It's called Leet. So, play the video already. See those funny sticks - hollow, with a kind of scoopy end. They're pretty much key to the game. The sticks, and an understanding of Ultimate Frisbee, or maybe Lacrosse and Jai Alai, even, a little.

First, let me tell you about my favorite version, Street Leet. I quote:

Setting Up

Mark the four corners of two rectangular end zones that are equal in size and the desired distance apart (this is up you and obviously depends on the number of players, but anywhere between 20 - 50yds (18 – 46m) is recommended). Mark outer boundaries, agree on the length of the match, and you are ready to go!

A Quick Guide

1. Usually the game is played four-a-side.
2. The object of the game is to score more goals that your opponents during the game.
3. A goal is scored when a player within their opponents’ end zone catches a ball thrown by a team mate.
4. During the game, once a player has possession of the ball they must come to an immediate stop.
5. A player in control of the ball may make movements to help them pass or shoot, but must otherwise remain on the spot.
6. No player may hold the ball for more than five seconds.
7. If the ball is loose on the ground, players may use their hands to return the ball to their stick.
8. Any fouls result in a free-throw to the non-offending team from where the foul took place.

As for tournament Leet:

"...Played with a stick and a ball, Leet™ can be played just about anywhere you like: on the beach, in a park, or on almost any traditional sports surface! At the professional level however, the sport is played in the unique, transparent Leet™ arena where two circular goals are raised 5.63yds (5.15m) above the arena floor....Leet™ is played four-a-side, with each team trying to surge past their opponents’ defenses in an effort to score more goals than their competitors."

I like this new sport of Leet. I like the energy, the effort, the belief that has forged this into what it is now. Even if it started out as an idea for a reality show called "The Winning Team." The reality looks better than the show.

It's got attitude. It speaks Leet.


from Bernie DeKoven, funsmith

Labels: sports