SPECTACLE

With a swish of the cesta, pelota is sent up to front wall to begin play for point that continues through next three pages. Server is Urcola, regarded as Mexico's best front-court man. He plays at Miami's Biscayne Fronton where photos were taken

Jai alai players at the Miami Fronton use the side or lateral wall as springboard to get altitude for high shots

Players leap from seven to nine feet in the air, stretch to 20 feet with cesta to snare pelota traveling 150 mph

Sprawled on floor two players miss on rebotes (top and bottom)—balls which have been allowed to bounce off rear wall and then are hit by players who lie on floor for leverage. Rebote shot is used when ball comes off the front wall too high or in a bad position

SIX PHOTOS

MARK KAUFPMAN

ILLUSTRATION