Billarda: Galician Tip-Cat with a Soft Bat

A traditional game from Galicia, where it is called billarda or estornela, and from Castile, where it is la tala: players tap the end of a short stick so it pops up, then bat it as far as they can in midair. It builds striking, hand-eye coordination and fielding.

How to play

1. Explain (2 min) that it used to be played with two wooden sticks; we will use a soft bat and an 8-inch billarda cut from a pool noodle.
2. Make 4 groups of 6 in separate areas of the field; in each, chalk a batting circle 1.5 m (5 ft) across and set a line of cones 6 m (20 ft) away.
3. The batter rests the billarda on the ground with one end on a cone lying on its side, taps that end to pop it up and bats it in the air. Three tries.
4. If a fielder catches it on the fly, the batter switches; otherwise, whoever picks it up throws it from where it landed, aiming for the circle.
5. If it lands in the circle, the batter switches; if not, the batter scores one point per giant step from the circle to the billarda.
6. Each batter gets 2 turns and then fields; rotate until everyone has batted at least twice (18 min). Most steps wins.

Rules

• Only the batter is in the circle, and nobody comes within 6 m (20 ft) while batting.
• Set the bat down after hitting; never throw it.
• Fielders stay put until the billarda has been hit.
• Always bat toward the fielding area.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student bats seated with the billarda on a tall cone, and a partner fields for them.
• Hearing impairment: the batting signal is a raised arm, and the batter checks that everyone is behind the line.
• Skill level: use a 12-inch billarda for students who struggle and a 6-inch one for skilled hitters.

Learning goals

• Coordinate two strikes in a row with an implement on an object in the air.
• Choose the best fielding position to catch or return the object.
• Learn a traditional game from Galicia and Castile and its regional names.

Equipment for a class of 25

• soft bats: 4
• pool noodles: 2
• cones: 8
• chalk: 2

Teacher tip

With wooden sticks this game is dangerous: always use a soft bat and a foam billarda, and keep groups well apart. The key move is a sharp downward tap on the tip.

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