Valencian pilota (Valencian: pilota valenciana [piˈlɔta valensiˈana] "Valencian ball") is a traditional handball sport played in the Valencian Community. Its origins are not known. Rules variations within the generic Pilota Valenciana category are frequent from area to area but the common trait is that the ball is struck with a bare, or almost bare, hand (only minimal protection is applied in some versions of the sport). The general rule involves two teams made from two up to five players each (the numbers depend on the particular version played). Exceptionally, individual matches are also played (mostly in Escala i corda and Raspall) between the most renowned players.