History
Picigin is a traditional ball game originating from Split, Croatia, played primarily on the beach in shallow water. Its history dates back to 1908, when Croatian students returning from Prague sought an alternative to water polo, which was difficult to play in the shallow waters of Bačvice beach. The students improvised and began a new game, which later evolved into what is now known as picigin.
The game’s spiritual home remains the sandy beach of Bačvice, where it has been played consistently since its inception. Over the years, it has become more than just a game, embedding itself into the cultural identity of Split. Traditional players insist that the game is best played on Bačvice, where the sandy shoals provide the ideal terrain.
Since 2005, the Picigin World Championship (Prvenstvo svita u piciginu) has been held annually on Bačvice beach. Initially, players were judged on specific jumps, but since 2008, the artistic impression of the entire group determines the winner.
Rules
Picigin is traditionally played by five players in shallow water, aiming to keep a small traditional ball, known as "balun" which is a stripped and polished tennis ball from falling into the water. Players cooperate to achieve this, making the game non-competitive. While there is no set number of players, five participants are customary. Players stand in a pentagram-like shape, with two roles: Sidrun (Anchor): Two sidruni remain fixed in their positions, ensuring stable ball passing. Trkač (Runner): The three trkači chase and save loose balls, requiring agility and stamina.
Picigin requires a soft surface, typically a shallow sandy beach with ankle-deep water. This ensures safety as players frequently jump and land on their bodies. Players use their palms to bat the ball to each other. Catching the ball is not allowed. In some variants, players are limited to one or two touches before passing the ball, resembling volleyball without a net. Picigin’s simplicity, cooperative nature, and the agility it demands have cemented its status as a beloved pastime in Split, celebrated for its cultural and historical significance.
