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Eton Fives is a ball game played on a three walled court by two teams of two players. The ball is struck with a gloved hand with the object of making it difficult for an opponent to return the ball as it rebounds off the front wall.

Popularity
Eton Fives Courts in common with Rugby and Winchester Fives courts are normally found in old public schools and universities.

Location
The court has only three sides, the back of the court being open. The inside of the court is quite complicated in design, being based on a bay formed by the buttresses at the base of the chapel steps at Eton College, where the game originated.

Age
Eton Fives is based on many ball sports played by children, (bouncing a ball and retrieving it off a wall. Eton Fives because of the complexity of the court and rules is not a game easily played by children.

Ability
Eton Fives is a game that is fast, fun and great for fitness, and can be enjoyed by players of all standards. Quick reflexes, agility and the ability to run are necessary to play Fives successfully.

Description
The court is divided into two parts, separated by a step, which is positioned about 1/3 of the length of the court from the front wall. The front part of the court is known as the front or upper court. Because of the step, the front court is a few inches higher than the rear part, which is known as the back, or lower court. The end of the back court is defined by another small step. A ledge runs around the three walls, about 4.5ft above ground, above which the ball must be played to be in.

Dedication
A unique feature of an Eton Fives court is a large projection on the left-hand side, called the buttress. The buttress is roughly L-shaped and is about shoulder high. The buttress is very complex in shape, with many slopes and angles. Where the buttress meets the step it forms a small three-sided niche, called the dead-man's hole. This is a natural place to try to send the ball when playing, as it often results in a nonreturnable shot.

Closely Related Activities
Winchester Fives, Rugby Fives 700, Squash (578), Court Handball(703) and Real Tennis (487).

Cost
The only costs incurred are a pair of padded gloves, and the court fees which vary depending on individual school.

Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.

Energy

Arms

Legs

Sight

Hearing

Speech

Learning

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