Rules for Jokari

A Paddle and Ball Sport

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RULES

PLAYING AREA

JOKARI is played on any relatively smooth, hard surface approximately 15 by 30 feet. One or two people may play. The playing area is divided into two sections separated by an imaginary mid line immediately in front of the anchor block. There are no outer boundaries. The players remain in the back area at all times. The ball is hit into the front area and returned to the back area by the elastic band.

SEQUENCE OF PLAY

Players draw for first serve. The server chooses the starting location in the back area. Each serve is made by bouncing the ball on the playing surface before striking it. The server hits the ball into the front where it must bounce one time only. The elastic band returns the ball. The opponent returns the ball after it has re-crossed the middling into the back area. The ball in the back area may be returned either before it touches the ground or after one bounce.

SCORING

JOKARI is played to 21 points, with the winning margin at least two points. Play is continued until there is a two point margin. The serve is rotated every five points. A point is scored when one of these faults occurs:
  1. A player fails to return the ball to the front area.
  2. The ball bounces more than once in the front area.
  3. The ball bounces more than once in the back area.
  4. A player steps over the middling.
  5. The ball hits the anchor block and does not enter the back area.

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Illustration of Jokari being played


GAME HINTS

  • Hit the ball hard and high enough to get maximum extension of the band.
  • Watch the ball at all times. Try to see the ball make contact with the paddle.
  • Stroke the ball smoothly. Don't punch at it.
  • Play close to the anchor block. This improves your position for the return.
  • When playing Jokari on a very smooth surface, a small piece of adhesive tape attached to the anchor block will secure it.

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SAFETY TIPS

  1. Avoid playing on busy streets and other hazardous areas.
  2. Always wear the wrist safety loop.
  3. Give the other player enough room to maneuver freely. Interference can be dangerous.
  4. Eye safety should be considered when playing any racquet or paddle sport. Use protective eye devices like those used in racquetball for maximum safety.

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CARE OF EQUIPMENT

  1. Avoid stepping on the band. This causes nicks which weaken elastic. If the band breaks during play, just tie it securely and continue.
  2. When tying the band, use a "sailor's knot" by placing the two ends side by side, make one loop, pull the two ends through the loop, and then tighten the knot securely. Most "square knots" and "granny knots" tend to work loose.
  3. When fastening the band to the ball, first make a loop in the end of the band approximately four inches long by tying a "sailor's knot." Then place the band loop through the nylon yoke and over the ball and pull tight. The band is attached in the same manner to the metal swivel on the block.
  4. The JOKARI paddles, like most string racquets will not withstand substantial blows on their edge. Therefore, avoid striking the ground and other hard surfaces with the paddle.
  5. The loop attached to the anchor block is for convenience in carrying the game. First, place the ball in the block hole and wrap the band around the block. Then place both paddles through the leather loop.

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Jokari Logo in Black and White
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FYI (For Your Information)

The catalog items were (as of 2/6/2001).

NOTE: To buy Replacement Bands, write or telephone JOKARI; they aren't in the web catalog.


1205 Venture Court
Carrolton, TX 75006
Tel
Fax
Assembled by OVK.
Last updated 2/6/2001
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