Fives

Fives Wall in South Petherton

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Eton Fives Court at High Elms 1

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Detail on the Northern Side of the Eton Fives Court at High Elms Country Park

Former fives court, King Edward VI School Retford

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Warminster Fives Court

Fives is a term that can refer to several different subjects, including a range of sports, games, or numerical references. This article will focus on the primary interpretations of the term, highlighting its significance in various contexts.

Sports

Fives is a handball game that originated in the UK and is similar to squash but played without rackets. The game is known for being played in an enclosed court, where the ball is struck with the hand in a glove, aiming to hit it in such a manner that the opponent cannot return it. There are two main variants of the game: Eton Fives and Rugby Fives, both named after the schools where they were developed.

Eton Fives

Eton Fives was created in the late 19th century at Eton College. It is characterized by its unique court design, which includes various obstacles and irregularities, such as a step and buttress. These features are believed to mimic the architecture of Eton College, where the game was first played against chapel walls.

Rugby Fives

Rugby Fives, on the other hand, emerged from Rugby School and is played in a more standardized court without the architectural quirks found in Eton Fives. It is known for being faster and allowing a broader range of shots due to the uniformity of the playing area.

Numerical Reference

In numerical terms, fives refers to the number five or a group/set consisting of five elements. This can be applied in various contexts, from mathematics to everyday counting and grouping of objects.

Cultural References

In some cultures, fives is also a colloquial term used in games and activities that involve groups of five, such as in certain card games or team sports.

Conclusion

The term fives encompasses a rich variety of meanings, from the traditional handball games cherished in British schools to its use as a numerical reference in everyday language. Its significance varies widely across different contexts, illustrating the diversity of its applications.