ballcourt

A ballcourt is a playing field or court designed for ball games. It can be indoor or outdoor and may host a variety of sports, from traditional ballgames to modern team sports. The term broadly covers venues where a ball is struck, bounced, or thrown against a surface or against an opponent.

In archaeology and anthropology, ballcourts refer to ceremonial spaces built by Mesoamerican civilizations for the ancient ballgame, played by the Maya, Aztec, and others. These courts are typically rectangular or elongated, bounded by high end walls and flanked by lower side walls. Some versions featured a ring or markers set into the wall as targets. The ball was usually made of rubber and was struck with the hips, forearms, or paddles.

In modern contexts, ballcourts include outdoor arenas and indoor courts for basketball, handball, squash, racquetball, tennis, and other ball or racquet sports. Surfaces range from wood or synthetic flooring to concrete or asphalt, and dimensions vary by sport. Many courts are bounded by walls, fences, or nets and may include lighting and seating.

Play on ballcourts emphasizes control, coordination, and teamwork. In ancient settings the game could have ritual or political significance, while contemporary courts are primarily used for recreation and competition.

Notable examples of historic ballcourts include the Great Ball Court at Chichen Itza and ballcourts at Copán and other Maya sites. See also: Juego de Pelota, frontón, court.