NOTES ON ATHLETICS AND BALL GAMES

 INTRODUCTION TO TENNIS Tennis is a competitive racket sport played between two players (singles) or two teams of two players (doubles). The aim is to hit a felt-covered ball over a net into the opponent’s court in such a way that the opponent cannot legally return it. Tennis is both a physical and mental sport, requiring: Speed and agility Strength and endurance Hand-eye coordination Tactical thinking Emotional control under pressure It is played professionally, recreationally, and at school levels worldwide. HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF TENNIS Tennis has a long and interesting evolution: Early Origins The earliest form of tennis began in 12th-century France as “Jeu de Paume” (game of the palm). Players originally hit the ball with their hands. It was mostly played in monasteries and royal courts. Development of Equipment By the 16th century, rackets made of wood and string replaced the hand. Balls were originally made of leather stuffed with hair or wool. Modern Lawn Tennis Modern ...

HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF BADMINTON Nature of the game Badminton is a racket sport played by two players (singles) or four players (doubles). The game involves hitting a shuttlecock across a net using rackets. It is one of the fastest racket sports in the world and requires skill, speed, agility, and concentration. History of Badminton The origin of badminton can be traced to an ancient game known as Battledore and Shuttlecock, which was played in various parts of Europe and Asia. The objective of the game was to keep a shuttlecock in the air for as long as possible using paddles. The modern game evolved from a game called Poona, which was played by British army officers in India during the nineteenth century. In 1873, these officers introduced the game to England at the Duke of Beaufort's residence known as Badminton House. The game became popular there and was subsequently named "Badminton." The Badminton Association of England was established in 1893 and introduced th...