Ready, Set, Klootschieten!
by J. Robbins
Klootschieten is a popular sport in the Netherlands that involves throwing a ball, or kloot, as far as possible across varying terrain. The three main styles are field, street, and standing. Each style of Klootschieten is unique, although many players are proficient in all three styles.
Field Klootschieten can be played either by an individual or a team, and players attempt to reach a particular goal—usually a patch of grass or sand—in as few throws as possible. The Klootschieten course is composed of curves, hills, and valleys that make it difficult for players to quickly reach the goal.
Street Klootschieten is similar to the field style, but the course is mapped out in an urban rather than a rural location. Additionally, the street kloot is heavier than the one used for field games. Players in street Klootschieten face the extra challenge of keeping their kloot from running into ditches, gutters, or traffic. The field and street styles of this game require players to rely on strategy rather than physical strength.
Standing Klootschieten is played by throwing the kloot from a standing position, and the player who throws the farthest wins the match. In May 2004, the European Klootschieten Championship was held in Westerstede, Germany. A German team named Friesischer Klootschießer Connection won all street, field, and standing competitions in both men and women's categories.
Which of the following conclusions does the passage support?
A.
The kloot's weight depends on the number of players on each team.
B.
The strongest Klootschieten player doesn't always win the game.
C.
Klootschieten is only played by people from the Netherlands.
D.
Klootschieten is easier to play in urban areas than in rural areas.