Sat 27 Mar 2010
Size of Cesta and More
Posted by mrjaialai under Mr. Jai-Alai
What is the regulation size for a professional Jai-Alai cesta?
Carol Bedow Chicago,Ill
It is really very simple, there is no regulation size for the cesta. It can be any size a player wants it to be. Each and every cesta is tailor made for the player and his tastes/style. As a player learns the sport, he tries cestas from many players until he finds one that is the best fit for him.
As a general rule backcourt players have larger cestas than their frontcourt counterparts. That is because the larger the cesta, the harder the throw and how high the pelota is thrown. This is vital to the backcourter because their main goal is to return the pelota to the back wall, a throw that is typically longer than a football field.
The frontcourters use small baskets mainly because of the aim. Smaller baskets are lighter and easier to control. They allow the front man to throw caroms, remates, cortadas, etc. with more accuracy than they could with a bigger basket. Also, the smaller cesta means the pelota has less less distance to travel coming out. which adds up to the ball coming out quicker, which is an asset when the player is throwing a kill.
Even among individual positions, the cesta style differs dramatically. Most players play with a cesta that is about four inches wide, or one inch wider than the pelota. There are a couple of players, like Oyarbide and Chasio that use a wider cesta. This makes catching the ball easier, but at the same time makes the throw harder to control. Chasio’s cesta is also very heavy compared to most. It works for him, but another player may feel like they are throwing with a rock if they use it.
So basically, whatever feels comfortable to the player is what counts.
Who’s Hot
In the early games Cancio and Echeva have been playing very well. Cancio has 76 wins and is at a .103 winning % with .332 in the money %. Echeva has 80 wins with a 112 win % and .358 in the money %.
In the late games you don’t have to look far. Go right to our wins leader Solozabal, he’s looking at Triple Crown possibilities. He is #1 in wins with 135, first in the Florida Singles with 28 wins, and he trails Arregui by 5 wins in the Florida Doubles championship. In the back court Enbil has played very well since coming back from injury. He has 93 wins with a .174 winning % and a .451 in the money %. Should make for some great action in the upcoming weeks. Don’t forget, the winter season ends April 30th, and the 2010 Summer Season begins, May 1st.
Dania Jai-Alai is closed on Easter Sunday, April 4th.
