II. A NEW GAME:

1. The origin of Tchoukball could not be easily introduced in other countries. General explanatory notes he problem of has been a I have never forgotten however the concern of mine for a very long basic idea of Basque pelota. So, the day Ttime; having played soccer in my I saw the frame invented by Cheftel, the youth, having largely contributed to launch similarities between that frame and the and where I live, Basque pelota wall became so obvious that when confronting the psychophysiology I began to explore how to adapt this frame. of team sports with the educational needs of Modern Society, I realized that, relative Main elements of the game to the needs shown by the various studies Wall-Frame more or less related to Physical Activities, serious gaps remained in the range of Let’s keep in mind that Basque pelota possible uses of sports. The Sciences involves mainly a standing wall at the studying the structures of society, when back of a court and against which the seriously explored, are inevitably showing ball rebounds. Each time a player throws the existing links between the evolution the ball against the wall, a player of the of said Society on the one hand, and opposing team must catch it and throw it Physical Education in general, and Sports again until one of the players misses his/ in particular, on the other. her turn or misses his/her throw.

After many experiments, I remained This general idea of a field closed at disheartened for finding that modern one extremity by a plan to make a ball Physical Activities had not yet found a bounce off and thus change side could be framework corresponding to that of general applied to a game using a Cheftel frame findings in scientific research. Which instead of a wall. Sciences? This is what I will demonstrate later that will lead to Tchoukball. The wall is replaced by a metal frame with one meter sides on which a nylon mesh In 1938, when I had the opportunity is stretched under tension like that of a to see first hand the different aspects of trampoline (powerful elastic suspension Basque pelota, I envied those players who specifically tuned for this game). Against had such an interesting game. But despite this elastic surface, the ball rebounds very my best effort and my thorough analysis violently, and therefore, thrown back very of that game, I had to recognize that this far. Because of this very efficient rebound, the game can cover a very large field. We II. A NEW GAME: TCHOUKBALL

will demonstrate later that this device in Innovations of Tchoukball fact operates as a power amplifier which After learning very closely the basic influences the ‘’mechanics of the game”. and effective principles of Basque pelota, we had to modify some of its principles to The name “Tchoukball” was inspired increase the interest of the game. by the noise that the ball makes when striking the net: “tchouk...” This bouncing Immobility noise is the “decisive moment” in the Game. The ground is not used; there is no The name is somehow an onomatopoeia bounce against the ground, the ball is marking this crucial moment in the game. caught in flight immediately after it has bounced off the frame. But as soon as a The frame player catches the ball, that player must We spent 8 months designing the stay put; he/she cannot move with the ball frame. We ended up with a device that in his/her hands;(1) so this requires to move has the following advantages: the ball around and not the people. Finally, in principle, the ball is not hit; it is caught 1. Foldable and easily transportable. and then thrown again. 2. Light weight. Therefore, to steady it on the ground, one simply puts a The pass weight on the horizontal bars. Let’s say that it was obvious from the 3. The tension of the net must be strong start that to force the player who caught enough to ensure a mechanical the ball to shoot it back immediately at the response for an efficient rebound. frame was unnecessary or even harmful The frame is trademarked. for a series of reasons that practicing this sport will quickly help understand. The Thus, at the back of the field, this main one is that it takes a lot of skill to frame replaces the Basque pelota wall. strike on a one square meter frame from The elements transposed from Basque the back of a field over a long distance. It pelota are: seemed therefore necessary to allow some passes so as to bring the shooter closer to 1. This rebound frame. the frame. 2. A field facing the frame, where the players of the two teams are mixed This issue of passes has been assessed together. very thoroughly. We began with one 3. The ball changes side after each pass, then it was changed to two passes rebound. and now, we allow three passes. This topic 4. There is no interception of the will be discussed further later, but it was ball: it must be caught without any necessary from the outset to understand intervention by the opposing team.

As for the ball, the best ended up to be 1. Rules have been modified since the publication of this the one used in , inflated very hard. original document (French version), therefore see the addendum of the rules to learn about the history of changes. 4 II. A NEW GAME: TCHOUKBALL

the importance of the pass that gives tactics For the team that has the ball, the goal a necessary critical status in this game. is to shoot against the frame in a way that makes the ball rebound to a spot in the field Obviously, it was also necessary to where no opponent can catch it; but, of limit the time during which a player is course, the ball must hit the ground within allowed to hold the ball; limiting this the field limits. time to five seconds seemed sufficient so as not to slow down the game. In practice, For the team in defense, the game a player is rarely holding the ball for a long is primarily to check the moves of the time, the pace of the game and the speed shooter so to put oneself in a position of interactions are such that he/she must where catching the ball is possible. While control him/herself very well to hold onto constantly monitoring the moves of the ball the ball instead of throwing it immediately. within the attacking side, the defending side must seek to occupy the field in such a Forbidden zone way that it will be ready and well positioned It was also necessary to define a certain when the ball is shot. forbidden zone near the frame because too many players in front of the rebound net Thus, points will be lost in case of ended up in a complete obstruction. This missed reception, or when a ball, after issue of the forbidden zone in front of the rebound, falls outside the limits of the field frame has been extensively evaluated and or within the forbidden zone. has been the object of a specific rule (see below). 2. Overview of the rules of the game(1) Keeping Scores Principle: — The game involves To better understand how this game throwing the ball against the device (a works and get a good general grasp of it net stretched elastically on a trademarked before going into details, we still need to frame, type “TCHOUKBALL”); then, the provide some explanation regarding score ball rebounds symmetrically (“mirrored keeping. trajectory”).

The aim of the game is to make it 1. As with Basque pelota, the ball changes impossible for the opponent to catch the ball; sides each time it rebounds off the in other words, the purpose is to shoot a net: after each shot, the ball is in the ball that is so difficult to catch that it will hands of the other team. not be received. Any ball that falls on the ground after bouncing off the frame counts 2. No walk is allowed while holding the for the team that should have caught it. ball (“ball-stop”) One can rotate on a The ball should not the ground, and it is important to place oneself, when not 1. Be aware that modifications of the rules of the game have in possession of the ball, in a position to been made since the publication of this original (French) receive the ball upon an opponent’s shot. text, and the official rules of the game are available on the Internet 5 II. A NEW GAME: TCHOUKBALL

foot by moving the other, but as soon losing team (in principle a back line as the supporting foot rises, it is a player). The ball is given to this back “walk “. line player by the referee if there is one, or by a player of the opposing 3. No one can block anyone in any way: team. So, any contesting is prevented. any obstruction is forbidden (“free trajectories”), no inappropriate 8. There is a fault: or aggressive gestures (no when the ball is sent beyond the aggressiveness, but a fighting spirit). limits; Reception (pass) and shots must be when the player does not catch the carried out free of any blockage (no ball (it touches the ground); interception). when the ball touches the metallic part of the frame; 4. Field: the playing field is located three when an obstruction is made (3) meters in front of the device’s voluntarily; base; thus there is a delimitated when a player makes more than one area immediately at the foot of the step; device and transversely across the when the team uses more than three field, declared “off play”; and the ball passes; or players must not touch this area when a player takes by mistake a pass known as the “forbidden zone“. The from the opposing team; field itself is developed in front of when the ball, in rebounding, hits the the device, over a length of 15 to 25 shooter himself; meters and a width of 7 to 15 meters. when a player from the team that just The two teams are moving together shot catches the ball. on this field. The size of the field determines the importance of the 9. Keeping score: the ball is “in play” as physical effort required (small field = long as it passes from one player to minimal effort). another and changes side by normal rebound off the net (normal = without 5. To be valid, the ball must not touch the touching the metallic part), and ground inside the delimited field. It without touching the ground. The should not be caught outside of these player who lets or makes the ball get limits. To interpret exceptions, see off the normal path (missing a pass rules of arbitration. or a catch, or sending the ball outside the delimited field, missing the frame) 6. To create a team dynamic, up to three makes his team lose a point. Each passes between teammates are allowed fault gets a point. The team that loses (not required), but no player can keep is one which has the most points (= the ball for more than five seconds. faults).

7. After each lost point, the ball is thrown 10. The game: a set in the game is back into to the game by a player of the called a “period”. The winning team

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is the one which has two periods to “aimed “. One “aims” beyond the net to a his credit. A period can be calculated symmetrical rebound (“mirrored”). One in two ways: “marks” an opponent by standing away a) By number of points lost: the from him at the time of a catch and next period goes up to a predefined total of to him at the time of a shot. points (typically 20, 30 or 35 points: a period of 20 points lasts an average of Ways to shoot a ball at the frame: 9 to 10 minutes). a) From a given position: by throwing the (b) The game will last for a predefined ball while giving it some effects so it becomes duration: in general a period is 10 uncatchable. It is the “ball technique”. minutes (15 for well-trained players). b) By passing the ball to a teammate better positioned to shoot: it is the Each system has its advantages and basis of the “tactics”. Searching for a disadvantages. Outdoors, when the ball is good shooting position is a collective thrown outside of the field, it can take a few challenge to the team, and it must be seconds to retrieve it: hence the advantage resolved using a maximum of three passes. of point-based period duration. The no. 1 problem of the game is to shoot using the frame in a way that makes the All of these rules should be set by ball reach an “empty” area of the field: a point consensus before the start of the game. is scored when the ball touches the ground without being caught. All the other points Comments on the rules are lost because of technical faults (bad Principles: a metal frame holding a receptions or bad shots). net suspended inside and connected to the frame by springs replaces the Basque 2. Do not walk. — What is walking? pelota wall. The mechanical hubs providing This applies only when holding the ball. As for optimal rebound have been studied long as only one foot is moved (an example experimentally through several prototypes. is pivoting on the same foot), there is no The incline relative to the ground should mobilization of the subject: through his be about 55 degrees. Reducing the angle fixed foot, the player remains on the same toward the horizontal results in higher spot; however, as soon as that foot is raised, bounce (with a tendency to react with there is a movement of the body, which is “lobs” see pl.3). called “walking”, even in case of shuffling the feet while remaining on the same spot. 1. The two teams are thus mixed on (See details in chapter V) the field.They play alternatively; the ball is received after rebound by the team 3. No obstruction. — Watchword: «Free opposing the one that made the shot. way» sums up this basic overriding rule: no obstruction, either to catching or to The aim of the game is to make the shooting. Therefore, there will be a fault ball rebound toward an area of the field or a mistake (fault when it is voluntary) where there is no opponents so the ball is when a player is within ball’s trajectory and not caught. The good shot is one that is interferes with the catcher. A point (lost)

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sanctions the fault when there was a clear 4. The field. — The limits of the field intent. (See details in Chap. V) are in fact variable. They are established on a case-by-case basis depending on the Free way is also as essential in shooting actual needs. It is the prerogative of the as in receiving. The opponents that find responsible technical leader to decide themselves in a position of interference it with due consideration for existing with the team to which the ball is intended challenges. must move. This is not only to ensure a clean game (avoiding personal contacts), The neutral zone (the so-called but also to ensure that the game is mainly “forbidden zone”) can be reduced to two constructive. Any obstruction attempt and a half meters or even to two meters. brings in a negative aspect that we want (for beginners or youngsters, for example). to exclude: no obstruction to the game; everyone can and must always give his/ But it must be scrupulously respected. her best and act according to his/her own If a player trespasses it, even by the tip of ability; there must be no direct personal a toe, the point is lost. fight; all interactions between the team occur through the elastic surface. There For the shots, it is the position of the is no action against anyone. Superiority is foot with regards to the demarcation line always active, positive: the good execution that counts. A “jumping” shot is valid, of a combination of tactics and technique is regardless of the position of the body above the only element conditioning supremacy. the forbidden zone, on condition that the ball has left the hands before the player gets Faking used in throwing and shooting back on the ground in the neutral zone and are good tactics, but makes the opponent at that no foot has touched the line. risk of being unable to keep the way free: in such a case, the one who fakes is sanctioned. If a pass is made in front of the frame and the teammate catches it inside the If the shooter, being near the goal, gets forbidden zone, the ball is deemed to be hit by the ball bouncing back, it is a critical out. If there is doubt, the point is to be fault and the point is lost. redone.

For all those reasons, for it to be a When the momentum upon receiving good game requires everybody to remain has the player carried away into the constantly alert: to know at all times were forbidden zone, two cases may arise: the ball is, so to be as ready to catch it as to dodge in order to let the ball go its way. a) it was the last permitted pass, the point must be redone; The « no obstruction » rule is one of the basic principles of the socio-philosophy b) there was still one pass allowed of Tchoukball. It is also a condition for its (first pass for a game of two passes, second educational power. pass for a game of three passes) the player

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must make his pass from the place where a missed pass, makes the team responsible he landed. to catch it lose the point. Except in special cases as indicated before (player carried The ball should not touch the ground away by his momentum, for example), inside this zone: the point is lost for the players must move within the field. If a team that threw it there. ball hits the ground on the limit, we found it simpler and fairer to just cancel the point. Regarding the general boundaries of The ball is put back into play by the team the playing field (the one where the teams that had the ball before the event. are playing), it is important to use mobile demarcation marks: ones that can be moved 5. The rule: — “The ball must not touch quickly, according to the necessities. A the ground” does not need additional good coach even begins with a somewhat comments. smaller field, to get his players’ second wind, then he will use the dimensions In some difficult receiving situations, it required by the specific meet. may happen that the player ends up rolling on the ground after catching the ball: the The following rule should be used referee shall check whether or not the ball as reference: the field can be increased in touches the ground because the ball cannot length depending on the players exercise touch the ground at any time between when capacity or resistance to breathlessness it is received up to when the player gets (and therefore on their level of training). back on his feet.

The size of the field is the more flexible 6. Three passes allowed. — Passes are and adjustable element to meet the actual intended to make the ball move so as to moving and running distance capacity of provide the best shooting position: this is the players, as this capacity depends on the the basis of tactics. physical resistance of the players. In games involving small teams (two Increasing the size of the field results players per team) the number of passes in longer moves, more space between can be limited to two to reduce physical players: thus it increases the necessity to demands on the players. be precise, fast, often even acrobatic; at the same time, longer moves demand more A good play of passes requires from the body: so, players that are in great undivided attention: even while moving, athletic shape will find a larger field more a player should always keep the ball in sight interesting, and it will also be of interest and always be ready for a pass. when the intention is to improve cardio- respiratory fitness. For the player who has the ball and has a right to pass, it is necessary to decide Any ball that touches the ground inside quickly if he/she is in a good position to the limits of the field, whether immediately shoot, or if another teammate is in a better after bouncing off the frame or as a result of shooting position.

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For the teammate who seeks to the players, the referee states ‘fault’ but get a pass, the problem is different: he without penalty. must choose a firing position where the “mirrored” reception area is free. b) The assessment of a fault is difficult, sometimes impossible to determine: a point The quality of pass execution is cannot be granted without a risk of error. fundamental: it relies on communication The referee has the authority to cancel the between players, and it needs to be point if there is a chance for his objectivity performed in a way that ensures good to be challenged. reception. 10. Essential elements of the game: – The If it happens that a player only touches game involves two specific disciplines: the ball (fumbles or deflects): a teammate has the right to recover the ball, but then a) The ball technique: it relates to it is counted as a pass. the technique of the shoot, the pass or the reception (that includes the diving It is important to keep the pace of reception: in this case the reception is the game while allowing a little time for valid as long as the ball does not touch reflection. Therefore, five seconds are the ground). allowed between catching and throwing the ball: passed that time, the ball gets to b) The tactics, which is the reasoning the other side. with consideration for the “mirrored” nature of the rebound. 7. Throw-in. — After each lost point, this is the team who lost that must play; for — It is essential to choose as shooter this purpose the ball is served to a “losing” a player who is in a position where he can player make the rebound go to an area of the field where there is no opponent. Therefore, it is For a fast game, each player benefits the role of the teammates to seek a suitable from catching the ball within reach to place before seeking a pass allowing a good throw it in according to the rule. shot (offense).

9. Calculation of the fault: — — As soon as guessing which player Whenever the proper assessment of an in the attacking team might be the shooter event cannot be made, the point gets becomes possible, the opposing team cancelled and the throw-in is served to a must get positioned in the ”mirrored” player of the same team as the one that trajectory of the shoot (defense). had the ball before that error occurred. Both the front and the back line players Errors are mostly: should combine their moves with this double perspective in mind. a) Involuntary obstruction (in any form): this means that as soon as the game is hampered by the respective positions of

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3. Description of the technical The trajectory of the ball from the aspects of the game frame, demonstrate the importance of the The frame (see fig 1) mechanical laws of the rebound. (See pl.6 overhead view) At the beginning we used to use the frame called: the “Punch Back”, from Except when the throw is executed Cheftel (). We remained faithful squarely in front of the frame (in which to the concept of a square frame with one case the rebound takes the same direction meter sides (1 m2). This elastic surface as the throw and returns to the shooter), seemed to be the most suitable. the information to always keep in mind is that the rebound is “mirrored”. The surface of Mechanical laws of rebound the frame is “reflective” and the trajectory The frame is placed at the back of the departing from the frame is perfectly field, on the ground and tilted towards the symmetrical to the shooting one (same angle field in such a way that the ball striking to a perpendicular raised from the frame). the net rebounds off upward. (See pl.1-2) This is crucial: first horizontally, this We assessed different inclines of the net, means that the more lateral the throw, (see pl.3-5) and found that the best is an the more lateral the rebound (of the same angle of 55° from the horizontal. When angle) (shot 1 pl.6). During a throw, it Increasing this angle, or when the frame is is important to consider that a side shot more vertical, the rebound is lower, more rebounds to the opposite edge of the field: horizontal; on the contrary, when reducing if it is a bit strong, the ball gets out and the angle by tilting the frame more to the the point is lost. Therefore, in terms of ground or backwards, the rebound is much shooting position, the more lateral it is, the more vertical and upward. This feature softer the shot should be; the power of the shot is to be taken advantage of and can be should be adjusted to the degree of incline most useful. For beginners, for example, that the trajectory will have by reference to putting a frame more tilted (providing high the frame. Lateral positions do not allow rebounds) allows players to better monitor powerful shots. the trajectory of the rebound upward and gives them more time to move and position On the contrary, a more frontal themselves for receiving; tilting the frame position (shot 3 pl.6) allows more power in more horizontally provides an aerial, slower the throw in order to get to the back of the type of game. field. Theexact measure of strength required to shoot from a lateral position has always Apart from these specific educational been very difficult to teach, especially to uses, we do not see any interest in slowing athletic men. down the game; Therefore, the 55° incline is the best suited to provide the most useful In general, computing the symmetry and effective rebounds. (“mirrored” rebound) resulting from the ball striking the frame does not come naturally and requires a certain amount

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of experience. This calculation is however possible to confuse the opponent), each essential, because when shooting, one does player must keep the opposing team in not aim at the frame, but at the mirrored check while having in mind as a primary position or aiming to place the ball in an concern the potential drop point: it is a area of the field where there is no opponent. mental exercise that requires the ongoing The aim of the game is to find the weak evaluation of dynamic situations that come point in symmetry. Before each shot, the and go continuously player calculates the symmetrical effect of his shot. 4. Psychobiological conditioning From a psychobiological point of view, On the offense, one seeks a point we can distinguish several conditioning “unmarked” (a symmetry that is not resulting from this particular game: occupied) and, if there is none, one passes the ball to a better-positioned teammate. First, the information on the positions When no more passes are allowed, there is of the players and the meaning of their no other choice than to attempt a surprise moves are sensory: it involves first and shot (ball effects, power, etc.) which takes foremost vision. This sensory information the opponent off guard. is processed by the brain and integrated with other information to extrapolate the In defense, the assessment involves intentions of the players. Integrating this positioning oneself in the trajectory of the information can be done based on the rebound: the symmetry of occupation goes experience of the flow of the game as much along the entire trajectory. The correct as on the quality and the psychology of observation is the one that guesses quickly the players. enough the position where the shot will come from, and based on the shooter’s The sensory information is being position and the principle of symmetry, integrated in the brain at the level of higher the future trajectory of the ball. On this processing structures, which enable the player trajectory the power of the shot will to guess the intentions of the actors of the determine the reachable drop point for play and their reactions. The more accurate receiving. The defender, using intuition and specific the assessment, the better the and experience, will determine where to anticipation of the positions required to the run in order to be able to correct at the last behavior needs. There is thus intellectual second his/her own trajectory in order to activity involved. meet the trajectory of the ball. The last phase, the decision, is In offense and in defense, the entire determined by all the previous data, plus effort is focused on the drop point in symmetry. the perception of the appropriateness of For the player, being able to adapt to a the gesture intended to meet the critically moving target type of situation requires a important element of the game, the very complex, highly differentiated brain symmetry of the ball drop point, or what process (observation and judgment). During is really at stake. the moves (the ball moving as quickly as

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The main concern: the symmetrical drop I want to point out, just in passing, point. the problems engendered by this particular When we say that, in the game of aspect of the required vigilance. As for Tchoukball, the goal is not located in the other elements of the psychophysiology visual field, that it is either behind or on of Tchoukball, we get findings that are so the side, we describe a game mechanism obvious that they look like experiments. far more complicated than the ones Vigilance is a variable affecting the quality involved in other sports. The symmetric of the game because it catalyzes all the drop point dominates the scene, remains functions that we spoke about so far and always in mind and defines the immediate it is a prerequisite for a good game. But intentions there and then. We should at the same time it can be improved, it not, and cannot, forget this if we want to can be trained through participation. efficiently coordinate all individual moves. Following the principles of good pedagogy, This is why, in this play, there is not a single it is possible to define, when necessary, a second of rest: each player must survey the set of game conditions that require a less entire field at all time, he/she can be called intense degree of vigilance. We’ll see in upon to take his share of responsibility in the section related to training how to do the action at any time and must be ready, this; this resource (flexibility) increases the i.e. he/she must be in an optimal state of educational and pedagogical value of the information and reaction. game. However, it was important to point out the relationship between the educational All the features of the game depend aspect of the game and the specific feature on this versatile process. One of the indirect affecting its potential efficacy. consequences —which has no place in this chapter, but the statement at this moment While developing the rules of game, is necessary because of considerations this specific characteristic led us to organize discussed before — is that this is a game the game around this factor. that requires full attention at all time. To support this assertion, we would like to 5. The field(see pl.7) add that during each training game, we The field develops from the foot of observe that the players obviously feel this the frame; in front, it’s the length of the cerebral tension at the end of the session field, and on each side of the frame is the which is reflected in the accuracy of the transversal part of the field. responses (that tend to decrease with time). Nevertheless, the interest of the game and The best dimensions appeared to be the pleasure to play is such that none of the from 7 meters on each side of the frame up players willingly accepts to interrupt his/ to 8 or 9 meters, and in length, 10, 15 or 20 her participation because of fatigue. Even meters. These dimensions are of interest the player him/herself is barely aware of because they play an important role in the this decrease in attention. It is only back development of the game. (when using a in the locker room that he/she admits to it! single frame)

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Forbidden zone experience will enable us eventually to find But before addressing the issue of the a better distance, if necessary and why, field, it is essential to clarify the importance and again change the dimensions. At the of the nature of the forbidden zone. moment, this zone as defined seems fine.

It was important to put some distance The only question that remains is the between the frame and the players. Obviously, best shape for that forbidden zone. We we cannot use the entire field up to the always played with a transversal limit, thus foot of the frame. This would only result reaching the two lateral sides of the field at in a fistfight. The importance of a distance three meters from its end. But one could from the frame is illustrated in the drawing define a closer lateral limit for the forbidden below. (See pl.8) zone, three meters from each side, from the sides of the frame itself. This would The trajectory of a ball bouncing provide a rectangular shape or a half circle upward gets high enough to escape an for the edge of the forbidden zone. Such immediate catch only beyond a certain shape should have many advantages, e.g., it distance from the frame. should allow for a better use of the lateral positions in the field. Indeed, these positions At distance 1, the shot is at point-blank are extremely interesting from a point of range and bounces immediately back onto view of skill. Therefore, recovering useful the shooter him/herself. lateral positions should be considered.

In position 2, it is still easily catchable, Field dimensions as it is within reach of a defender’s hands. Except for the forbidden zone, the In these positions, if players are placed near field represents the usable area. First, It is the frame, there is no reason for the game the area where the ball, when hitting the to leave this area. If it were allowed to play ground, makes the side who was supposed near the frame, this would limit the game to receive it loose a point. Thus, it is the to dangerous exchanges, at close distance. area where the attacker should aim for the A certain distance from the frame was ball to hit the ground; it is also the area thus necessary to allow room for defense from where to play. to come into play. This explains why the game cannot take place closer to the frame Play outside the limits is not allowed. than that distance: this limit has defined the Some extreme cases, which will be discussed forbidden zone. along the way, are acceptable for practical reasons, but first, it is important to clarify This way, the moving ball always the reasons for the dimensions. leaves a clear space that gives the game some air and makes it possible, without In principle, the field must be longer the interposition of a genuine barrage in than it is wide, the length facing the frame; front of the frame. The distance of three but we cannot underestimate the interest meters always seemed sufficient to us, but of lateral play. Indeed, even if somewhat

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difficult from a technical point of view match, tactically speaking, on a large field. (difficult to reach the center of the frame), For example, a two player game on a field from a tactical standpoint, the lateral game sized for three players requires long, rapid allows much more variety, which means that moves, which are taxing the major body lateral play (with possible lateral extension) functions. must be reserved, yet well implemented, to well trained teams. The varying effect of the size of the field on breath allows us some interesting As for the length of the field, it must be propositions. Particularly, at the start of a proportionate to the number of players. It is training session or of a match, it is a good (excluding the prohibited area) 14, 18, or 20 idea to start with a smaller field for warm up meters. (see pl.7). While these dimensions purpose, and, after getting one’s second wind, can be modified according to the number to carry on with the game on a bigger field. of players (see pl.7), do not underestimate the importance that the field size has on In addition, a large field allows fast the technique and tactics used. It really athletes to demonstrate their skills. A determines the players’ moves. large field, indeed, leads to very different types of interceptions, covering not just a Effects of the size of the field on the develop- surface but a three-dimensional space, and ment of the game. interceptions are often in midair, by a jump A small field, by keeping the players up to the end of the field. In other words a more together, more dense, prevents large field that is large relative to the number of moves and also allows setting the shooting players, requires more athletic skills, and positions closer to the frame. But less travel by the same token, has that much more also means less move calculations, less educational value. tactics; this explains why, as a team learns to use moves purposively, increasing the Therefore, variations in major dimensions of the field becomes of interest. physiological effects and field dimensions go This clarifies the game while at the same hand in hand. We use these relations for time allows larger moves to get to the utilitarian purposes, but without excluding terminal phases. the playful aspects of the game. We can associate the pleasure of the shot with But field size has anotherimportant scientifically tuned psycho-physiological educational purpose. We’ll see along the effects. The coach is the master of the field, way that large moves, rapid moves, are a and the master of individual physiologies. In way of playing typical of players who know our opinion, the fact that a game can be how to implement effective tactics. But, as adapted technically to the necessities of distance increases, cardiovascular factors physiological variables without loosing come into play that must be considered. sight of the purely immediate imperatives: Indeed, by increasing the playing area, it also fun, competition, etc., it is not the least increases demand on the major cardiovascular advantage of it. and respiratory systems. It is necessary to have enough breathing capacity to go on for a

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How to mark the field teams. The marking using wood batten has One can mark the field the usual way, the advantage of being easily transportable, with strips fastened to the ground or with and when traveling by car to play in the sawdust tracing, but we have often adopted country, it is easy to carry a small batch of the method of wood batten placed on the wood batten that can be quickly and easily ground, therefore movable. laid on the ground. On the other hand, when changing the size of the field during To avoid any contesting, we decided a game, it is easier to move wood batten as an arbitration rule that a ball that hits than a strip of canvas . the line has to be played again; this ball is for neither side. It is therefore important Ultimately, it does not matter how the to know for sure if the field limit has been field is marked, but we must be remember reached; here is the advantage of the wood that the limits must be extremely movable batten laid on the ground; when touched, and adapted to the circumstances. We also they move slightly and this indicates that the see the psychological interest of cancelling limit was touched, and allows the referee to any ball that touches the field boundary. cancel the point without giving it to either

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