It's a different world to American jai-alai fans when they set foot through the doors of Dania Jai-Alai. The players (pelotaris) have a different terminology to describe the various shots and parts of the court. To help a future aficionado (jai-alai fan) understand what the players and fans are saying, here is a list of the terms used and heard most often at a fronton.

THE BASICS

JAI-ALAI - In the Basque language, means "merry festival" ("Jai" is festival; "Alai" means joyous). This superspeeded-up version of what was once simple handball has been played for centuries at religious festivals in the Basque provinces of Spain and France.

AFICIONADO - An enthusiastic fan, devotee of the game of jai-alai. The word has found its way into some English-language dictionaries today. It comes from the Spanish "aficionar" (to incite affection).

PELOTARI - A jai-alai player, from the Spanish "pelota" (and the French "pelote") meaning ball.

DELANTERO - Frontcourt player

ZAGUERO - Backcourt player

JUEZ - Spanish word for judge. Each of the three court judges in striped shirts that are present during the games to make the close calls.