The peteca. Brazilian game for children

The peteca is not only a children's game as an official declared sport in Brazil. Of indigenous origin, the word peteca means (in tupí) to strike or to strike with the hand. It is a device similar to the wheel of Badminton, filled with fluff to make light, and feathers. The Brazilian peteca has beco

The peteca is not only a children's game as an official declared sport in Brazil. Of indigenous origin, the word peteca means (in tupí) to strike or to strike with the hand. It is a device similar to the wheel of Badminton, filled with fluff to make light, and feathers.

The Brazilian peteca has become very popular in other countries such as Germany and the United Kingdom.

The origin of the peteca

The peteca began to be elaborated and used by the indigenous population as a recreational and sports activity to gain heat during the coldest time. The tradition of playing peteca has been transmitted through the years, until becoming a sport. In Europe, this sport is known as indiaca.

How to play the peteca

1. Peteca as a game. As a game, simply play between two or more children, freely. It is played on any terrain that offers spaces where children can move without problems. The sand on the beach, for example, is one of the scenarios chosen by children to play the peteca. It is also played on grassy terrain, to prevent children from hurting themselves should they fall.

To play the peteca the children form a circle with at least three members. The one who starts must hold the peteca with one hand and hit it from the bottom with the other hand, throwing it to the playmates. The next player hits the peteca passing it to another and this is followed until someone drops the peteca and has to leave the game. The winner of the game will be the one who has not dropped the peteca even once. 2. Peteca as a sport

. The peteca is played with the hand and in a way very similar to Badminton and Volleyball. As a sport, it is played on a dirt or concrete field, divided by a network and with each team of players on each side. You can play the peteca as a couple or in a group and with the same rules of a game of Tennis. As a sport, it is played on a court with a variable network according to the age and sex of the participants.A peteca is put into play through a serve, in which the player hits the peteca with one hand so that it passes over the net. The peteca must be played towards the other half of the court with a single touch, and before it touches the ground, it must be returned by a single touch.

In general, the advantages system is used for counting points. Each game is played in sets, which end when one of the two teams reaches 12 points or after 20 minutes of play. The participant who wins two sets first, wins the match. Another important detail is that after the service, the point must be finished in 30 seconds, or the advantage is reversed.