Basse (game) facts for kids
Basse is a fun ball game from Norway. It has been played for a very long time, even before World War I! Today, Basse is most popular in a part of Norway called Trøndelag. But people in other countries also enjoy playing it.
How to Make a Basse Ball
A Basse ball is a bit like a small, firm hacky sack. It is not really a bag, though. You make it by tying several rubber rings together. These rings come from an old bicycle inner tube or rubber bands.
The goal is to make a round ball with a tight center. It should not bounce in strange ways when you hit it. A Basse ball usually weighs about 70 to 100 grams.
How to Play Basse
Basse is played on a special field. You can draw circles or squares on any flat surface. This could be gravel, tarmac, grass, or even indoors. You can use your feet, chalk, or spray paint to mark the field.
First, draw a large circle in the middle. This "mid field" circle should be about 1 to 1.5 meters wide. Then, draw smaller circles around it. Leave about 30 to 40 centimeters between the circles. You can have 4 to 8 smaller circles around the center.
The best number of players is 5 to 7. But 8 or 9 people can also play, depending on how much space you have.
Game Rules
Basse is an individual sport. Everyone plays against everyone else. Your main goal is to protect your own circle. You also want to score goals on the other players.
The game starts with a serve. You must kick the ball from no lower than your knee. If the Basse ball lands completely inside your circle, you get a minus point. The ball must not touch the edge of the circle.
If you get 3 minus points, you are out of the game. You must defend your circle using any part of your body. But you cannot use your arms or hands!
The Finale
The game continues until only two players are left. This is the finale! In the finale, the first player to score a goal wins. It does not matter how many minus points each finalist had before.
Some players use extra rules for the game. These can include rules for referees, "dead squares," hand ball, and penalty kicks. Basse tournaments are often held during the summer.
