How is it played? (Rules)

The Krulbol is played with two teams of two or three people. The players must roll their ball from a distance of approximately 7m, with the intention of bringing it closer to the stek, a kind of pike stuck in the ground. Each player has a ball. The ball can roll directly towards the stek or describe a curve in order to avoid obstacles, depending on the effect that is given to the ball. The first player of a team rolls his ball as close as possible to the «master» (white). The other team plays next, either trying to place the ball even closer to the «master» or taking the ball of the opponent from its place. The team that leaves the ball furthest away is the one that keeps throwing.
Each ball located closer to the pike than the nearest ball of the opponents is worth a point. The game is played at 22 points.
The playing field is a sandy space (outdoor) or a place of beaten earth (interior) of about 10m long by 4m wide.

Sport or Game History and origins:

The game appears in a 1650 painting, however the word «krulbol» does not begin to be used until the middle of the 20th century.
Within this family of ball games we find examples with large balls and others with flat balls (discs). The game with big ball is very popular in the province of Meetjesland, in the Gent canal area and in the Lokeren region.
The game with flat ball is practiced more concretely between Gand and Oudenaarde.

Submitted by

UNIVERSIDAD SAN JORGE

Objective

Mark points by bringing the balls closer to the target. Win the team that manages to leave them closer than those of the opponent.

Benefits

Physical: Motor skills improvement (coordination, balance, agility, etc.)
Psychological: Relaxation (de-stressing, problem distractor, etc.)
Psychological skills improvement (motivation, leadership, group cohesion, concentration, etc.)
Social: Socialization (social relations based on game/sport).

Game’s materials

The stek is planted at a distance of 1m to 1.5m from the sides.
The big ball has a maximum diameter of 22.5cm and a minimum of 18.5cm. It weighs 2kg to 3.5kg and is made of synthetic resin. The «flat ball» measures 19cm in diameter and weighs 1.2kg, it is normally made of walnut or hornbeam.

Is it related to an specific event or festivity ( festivals, religious or pagan celebrations)?

No.