Eton Fives is a form of the British game fives, where two, two-person teams hit a ball around a three-walled court using only their hands. It differs from standard fives in court layout and the type of ball which is used.

Eton fives is a British game similar to handball or squash. Teams of two knock a ball around courts found mostly on public school campuses. Players are only allowed to use their hands, and must strike the ball before it bounces more than once. Though not a very common game, it does enjoy a loyal following amongst individual school's students and alumni.

Be the first team to score 12 points.

Play begins with the server standing between the buttress and the front wall, and the cutter standing in the backcourt along with the two other players. The server throws the ball high so it bounces off the front and right wall, landing after the step, and in the middle of the court. If the serve is not to the cutter's liking, the server must throw again. Once the serve is returnable, the cutter will hit the ball overhand into the corner, so the ball hits the right wall then the front wall, and then returns to the server. The ball can only be hit with a gloved hand, and is only allowed to hit the floor once. The cutter and server will volley while the other two players go after anything that's missed. This continues until the ball is down or out of the court, and a point is scored. Points can only be scored when serving. The first team to reach 12 points is the winner.

Games where a ball is hit against a wall have been played by many different cultures throughout history. Eton fives draws its roots from youths hitting balls against the walls of the chapel at Eton College. In 1877 a group of students established simple rules of play, which are generally still followed today. Many Eton fives competitions are held throughout the UK today, with the largest being the Kinnaird Cup.

Ball
Gloves
Three-Walled Court

Eton fives is a relatively safe sport, due to a minimal amount of contact and running. Eye and kneed injuries have been known to occur, though they are uncommon.

Eton fives calls for excellent reflexes and hand-eye coordination. A background in games such as handball and squash is beneficial to a beginners fives player.

Buttress - a projecting support of stone or brick built against a wall; featured on courts due to Eton fives' beginnings at Eton College Chapel

Cut - shot used to try and stop the server or his/her teammate from being able to hit the ball back

Cutter - player that receives serves

Top-Step - area at the front of the court elevated six inches higher than the rest of the court

Up - when the ball is hit above the diagonal ledge on the front wall

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eton_fives