Re(1): The Psychology of the Game Posted on January 18, 2026 at 01:10:03 PM by TommyT
First...truly, thank you Benny for everything you continue to do to bring Jai Alai to the fans and betting public. As a former player, I also see both the side of the player as well as the betting public. In no particular order...
1. The current Dania roster is made up of very talented players who are all exceptional serve catchers. The server does not have the luxury of just tossing the ball in and hoping it gets by the receiving front courter. Not only do they display talent in catching the serve, most also have a very high accuracy of following the catch with a winning shot. This puts pressure on the server to do their best to keep the serve as deep and close to the side wall as possible to avoid it being picked off.
2. When a player overserves, it affects them mentally as well. These are very young players still developing their game and mindset. The next time serving, nerves have a tendency to interfere big time with their serve. As an example, we'll take Celaya. If he overserves for the first time in a performance, his next serve typically shows the psychological impact. I've seen him serve it in the middle of the box (the receiver then catches the serve and put the point away), I've seen carom serves (trying to keep it close to the side wall to avoid the pick off) as well as an underserve or another overserve. It's a really big stretch to chalk it up to thinking Celaya doesn't know how to play the game...this is clearly due to nerves (i.e. thinking about the prior overserve and not wanting to repeat it).
3. Players not trying...give me a break. Clearly the players try hard every game, that's how they earn their prize money. Is it 100% every point every game, absolutely not but that's how it is with any sport. Let's look at what a number of "fans" view as an extreme exception...Kanpandegi. Clearly he has issues with catching the ball consistently. I've watched points where he drops the serve, but I've also watch spectacular points in which he cannot miss (side wall catches at line 13, bote coritos (i.e. scoops), etc). He has raw talent that just needs more development, and that should come with time and experience. Benny has already indicated that he has daily discussions with him. Maybe time to trust the process and give the kid a break while he's gaining court experience.
4. The size of the court. This is not an amateur size court...the length and height of the walls look very different on the court vs viewing on TV or in your seat at Dania. It takes great ability to consistently be where the ball is thrown to, as well as tremendous hand eye coordination to catch and return the ball.
For the folks who want to believe this is all just excuses for poor playing...you have every right to think that. But for those who have actually played the game at any competitive level, you will understand all the nuances that affect one's game. Replies:
Tiger's Jai-Alai Chalk Talk
