Tamburello facts for kids

Tamburello or pallatamburello is a fun and traditional sport from Italy. It has been played there since the 16th century, which is a very long time ago! The game gets its name from a special round or oval tool called a tamburello, which is like a small tambourine in English language. Today, different types of tamburello are played in many countries around the world.

Different Ways to Play Tamburello

Tamburello is played in several exciting ways, each with its own rules and court size.

Tamburello Outdoors (Classic Game)

A round tamburello and the ball used in the game.

This is the original, or classic, way to play tamburello.

• Each team usually has 5 players.
• The game is played on a large outdoor field. This field is about 80 metres long and 20 metres wide.
• Players use round tambourellos to hit the ball during the game.
• When a player serves the ball, they use a special oval-shaped tamburello.
• The ball used is made of rubber and weighs about 88 grams.
• To win a match, a team needs to win 13 games. Each game is won by scoring 4 points.
• In Italy, there is a professional league where the best teams compete. For example, in 2002, 14 teams played in this top league.
• Sometimes, this game is played in a special stadium with a side wall. This type of stadium is called a sferisterio or sferodromo in Italian language.

Tamburello Indoors

This version of tamburello is played inside on smaller courts.

• Each team usually has 3 players.
• The courts are shorter than the outdoor ones.

Tambutennis

Tambutennis is a bit like tennis.

• It is played with 2 players on each side.
• The court is divided by a net, just like in tennis.

Tambeach (Beach Tamburello)

Tambeach is played on the sand, similar to beach tennis.

• Teams can have either 1 or 2 players.
• The game is played on beach courts that are divided by a net.

Related Sports

• Palla

Images for kids

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  Tamburello.