Basque pelota form of the word "" which may relate to a hard linen or leather ball filled with "" (fur or hair) or to the Latin words for strike or and is related to the English word "pellet". Today, Basque pelota is played in several countries. In Europe, this sport is concentrated in Spain and France, especially in the Basque Country. The sport is also played in Latin American countries such as Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Cuba. Operated as a gaming enterprise called Jai Alai, it is seen in parts of the U.S. such as Florida, Connecticut, Nevada, and Rhode Island.
Bare-handed Pelota First League players in its last year respective positions, always maintaining the position earned in the last tournament. From 1995 to present, the system had several modifications that make it similar to a tennis tournament. In the current competitions four semifinalists of last year are directly qualified to quarter finals. The winner is awarded with a txapela as a symboland a trophy. Since 1957 its disputed also the Bare-handed Pelota Second League, for debutant and minor level "pelotaris", that doesn't reach the level of professional pelota players, that consists of 2 or 3 games, played on weekends and holidays in frontons. the