Argentina’s National Sport: History, Rules, Equipment Etc

The national sport of Argentina is pato, a blend of polo and basketball that is played on horseback. It is a unique Argentine game and dates back to the 17th century.

Originally, the game was played with a live duck instead of a ball. This made the game very violent and bloody.

History

Pato basketball is a sport that combines elements of polo and basketball. It is Argentina’s national sport and is played on horseback.

Pato is a traditional sport that has been practiced in Argentina since the 16th century. It is a game that is played by teams of four players on horses and involves the use of a leather ball, known as the pato.

It is similar to the sport of horseball, which is also played in France and Portugal, but has been adapted to local requirements. The Pato game has been gaining popularity worldwide, and many countries have started to play it as well.

The sport originated in Argentina and is played by gauchos, who usually travel from different Argentinian estancias (ranches). It was originally a rough and dangerous sport that involved players being trampled underfoot of wild broncos during the game. This is why the game was banned in the country until the 19th century.

Today, however, it is a popular activity that has become a symbol of Argentinian culture and is often played in weekend fairs. It is played by amateurs and competitively as well.

A team tries to score goals by throwing the pato through a ring located on top of 240 cm (79 in) high poles. The rings are 100 cm (3.3 ft) in diameter and the field is a rectangular shape, with a net that extends for 140 cm (4.6 ft).

After the game ends, the team that scored the most goals wins. The field is divided into six 8-minute “periods”.

Rules

Pato basketball is a sport played on horseback that adds ideas from polo and basketball. It is the national sport of Argentina and was declared official in 1953 with a decree.

The game traces its roots to 1610 when gauchos (men on horseback) would race in the “corrida” during the celebrations for San Ignacio de Loyola. In earlier versions, the players used a live duck inside a basket instead of a ball. The playing field stretched between neighboring ranches, and the first team to reach its own house with the duck won.

Today, the game consists of two four-member teams that ride on horses and try to get a ball which has six convenient-sized handles. The team that has more goals scored at the end of regulation time wins the game.

A goal is scored by throwing the ball through a vertical ring with a long net that is located atop 240 cm (7.9 ft) high poles. The rings have a 100 cm (3.3 ft) diameter and are surrounded by a closed net, going up for 140 cm (4.6 ft).

The player that has control of the ball (or “pato”) must ride with his right arm outstretched. If he does not, it is an offense called negada.

Pato is a fast-paced battle that demands incredible physical dexterity and strength. The riders gallop at full speed and jostle for control of the ball. This is a very exciting sport that requires exceptional physical ability and is often referred to as the world’s most difficult game to play.

Equipment

Pato, like polo and basketball, is a high-speed team sport played on horseback. But instead of a basket, players aim for an inflated ball that weighs 1050 to 1250 g (2.3 to 2.8 lbs). There are six handles on each side of the ring-shaped ball and the goal is to score a point in the other teams’ basket.

To get the most out of your game, you’ll need some basic equipment including white breeches, a helmet and riding crop. The best way to stay safe is to wear comfortable shoes and hydrate well. It is also a good idea to have a plan for when you’re going to be doing the most activity. The most exciting part of the game is watching the horses galloping at top speeds while their riders jostle for control of the ball.

There is even a “cinchada” moment when a rival player grabs the ball and two riders rush down the field with their hands clasped to see who can reach it first. There are also two referees on horseback and one in the stands, so this is a great team sport to join if you have the stamina. It is also an excellent training ground for your young equestrians.

Scoring

Pato basketball is a fast-paced game played on horseback. It combines elements of polo and basketball to create a unique sport that requires incredible physical dexterity, strength, and skill.

The ultimate goal of the game is to toss a ball through a net-like ring for a point. The game is played over six periods of eight minutes. Each period is followed by five-minute breaks.

While the scoring system is similar to that of basketball, the game is regulated and does not have a rim. The goal is to throw the ball through a vertical ring, which has a 100 cm (3.3 ft) diameter, and sits on 240 cm (7.9 ft) high poles.

Players must ride with their right arm stretched out as they use it to control the ball. This allows for some of the most exciting moments in the game, known as cinchadas.

The players must also be very skilled at maneuvering their horse so that they can pick up the ball without getting off of it. This is a very difficult feat because if the opposing team grabs the ball, the player will not be able to stop them.

This is a very exciting game, but it can be dangerous as well. Many people have been injured and even died during pato games.

Some of the earliest versions of pato were played with a live duck instead of a ball. These games were very violent and the ducks often died.

Eventually, the game was changed to use a ball and a ring-like goal. The game is now regulated, but it is still a very fast-paced game that demands incredible physical dexterity and strength.