basque pelota
description
The Basque Pelota unit is intended to give the students an opportunity to learn a sport that is popular in other parts of the world thus developing their cultural awareness. This sport is similar to sports that we are more familiar with like tennis and squash. There are many different versions of Basque Pelota. Some versions use the hand to strike a ball, while others use a racquet or paddle. The version we are going to play is most similar to the version of Basque Pelota in the Unite States - Jai Alai. Although we are not using official Jai Alai cestas (the basket used to catch/hurl the ball), we are using plastic scoops/baskets that will help us replicate the sport as much as possible.
Throughout the unit, the students will have time developing their comfort with this new implement. The movements can be compared to that of lacrosse although the equipment is a different size and shape. Practice tasks will be completed with the ultimate goal to participate in a regulation-style match by the end of the unit. Tasks will focus on catching, hurling at the wall, and refining accuracy and consistency. The last few lessons of the unit will be dedicated to playing matches. Matches consist of two teams of two players competing against one another.
For more information about our Basque Pelota unit, check out the introduction PowerPoint here.
Throughout the unit, the students will have time developing their comfort with this new implement. The movements can be compared to that of lacrosse although the equipment is a different size and shape. Practice tasks will be completed with the ultimate goal to participate in a regulation-style match by the end of the unit. Tasks will focus on catching, hurling at the wall, and refining accuracy and consistency. The last few lessons of the unit will be dedicated to playing matches. Matches consist of two teams of two players competing against one another.
For more information about our Basque Pelota unit, check out the introduction PowerPoint here.
learning objectives
- Be able to play cooperatively with a teammate
- Understand the rules of the game and abide by these rules during gameplay
- Be able to correctly keep score
- Demonstrate proficient form when catching and hurling the ball
- Analyze how the trajectory of the ball affects how it rebounds off of the wall
- Demonstrate appropriate position when defending space
- Have fun!