Great Ball Court (SP: El Gran Juego de Pelota), Chichén Itzá, Yucatán, Mexico. 17-3-2017, 9:34.

This is the largest ball court in Mesoamerica. It is formed by a long wall on each side, with embedded rings or hoops carved with images of plumed serpents. The slightly sloping walls are decorated with scenes of the sacrifice of ball players. At each end of the U-shaped court there are low walls supporting buildings richly decorated with reliefs and paintings. To the east, the Temple of Jaguars and Shields presents processions of dignitaries and battle scenes that offer a vivid image of the history of Chichén Itzá.

The size of the court and the height of the rings indicate that, in this case, it is not likely that the ball was hit through the ring by the hip alone, although such game rules were generally applicable at the time of the conquest.

Nikon D810, AF-S Nikkor 16-35/4G ED VR, 1/125 sec, f/9, ISO 100, FL=22 mm, WB: 5200K, Kaesemann Polarizer