frontón

A frontón is a court or building designed for playing pelota vasca and related games. The essential feature is a large, smooth front wall against which players strike a ball. The ball is returned using a bare hand, a cesta-punta (a curved wicker glove), or a paddle, depending on the format. Frontones are typically indoors but there are outdoor facilities as well.

Court configurations vary. Common layouts include one-wall, two-wall (or three-wall), and four-wall variants, with the front wall serving as the primary rebound surface. Side and rear walls, as well as gutters and boundaries, define the playable area. Surfaces range from plaster to concrete to wood, and design details reflect regional preferences and the specific pelota variant being played.

History and use: The sport originated in the Basque Country and spread to other Spanish-speaking regions and parts of Latin America from the colonial era onward. The frontón has historically served as a social and sporting venue, hosting communal matches, festivals, and organized competitions that help preserve traditional pelota games.

Modern era: Today frontones host professional and amateur matches; jai alai is played in some frontones, often in dedicated arenas or multi-purpose venues. Governing bodies in different countries regulate rules, equipment, and competitions, and many frontones also function as cultural or entertainment venues beyond sports events.

Etymology and terminology: The term frontón comes from Spanish, referring to the large front wall. In Basque contexts, facilities for pelota are sometimes called frontoi, though the Spanish term remains common in many countries. The word captures both the playing surface and the building that houses it.