regions south to the Xúquer river: the Vall d'Albaida, the Safor, the Costera, the Marina Alta and the Marina Baixa. It is also popular in the Ribera Baixa...
. The streets must be long and wide (Llargues or "longs" is the one which needs the most elongated playing ground). If the streets have some irregularities, such as balconies, lights, sidewalks, traffic signals, etc., they may be used in order to score. Some municipalities have built "fake streets" which look like real ones but are meant only for pilota games.
- As for the ones played indoors there are:
- Frare: It's a short Valencian frontó with bevels on the corners that cause the ball to bounce unexpectedly. Mostly played in the North of the Castelló provinceCastellón (province)Castellón or Castelló is a province in the northern part of the Valencian Community, Spain. It is bordered by the provinces of Valencia to the south, Teruel to the west, Tarragona to the north, and by the Mediterranean Sea to the east. The western side of the province is in the mountainous...
. - FrontóValencian frontóFrontó is a modified Valencian pilota version of the original Basque Pelota game. The name frontó refers both to the game and the playing area...
: Valencian frontons 20 to 30m long courts with a 6m high wall, frontis against which the players bounce the ball off of a rear wall where the ball may be bounced as well and another wall at the left of the players. The frontis has a 1m high line which marks the lowest point where a bouncing ball may hit. - GalotxetesGalotxetesGalotxetes is a modality of the Valencian pilota. As usual in the Valencian pilota, it's a handball game where players stand in front each other. The differences with the main variant are the unusual courtfield and the unique ball used...
: Played in a 20x3.5 m space with a 1m high net in the middle, on the four corners there are open holes resembling doors where points are scored. Now it's only played in the Vinalopó MitjàVinalopó MitjàVinalopó Mitjà is a comarca in the province of Alicante, Valencian Community, Spain.-Municipalities:*Algueña*Aspe*Elda*El Fondó de les Neus*Hondón de los Frailes*Monforte del Cid*Monóvar/Monòver*Novelda*Petrer*Pinoso*La Romana...
comarcaComarcaA comarca is a traditional region or local administrative division found in parts of Spain, Portugal, Panama, Nicaragua, and Brazil. The term is derived from the term marca, meaning a "march, mark", plus the prefix co- meaning "together, jointly".The comarca is known in Aragonese as redolada and...
, but the oldest courtfield still used dates from 1772 in AbdetAbdetAbdet is a small village in the Guadalest Valley of the Costa Blanca, Valencian Community in Spain. It is an hamlet of Confrides.- History :...
(Marina BaixaMarina BaixaMarina Baixa is a comarca in the Valencian Community, Spain. It is bordered by the comarques of Comtat on the northwest, Marina Alta on the northeast, Alacantí and Alcoià on the west and the Mediterranean Sea on the east....
).
- Frare: It's a short Valencian frontó with bevels on the corners that cause the ball to bounce unexpectedly. Mostly played in the North of the Castelló province
-
- TrinquetValencian trinquetValencian trinquet, or simply trinquet , is the court used in the Valencian Community for two different modalities of Valencian pilota: the Escala i corda and the Raspall.- Court :...
: There is a 60x10m four walled court with stairs (escala) on one side for the spectators to sit. There are also two galleries over each of the frontons (shortest walls) for people to sit. There is a bottom balcony (llotgeta) where reputed people or professional betters may sit, similar to a box in other stadiums. Next to the llotgeta there's a square drawn on the ground: the dau, where players start the game. In order to play Escala i cordaEscala i cordaEscala i corda is the most prestigious variant of Valencian pilota, and the only one, with Raspall, that have professional players.- History :...
rules a 2m high net (corda) in the middle of the court must be placed. One of the most reputed is the Pelayo trinquetPelayo trinquetThe Pelayo trinquet is one of the most renowned trinquets courts of the Valencian pilota sport in Valencia. The most important Escala i corda competitions, such as the Circuit Bancaixa, have their final matches played there.- History :...
in Valencia. See also the List of Valencian trinquets.
- Trinquet
Variations
With the basic set of rules for either street or indoor pilota, there are many different variations, some of them are played only locally, but most of them are played in wider areas. The only modalities with professional players are Escala i cordaEscala i corda
Escala i corda is the most prestigious variant of Valencian pilota, and the only one, with Raspall, that have professional players.- History :...
and Raspall
Raspall
Raspall is a variant of the handball game, Valencian pilota, played mainly in the Valencian regions south to the Xúquer river: the Vall d'Albaida, the Safor, the Costera, the Marina Alta and the Marina Baixa. It is also popular in the Ribera Baixa...
.
Another way to categorize variations is whether they are direct or indirect. The direct games are those whose players are opposed face-to-face in different sides of the court, which is sometimes divided by a net; the indirect games are those with a wall where both teams throw the ball from a shared court. The traditional variations of Pilota Valenciana are direct, even though recently some indirect games ("Frontó" and "Frares") have been introduced based on the Basque Pelota.
Direct games
- Escala i cordaEscala i cordaEscala i corda is the most prestigious variant of Valencian pilota, and the only one, with Raspall, that have professional players.- History :...
: A more prestigious game and (alongside with Raspall) the only one played professionally. It is played in a trinquetValencian trinquetValencian trinquet, or simply trinquet , is the court used in the Valencian Community for two different modalities of Valencian pilota: the Escala i corda and the Raspall.- Court :...
where a 1.80m high net is placed in the middle of the field. The ball must be thrown between players over the net, but can be aimed anywhere, mostly to special places such as the galeries or the llotgeta where a direct point is scored. - GalotxaGalotxaGalotxa is a variety of pilota that is always played in the street, whether artificial or natural, practiced mostly in the northern counties of the Xúquer river....
: This can be played in both regular streets or fake streets built solely for playing. The game resembles Escala i corda but with two nets and many more tricks, such as using irregularities in the street (like bumps or existing features from daily life like traffic signs) to score. - GalotxetesGalotxetesGalotxetes is a modality of the Valencian pilota. As usual in the Valencian pilota, it's a handball game where players stand in front each other. The differences with the main variant are the unusual courtfield and the unique ball used...
: Now it's only played in MonòverMonòverMonòver is a municipality in the comarca of Vinalopó Mitjà in the Valencian Community, Spain....
, PinosoPinosoPinoso or El Pinós is a traditional town which sits located at some 56 km from Alicante. It used to be an agricultural town, wine being the main product of the area. Recently it has experienced a growth in tourism: since the coast line has virtually no more room for new residentials, these...
and La RomanaLa Romana, AlicanteLa Romana is a village of some 2500 people, located in the foothills of the Serra del Reclot a few kilometres from Algueña, in the autonomous community of Valencia, southern Spain....
, all in the Vinalopó MitjàVinalopó MitjàVinalopó Mitjà is a comarca in the province of Alicante, Valencian Community, Spain.-Municipalities:*Algueña*Aspe*Elda*El Fondó de les Neus*Hondón de los Frailes*Monforte del Cid*Monóvar/Monòver*Novelda*Petrer*Pinoso*La Romana...
comarcaComarcaA comarca is a traditional region or local administrative division found in parts of Spain, Portugal, Panama, Nicaragua, and Brazil. The term is derived from the term marca, meaning a "march, mark", plus the prefix co- meaning "together, jointly".The comarca is known in Aragonese as redolada and...
, similar to Escala i corda but shorter and with a different ball.
- LlarguesLlarguesLlargues is the oldest Valencian pilota modality. It's played on the streets, where two teams formed by 3, 4 or 5 players throw each other the ball with the hand try to surpass an imaginary line which changes every game....
: This version can only be played in regular streets. It's said to be the oldest game. There is no net or field separating the teams. Each point is won twice: The first time the ball is stopped a ratlla (line) is marked on the ground. The second time the ball is stopped it has been thrown over that ratlla, the point is won by the sender. - RaspallRaspallRaspall is a variant of the handball game, Valencian pilota, played mainly in the Valencian regions south to the Xúquer river: the Vall d'Albaida, the Safor, the Costera, the Marina Alta and the Marina Baixa. It is also popular in the Ribera Baixa...
: Similar to Escala i corda as it's played in a trinquet, but without any net and the ball may bounce as many times as needed. Since players are forced to play stooped many times, it is considered the hardest variation to play. For example, Escala i corda games are won by the team who gets 60 points, but Raspall are played until 40.
International dimension: the International Game and Fronton
The only Valencian pilota variety played outside the Valencian Community is the LlarguesLlargues
Llargues is the oldest Valencian pilota modality. It's played on the streets, where two teams formed by 3, 4 or 5 players throw each other the ball with the hand try to surpass an imaginary line which changes every game....
, which is very similar to other handball sports derived from the Jeu de paume
Jeu de paume
Jeu de paume is a ball-and-court game that originated in France. It was an indoor precursor of tennis played without racquets, though these were eventually introduced. It is a former Olympic sport, and has the oldest ongoing annual world championship in sport, first established over 250 years ago...
. Every year a European championship is held by the International Ball game Confederation
International Ball game Confederation
The International Ball game Confederation , founded on May 13 1928, is the organization that manages the common activities of the many ball game deriving from the Jeu de paume....
with players from Valencia, Belgium
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
, France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
, and the Netherlands
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
. There's also a World-championship with those teams plus Argentina
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
, Colombia
Colombia
Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia , is a unitary constitutional republic comprising thirty-two departments. The country is located in northwestern South America, bordered to the east by Venezuela and Brazil; to the south by Ecuador and Peru; to the north by the Caribbean Sea; to the...
, Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
and Peru
Peru
Peru , officially the Republic of Peru , is a country in western South America. It is bordered on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on the east by Brazil, on the southeast by Bolivia, on the south by Chile, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean....
.
The Handball International Championships
Handball International Championships
The Handball International Championships are yearly held competitions where many countries and regions play the handball sports derived from the Jeu de paume....
combined local handball variations from all over Europe to create the "International game
International game
The International game is a ball game modality that joins up many sports allegedly derived from the Jeu de paume. It's played in the Handball International Championships by teams from America and Europe.- History :...
" using the shared traits from all the sports related or derived from the Jeu de paume. Eventually, Valencian professional players don't need much adaptation, since Llargues is very close to the international rules.
Another case is the International fronton
International fronton
The International fronton is an indirect style ball game created for to come together some varieties and be played in the Handball International Championships.- Courtfield :...
, another invented variety that takes back the indirect style to its basics: One wall where the ball must bounce.
Relationship with Basque pelota
From the Basque Pelota modalities played in the Basque CountryBasque Country (autonomous community)
The Basque Country is an autonomous community of northern Spain. It includes the Basque provinces of Álava, Biscay and Gipuzkoa, also called Historical Territories....
the ones called "bote luzea", "mahi jokoa" are extinct but, by all accounts they were extremely similar to what has been preserved in Valencian Pilota as Llargues
Llargues
Llargues is the oldest Valencian pilota modality. It's played on the streets, where two teams formed by 3, 4 or 5 players throw each other the ball with the hand try to surpass an imaginary line which changes every game....
, but using a bigger and heavier ball.
An example of the compatibility there used to be between Valencian Llargues and Basque a la larga modalities was the existence during the 19th century of some sort of an early professional side to the sport, with players from elsewhere earning high amounts of money, such as Aragon
Aragon
Aragon is a modern autonomous community in Spain, coextensive with the medieval Kingdom of Aragon. Located in northeastern Spain, the Aragonese autonomous community comprises three provinces : Huesca, Zaragoza, and Teruel. Its capital is Zaragoza...
ese Lagasa and Valencian
Valencian Community
The Valencian Community is an autonomous community of Spain located in central and south-eastern Iberian Peninsula. Its capital and largest city is Valencia...
Amigó, who, for example, toured in Navarre
Navarre
Navarre , officially the Chartered Community of Navarre is an autonomous community in northern Spain, bordering the Basque Country, La Rioja, and Aragon in Spain and Aquitaine in France...
during September of 1680).
In October 2006, for the first time, a youthful Navarrese team played Llargues against a Valencian one during the "Pilota Day" celebrated in Valencia (the adult match confronted the Valencian Community team vs. the Frisian team from the Netherlands
Frisian handball
Frisian handball is a traditional Frisian sport, related to American handball and fives, that is most commonly practiced by people from the northern Dutch province of Friesland . It is believed to be one of the oldest ballgames and was an unofficial Demonstration sport at the 1928 Summer Olympics...
). At the moment the only exchanges between both sports are friendly matches of Frontó
Valencian frontó
Frontó is a modified Valencian pilota version of the original Basque Pelota game. The name frontó refers both to the game and the playing area...
, which is the monopolistical modality for Basques but a mostly irrelevant one for Valencians. In summer, or for special events, exhibition matches are organized, as the "Open Ciutat de València", with particular rules (such as the length of the court), and ball of intermediate size and diameter (70 gr.) of the kind both regions are used to.
1992 Summer Olympics
The Valencian pilota was a demonstration sportDemonstration sport
A demonstration sport is a sport which is played to promote itself, most commonly during the Olympic Games, but also at other sporting events.Demonstration sports were officially introduced in 1912 Summer Olympics, when Sweden decided to include glima, traditional Icelandic wrestling, in the...
in the 1992 Summer Olympics
1992 Summer Olympics
The 1992 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the Games of the XXV Olympiad, were an international multi-sport event celebrated in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, in 1992. The International Olympic Committee voted in 1986 to separate the Summer and Winter Games, which had been held in the same...
hosted in Barcelona
Barcelona
Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain after Madrid, and the capital of Catalonia, with a population of 1,621,537 within its administrative limits on a land area of...
.
Balls
- Badana ball: Used for LlarguesLlarguesLlargues is the oldest Valencian pilota modality. It's played on the streets, where two teams formed by 3, 4 or 5 players throw each other the ball with the hand try to surpass an imaginary line which changes every game....
, it is a soft ball which can be played without any protection, since llargues are played on the streets. The bounce is very irregular, causing the ball to be almost incapable of regular bouncing. It's made of rags and sheep skin, and usually weigh 39 grams with a diameter of 38 mm. - Galotxetes ball: Used only for GalotxetesGalotxetesGalotxetes is a modality of the Valencian pilota. As usual in the Valencian pilota, it's a handball game where players stand in front each other. The differences with the main variant are the unusual courtfield and the unique ball used...
, it is very big and heavy, but it can be played without protection. It cannot bounce. It's made of rags with sticking pasters. It weighs 60 grams with a diameter of 70 mm. - Tec ball: Used for Valencian frontóValencian frontóFrontó is a modified Valencian pilota version of the original Basque Pelota game. The name frontó refers both to the game and the playing area...
, a very fast and bouncing ball. Because it is very tough, protection is required. The ball takes its name after its characteristic sound. It is made of wood, and covered with goat skin. The ball usually weighs 48-50 grams and has a diameter of 50 mm. - Vaqueta ballVaqueta ballThe vaqueta ball is the kind of ball used to play some Valencian pilota variants: Escala i corda, Galotxa and Raspall. Its name derives from the fact that it's made of bull's skin, hence its black colour , this way the ball contrasts with the white colour of the trinquets' walls.- Traits :The...
: Used for Escala i cordaEscala i cordaEscala i corda is the most prestigious variant of Valencian pilota, and the only one, with Raspall, that have professional players.- History :...
and RaspallRaspallRaspall is a variant of the handball game, Valencian pilota, played mainly in the Valencian regions south to the Xúquer river: the Vall d'Albaida, the Safor, the Costera, the Marina Alta and the Marina Baixa. It is also popular in the Ribera Baixa...
, it is a very fast ball and bounces well. Players must wear protecting equipment. It's made of wood and covered with leather. It weighs 40-42 grams and has a diameter of 42 mm.
Betting
Betting is virtually inherent to the sport in its professional version and it is arguably the main factor which has kept the game alive, unlike other similar games played elsewhere which ended up fading away. This is because betting allows professional players to exist, which creates rivalries and increases the entertaining dimension of the sport for the audience. Spectators of Valencian pilota can bet on one of the two sides, and the trinquetsValencian trinquet
Valencian trinquet, or simply trinquet , is the court used in the Valencian Community for two different modalities of Valencian pilota: the Escala i corda and the Raspall.- Court :...
and the marxador
Bookmaker
A bookmaker, or bookie, is an organization or a person that takes bets on sporting and other events at agreed upon odds.- Range of events :...
gets a commission of these bets.
The two teams dress either with red or blue shirts. Bets are done for one color (red or blue) winning, to a certain margin of victory points, or to an expected way to score each particular point.
Remarkably high amounts of money may be bet during relevant games confronting famous players. The more famous players become, the more betting is involved and so their personal revenues.
Players
Valencian pilota players are called pilotaris or pilotaires. Usually amateur players are only proficient in one variant, but professional players tend to be hired for social events and exhibitions in other variants. Eventually, there are only two variants with professional players: Escala i cordaEscala i corda
Escala i corda is the most prestigious variant of Valencian pilota, and the only one, with Raspall, that have professional players.- History :...
and Raspall
Raspall
Raspall is a variant of the handball game, Valencian pilota, played mainly in the Valencian regions south to the Xúquer river: the Vall d'Albaida, the Safor, the Costera, the Marina Alta and the Marina Baixa. It is also popular in the Ribera Baixa...
.
Traditionally, each player managed his own agenda and arranged his fees, but in 2005 a new company, ValNet
ValNet
ValNet is the company gathering all Valencian pilota professional players.In 2005 the retired pilotaris Alfred Hernando , Daniel Ribera and the trinquet owner Emili Peris, joined to create a brand new company that professionalized this old sport's environment: Assured minimal fees for the players,...
, presided by the retired pilotari Fredi
Alfred Hernando
Alfred Hernando Hueso , known as Fredi, is a retired Valencian pilota professional player working now as a pilota businessman. He was a member of the Valencian Pilota Squad....
contracted almost all professional players.
For a list of relevant historical or active players, see Valencian pilotaris
Valencian pilotaris
This is a list of relevant Valencian pilotaris, that is, players of Valencian pilota.This list is ordered by varieties, but it should be taken into account that the only two professional modalities are Escala i corda and Raspall...
. Also, see below for the existing professional leagues and competitions.
Renowned active pilotaris
- ÁlvaroÁlvaro Navarro SerraÁlvaro Navarro Serra , simply known as Álvaro, is one of the main Valencian pilota professional players. He is one of the most reputed dauers due to his strong left hand and his professionality, and has got to be a member of the Valencian Pilota Squad...
- Sarasol IIJosé María SarasolJosé María Sarasol Soler , Sarasol II, is a Valencian pilota professional player. His brother Enric was Sarasol I. He has been member of the Valencian Pilota Squad for 11 years and has deserved to be awarded as the Best Player at the Argentina'02 Handball International Championships.For many years,...
- Waldo
Retired pilotaris
- Genovés IPaco Cabanes PastorPaco Cabanes Pastor is a retired professional Valencian pilota player known by his town's name, Genovés I, and who has begun a pilotaris saga with his son, Genovés II...
- Juliet d'AlginetJulio Palau LozanoJulio Palau Lozano was a reputed professional Valencian pilota Escala i corda variant player known as Juliet d'Alginet. He is one of only five players in the Pelayo trinquet's Honor gallery. His career began when he was only 15...
- Nel de MurlaJosé Vicente Riera CalatayudJosé Vicente Riera Calatayud , el Nel de Murla, is regarded to be the first Valencian pilota genius.He was 23 and got announced as the main player at the Pelayo and Juan de Mena trinquets, in Valencia...
- QuartAlberto ArnalAlbert Arnal , known as Quart was the Valencian pilota ruling dauer player during the 1930s. His mastery deserved him to be rewarded by having a picture on the Honor Gallery of the Pelayo trinquet...
- RovelletAntonio ReigAntoni Reig Ventura , known as Rovellet because his father was Rovell from Dénia, was a professional Escala i corda Valencian pilota variant player...
- Sarasol IEnric SarasolEnric Sarasol Soler , known as Sarasol I, was a professional Valencian pilota player. He retired on 2004 and for 3 years he was the Sports General Director of the Generalitat Valenciana, until 2007....
Professional Leagues and competitions
Escala i Corda- Trofeu Individual BancaixaTrofeu Individual BancaixaThe Trofeu Individual Bancaixa "Bancaixa one-on-one trophy") is the Escala i corda singles league played by Valencian pilota professionals and promoted by the Bancaixa bank.- Statistics :- Relevant facts about the Trofeu Individual Bancaixa :...
, singles- Trofeu Individual Bancaixa 2007Trofeu Individual Bancaixa 2007The Trofeu Individual Bancaixa 2007 is the 22nd season of the Trofeu Individual Bancaixa, the one-on-one trophy of Escala i corda, a variant of Valencian pilota.- Since Previous round :* Colau of La Pobla de Vallbona* Pedro of València...
- Trofeu Individual Bancaixa 2007
- Circuit BancaixaCircuit BancaixaThe Circuit Bancaixa , officially Lliga Professional d'Escala i Corda, is the Escala i corda league for this Valencian pilota modality professional players...
, teams- Circuit Bancaixa 07/08Circuit Bancaixa 07/08The Escala i Corda XVII Professional League 07-08 of the Circuit Bancaixa is the top-level championship of the Escala i corda, a modality of Valencian pilota, organized by the firm ValNet...
- Circuit Bancaixa 07/08
Raspall
- Raspall team championshipRaspall team championshipThe Campionat per Equips de Raspall is the Valencian pilota Raspall modality league played by professional pilotaris.-Statistics:...
, teams - Raspall singles championshipRaspall singles championshipThe Campionat Individual de Raspall is the Valencian pilota Raspall modality singles league played by professional pilotaris.- Statistics :- Campionat Individual de Raspall relevant facts :...
, singles
See also
- Basque Pelota
- Frisian handballFrisian handballFrisian handball is a traditional Frisian sport, related to American handball and fives, that is most commonly practiced by people from the northern Dutch province of Friesland . It is believed to be one of the oldest ballgames and was an unofficial Demonstration sport at the 1928 Summer Olympics...
- Longue paumeLongue paumeLongue paume is an outdoor version of jeu de paume, an ancestor of modern lawn tennis. Hundreds of years ago it was quite popular, particularly in France. It was part of the Paris 1900 Summer Olympics, but its medal status is disputed. Today, the sport is played regionally in Picardie...
- PallonePallonePallone is the name of several traditional ball games, played in all regions of Italy, with few differences in regulations...
External links
Valencian pilota federation News about Valencian pilota News and shop about Valencian pilota- Online one-on-one Escala i corda game, videos and 3D views of a trinquet Personal site of Pedro, a Valencian pilotari II Handball World Meeting
- History of the Pilota, PDF