The Game
Watch the story about the original Stanga game.
stanga - Definition
Origin of the Word: "Stanga" (Italian: noun) refers to one of two poles on a cart to which a horse is harnessed. The term also colloquially describes something long and thin, such as a bar, shaft, or a very tall and slender person. Variations of the word appear in other languages, such as German (Stange - pole), Yiddish (stang), and Russian (Штанга - beam).
Stanga: The Game
Stanga is a classic street ball game rooted in creativity, adaptability, and the essence of urban sports. Originating in neighborhoods where improvisation and ingenuity shaped play, Stanga is a game that transcends cultures and borders, symbolizing the universal love for movement, competition, and camaraderie.
Equipment:
- The Poles: Two vertical poles (or "gates") to mark the goals. In street settings, these can be anything from wooden sticks to streetlamps or improvised markers.
- The Ball: Typically, a tennis ball is used due to its bounciness, small size, and difficulty to control. However, in true street tradition, any type of ball—or even makeshift objects—can be used when no tennis ball is available.
- The Players: The game can be played individually (one-on-one) or in teams.
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Rules:
Basic Gameplay:
- Players are allowed to make contact with the ball only once in a row.
- If a player touches the ball more than once consecutively without the opponent contacting the ball, they are penalized.
Penalties:
- A violation of the "one-touch rule" results in a penalty kick from half the court or passing the ball to the opposing player/team.
Ball Contact Restrictions:
- Players are not allowed to touch the ball with their hands, similar to traditional football (soccer).
- Players may use their head, chest, or feet as long as the ball remains in the air.
Scoring Rules:
- Hitting the gate beams with the ball: 2 points.
- Scoring a normal gate (goal): 1 point.
- A kick directly hitting the goalpost: 3 points.
- Scoring a goal with a “Scissors/Bicycle Kick”: 5 points.
- Scoring a goal with the heel: 4 points.
- A goal scored with a kick “between the legs”: 10 points.
- Game Setup Variations:
- Wooden sticks can be used to mark the gates or goals, adding extra challenge. Hitting the sticks with the ball can entitle the scoring team extra points.
