Have you ever played the cup and ball game?

The wooden “Cup and Ball Game” is a traditional toy for children and adults. The main goal of the game is to get the ball into the cup. Just swing the ball around and get it into the cup. Not that easy, hah! 😉

The skill toy looks like a cup or has typically a wooden handle with a cup or a spike on top (as another version). The cup is shaped to fit the ball and the ball itself is attached to the handle by a string. The string would measure between 35-45 cm in length. The name “bilboquet” seems to have taken over as a general term for this type of toys in Europe and is applied to its varieties. Thus, we are using this term interchangeably in our product descriptions.

Main rules of the “Cup and Ball Game”

The player uses only one arm that holds the handle and does not involve any other parts of the body to change the ball’s trajectory.

Origin of the ball-in-a-cup game

This traditional bilboquet game has been engaging minds of both children and adults for centuries in many cultures. It was a way of gambling, played not only in the streets but in the royal courts as well, since 1534! As a matter of fact, the earliest mentions suggest that the concept came from the royalty and people of wealth. Moreover, some play pieces were made not only of wood but also of ivory, bone and even embellished with gold and silver elements.

Nowadays, one can find many versions of the Cup and Ball Game from all over the world. Where the core principle of the game is preserved yet culturally different. For example by name. In Spanish-speaking countries, they call it the “boliche”, “balero”, “coca”, “perinola”, “capirucho” and ”emboque”. English-speaking cultures call it the “cup-and-ball”, “ball in a cup” or “ring and pin” game. In France “le bilboquet”, whereas in Germany “ticayo” (double-spiked on both ends) and in Japan the very famous “kendama”.

Even though, each variation is differently designed bringing forward its cultural charisma and offering many game styles, they are all fun and skill toys for the mental and dexterity workout.

We have broken down for you 3 difficulty levels of the bilboquet game:

1. Land the ball into the cup (with a handle or without; even mini pocket versions are available with both options)
2. Land the ball onto the spike (with one end or two ends)
3. Land the ball on the most difficult one with 3 cups and a spike – a kendama

The game of skill is excellent for gifting

These are old-fashioned toys that kids and grown-ups love! They are perfect for friends and family gatherings, and birthday parties. They are cool stocking stuffers and party favours. Smart, durable and budget-friendly presents made to last.

The ball in a cup game is a top travel companion

Somehow we still need to engage kids in the evenings while on holidays. Why not offer this game? Challenging, engaging and mindful for everyone! Conduct competitions in the evenings!

Educational value of cup and ball games

• The game of skill is an amazing learning tool for self-regulation. How many catches can you score in a row?
• It fundamentally improves hand-eye coordination, precision and balance.
• The game trains dexterity, patience, focus and concentration
• The activity boosts emotional skills, self-confidence and a rewarding sense of accomplishment
• It provides entertaining quality pastime for young and old minds

How to play the ball-string-cup game?

Option 1. Keep the ball hanging on the string, off the cup. Now toss the ball upwards and capture the ball into the cup. The goal is to keep continuously catching the ball. How many times in a row can you do it?

Option 2. Place the ball into the cup. Start tossing it upwards. The goal is to consistently return the ball straight back into the cup after each toss, without letting the string with the ball stretch downwards, out of the cup. The goal is to keep continuously catching the ball. How many times in a row can you perform it?

Advance your skills. Do not stop!
There are also other tricks available that include in-between manoeuvres with the hand. For example:

Toss the ball, wrap the string around the wooden handle once, and then catch the ball into the cup. Do not forget to make moves backwards. Moving forward, people with more advanced abilities hold the wooden cup upside down, placing the ball on the other end of the handle (not into the cup). The goal is to toss the ball upwards, quickly turn the cup upwards and capture the ball.

Even if it takes hours, keep practising and master the game by tossing and catching the ball unerringly!

Note: over time, the string may wear out after intensive exercises, which is absolutely normal for such a toy. Just replace it with the similar characteristics and continue enjoying!

Age: 4 years + all ages
Material: handmade in Spain from solid wood with safe natural paints
Size: the handle 19 cm, the string 35 cm