History, disciplines, rules and traditions of the Basque Country's iconic sport — and of the Grand Chistera, the flagship discipline of the Kostakoak de Bidart.
The most spectacular open-court discipline. Three players per team, a long wicker chistera and a game of movement covering a huge court. It is the flagship discipline of the Kostakoak.
Played with the same instrument as the Grand Chistera, but on a long left-wall court called Jai Alai. The best-known, most spectacular and fastest discipline. 2 vs 2.
The core discipline: the ball is struck directly with the open hand, protected only by strapping. Singles or 2 vs 2, on all 3 court types.
The most widely played discipline (children, women, men, veterans), with strong recreational appeal. Pala or paleta of various sizes, rubber or leather balls. 2 vs 2.
Derived from real tennis. A direct game: 2 vs 2 facing each other, separated by a net, only in a trinquet.
The oldest and most complex discipline. A direct game with uneven camps marked by a line. 5 vs 5, on the largest open-court frontons (over 90 m).
Named after the instrument's strung net, also called the Argentine racket (invented by South Americans). 2 vs 2, only in a trinquet.
Its name evokes both tennis (racket) and the fronton. 2 vs 2 on a 30 m short left-wall court.
Of all the open-court disciplines, the Grand Chistera is the favourite of Basque Country visitors in summer. The sun, the local colour, the ceremony of the point-singer and the judges' verdict all add to its aura.
Its distinctiveness lies in its athletic demands: three-player teamwork, decisive physical commitment, skill and, above all, a game of movement covering a huge court.
Today, Basque pelota is played in around thirty countries, mainly in the Americas but also in Asia. The record number of nations was set in Mexico in 2014 with 19 countries.
Basque pelota around the world
A stone wall (the fronton) and an earth or concrete court (the cancha). A metal line 80 cm above the ground marks the fault. The Bidart fronton, built in 1958, is the tallest in France.
A rubber core wrapped in cotton thread, protected by two leather covers sewn edge to edge. Diameter ≈ 65 mm, weight 115-125 g, price ≈ €50.
A curved chestnut frame (punta, taco, thirteen ribs) woven with wicker, topped with a leather glove. Handmade, weight ≈ 500 g, price ≈ €300.