Hornussen facts for kids
Stopping the hornuss in flight
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| Presence | |
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| Country or region | Switzerland |
| Olympic | No |
| Paralympic | No |
Hornussen is a unique sport played mainly in Switzerland. Its name comes from the "Hornuss" (which means "hornet"), a small, hard puck used in the game. When hit, the Hornuss can fly through the air incredibly fast, sometimes reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h (186.4 mph). This high speed makes it buzz like a hornet, giving the sport its name.
Hornussen is a team sport, usually played between two teams. Each team has about 16 to 20 players. The game involves one team hitting the Hornuss as far as they can. Meanwhile, the other team tries to stop it in mid-air using special wooden bats called "schindels". Along with Schwingen (Swiss wrestling) and Steinstossen (stone throwing), Hornussen is considered a traditional Swiss national sport. While most teams are in Switzerland, a few can be found in other countries.
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How Hornussen is Played
Hornussen is a game of skill, power, and teamwork. It combines elements of golf, baseball, and even cricket. The goal is to hit the Hornuss far and accurately, or to stop it from landing in a specific area.
The Playing Field
The game is played on a long, open field. One end of the field has a hitting area, and the other end is where the defending team stands. The field is marked with lines to measure how far the Hornuss travels.
The Hitting Team
The hitting team takes turns launching the Hornuss. A player places the Hornuss on a special ramp called a "Bock". They then use a long, flexible hitting stick to strike the Hornuss. The stick has a special tip designed to hit the small puck with great force. The aim is to hit the Hornuss as far as possible into the opponent's half of the field.
The Hornuss and Bock
The Hornuss itself is a small, hard puck, often made of a special plastic or wood. It's designed to be aerodynamic and fly very fast. The "Bock" is a metal ramp or stand. It holds the Hornuss at the perfect angle for the player to hit it.
The Defending Team
While one team is hitting, the other team spreads out across the field. Their job is to stop the flying Hornuss before it hits the ground. They use large, flat wooden bats called "Schindels".
The Schindel
A "Schindel" is a wide, flat wooden board, somewhat like a large paddle. Players hold these schindels up in the air to catch or deflect the Hornuss. It takes quick reflexes and good hand-eye coordination to stop a Hornuss flying at such high speeds! If a player successfully stops the Hornuss, it prevents the hitting team from scoring points for that hit.
Scoring and Winning
The game is played over several rounds. Each team gets to hit the Hornuss a set number of times.
Points for Hitting
The hitting team earns points based on how far the Hornuss travels. The farther it goes, the more points they get. If the Hornuss lands in a marked area without being stopped by the defending team, the hitting team scores.
Points for Defending
The defending team's goal is to prevent the Hornuss from landing. If they manage to stop it with a schindel, the hitting team gets no points for that particular hit. The team with the fewest "Nouss" (unstopped Hornuss landings) wins the game. This means both hitting far and defending well are important for victory.
History of Hornussen
Hornussen has a long history in Switzerland, dating back several centuries. It started as a simple game played by farmers and villagers. Over time, it developed into the organized sport we see today.
Traditional Swiss Sport
Hornussen is deeply rooted in Swiss culture. It's often played at traditional festivals and events. It represents strength, precision, and community spirit. Its status as a national sport, alongside Schwingen and Steinstossen, highlights its importance to Swiss heritage. While it's not as well-known globally as some other sports, it remains a beloved tradition in its home country.
