Bolas criollas is a traditional team sport from Venezuela, very popular in the Llanos and most rural regions. It is one of the most representative icons of Llanero culture. Its origins can be traced back to traditional European boules sports, such as bocce and pétanque. Objective Two teams of two participants equipped with eight heavy balls throw in turns and attempt to place them as close as possible to a much smaller metal ball. The team that reaches a maximum of 20 points in several attempts wins the match. Description It is played in a court shaped as a large level rectangle, built of flattened earth (typically rich in sand or clay), clear of trees or visible obstacles. The court must keep a 3:2 proportion ratio and its actual dimensions may vary, but an approximate size of is preferred. The court is usually enclosed with logs, wooden boards or concrete slabs. On occasion an internal string perimeter fitted at no more than from the enclosure signals valid gaming ground. The solid balls (roughly diameter, made of synthetic material) are coloured red and green respectively to separate each team. The small steel or iron ball called mingo has a diameter no greater than and is used as a marker. At the beginning of a match, a previously drawn member of either team throws the mingo from one established end of the court (called the calzador) to the opposite end. If the mingo rests in the opposite half of the court, the toss is valid. From then, participants of each team alternatively toss one ball each from the calzador attempting to make their balls rest as close to the mingo as possible (or touching it). After all balls have been thrown, a designated judge awards points to the winning team based on their balls' proximity to the mingo. If the match is not ended by a winning score, the whole routine is repeated from the alternate end (for ease, as there is no need to carry the heavy balls back to the original place). A valid toss in bolas criollas is done with the palm of the hand facing downward (in opposition to bowling, for example), and the arm must swing in a graceful arc, body resting on one flexed leg and the other leg extended. Running to gain momentum is allowed, as long as the player does not overshoot the calzador.