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THE FACE-OFF WHO PLAYS WHERE? TEAM SPORTS Each game starts with a face-off in the center circle and restarts in A team consists of, at most, 22 players, including at least the same way after every goal that’s scored. This is not a moment two goaltenders. Six players from each team take the ice at for the faint-hearted. One player from each team squares up, toe-to-toe, the same time. Usually one of the six is a goaltender, who wears their sticks at the ready, and their blades remaining on the ice, poised heavy-duty protective clothing and positions himself in front of for action. To start the game, the referee or linesman drops the puck the goal. He is allowed to stop the puck with his hands, body, between the two players, then backs out of the way. The players then or stick. His five teammates are divided into three forwards battle—sticks clashing—to gain possession of the puck and make an and two defensemen. The forward positions—the “glamor” assault on the opposition’s goal. players—are the left wing, right wing, and center. In defense, laying in wait for the opposition, are the left and right defense. Coach Assistant Players’ bench Goaltender Left and right Left and Center ICE HOCKEY The strategist coaches Up to 22 players Stops the puck defensemen right wingers Takes face-offs and motivator of Assist the on the bench from entering They attempt to Their role is to and plays both the team decides coach—one of each team the goal stop opposing score goals. offense and which players on offense, players getting They must defense will play in which the other on near their goal also cover their formation defense 75 ft (23 m) counterparts on the opposing team during face-offs 50 ft (15 m) Announcer Announces goals, scorers, penalties, and time remaining Timekeepers There are two. One is responsible for controlling the clock during stoppages; the other times the penalties Penalty official Makes sure that order is maintained 6 ft (1.8 m) OlymNpHicLrrininkk::18050fftt((2370.m5)m) Blue lines Official scorer 6 ft (1.8 m) Divide the rink into three Compiles all data 200 ft (61 m) parts: the defensive zone, for the game: goals, 4 ft (1.2 m) the neutral zone, and the penalties, shots on attacking zone goal, and saves TARGET AREA 12 ft (3.6 m) Goal posts must be red. The goal is fixed by magnets or flexible poles so it can move in the event of a collision to avoid injuries. SIDELINES 552 The record number of 5 “Five goals, five different ways” is 113,411 The largest crowd ever consecutive games played by an NHL known as a quinella. Mario Lemieux scored hockey goaltender, held by Glenn Hall. the only quinella in NHL history in 1988. packed in the Michigan Stadium to watch archrivals Michigan State University and the 17 The longest winning streak in 1 The number of American-born goaltenders University of Michigan December 11, 2010. NHL history, set by the Pittsburgh Penguins out of the 35 total enshrined in the Hockey in 1992–1993. Hall of Fame.

WHAT THEY WEAR “THE GREAT ONE” The hard surfaces of the ice and boards, plus pucks NICKNAMED “THE GREAT ONE,” WAYNE GRETZKY IS flying at up to 120 mph (190 kph)—not to mention REGARDED AS THE BEST PLAYER OF THE 1980s AND other players looking for blood—pose a multitude of 1990s AND IS ACKNOWLEDGED AS THE GREATEST HOCKEY safety hazards. Besides ice skates and sticks, hockey PLAYER EVER BY SPORTSWRITERS, PLAYERS, COACHES, players are usually equipped with an array of safety AND FANS. ALONG WITH HIS MANY AWARDS, RECORDS, gear to lessen the risk of injury. This includes a helmet, AND ACHIEVEMENTS, HE IS THE ONLY PLAYER TO HAVE shoulder pads, elbow pads, mouth guard, protective EVER HAD HIS PLAYING NUMBER, 99, OFFICIALLY RETIRED gloves, heavily padded shorts—sometimes known as ACROSS THE ENTIRE NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE. Breezers—a “jock” athletic protector, shin guards, and sometimes a neck guard. Goaltenders wear masks GOALTENDER’S HEAD GEAR and much bulkier, specialized equipment designed Since they were made mandatory in the to protect them from many direct hits from the puck. 1980s, helmets have prevented many a cracked skull. Although wearing a visor BODY GUARDS is optional, all but the most daring Ice hockey players are among the best players use one to protect their teeth. protected sports players—and for good reason. Here is the array of equipment worn by most NHL hockey players. Face protection Visors are made of steel bars or mesh or of transparent, reinforced plexiglass Upper body Goaltender’s visor Hard hat A hybrid of a wetsuit and an Goaltenders wear larger Light but super-strong NFL player’s shoulder pads, visors that offer more fiberglass resists the this upper-body suit offers coverage against pucks blows of sticks and pucks great protection and flexibility flying in from all angles Composite materials Body padding is made of GOALTENDER’S GETUP high-tech materials that The ice hockey goaltender inhabits potentially are strong yet breathable the most vulnerable position in sport. Being bombarded by speeding pucks requires The jock a whole extra level of protection. The groin and pelvis protector is one of the most Puck-proof vest valued items in the lockers The goaltender’s vital of male hockey players organs are protected Thigh guards Breezers protect the by a vest made hockey players’ best of steel mesh and developed and most graphite—not quite used muscles bulletproof, but almost Pants protection FASTER FOOTWEAR Goaltenders wear an extra Hockey skates are made pair of strengthened pants. of hardened nylon Nothing can get in and reinforced with leather nothing can escape out around the ankle and heel. A hard toe cap Cold comfort provides protection. They Hockey players spend up to are tied up with laces. 12 hours a day in their hockey skates, so comfort is high CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON on the list of requirements. Hockey players choose their sticks carefully and Boots are lined with natural, look after them well. Made of wood reinforced with breathable materials such fiberglass, these flexible lances, 6 ft 6 in (2 m) in length, pack a mighty punch at puck or opponent. as cotton and silk Steel blade The blades on hockey skates are made of hardened steel

PLAYING BY THE RULES THE POWER PLAY TEAM SPORTS Shooting the puck into the opposition’s goal is the aim of The object of a power play is to score a goal while the opposing the game. Getting it there is a task pretty much unhindered team is playing shorthanded after a penalty has been awarded. by rules and regulations—fighting is all part of the game— Up to two players per side may be penalized, giving a team a although offside rules do dictate patterns of play. possible five-on-three power play. The coach will then usually put on his best attacking players to try to push home the advantage. STAYING ONSIDE From the face-off, they try to gain control of the puck and head for The purpose of the offside rule is to prevent attacking players from the opposition’s goal. The players then pass the puck between them goalhanging. The most important offside rule dictates that attacking until an opening is created and a player gets to take a shot on goal. players must follow the puck into the attacking zone. A player is called A power play lasts the length of a penalty (two, four, or five minutes) offside if both his skates go into the attacking zone before the puck or ends when a goal is scored by either team. does. The other key offside rules are outlined below. COMMITTING A FOUL ICE HOCKEY In men’s hockey, players use their hips or shoulders to hit other ADVANCING THE PUCK PRECEDING THE PUCK players if the player has the puck or has just passed it. This is Players can’t pass the puck to a They can’t cross into the attacking called body-checking and is perfectly legal. However, the following teammate across any two lines. zone ahead of the puck and then touch are expressly forbidden and incur penalties: Both skates must be over a line it. Offside is not called if they leave the to determine player positions. attacking zone without touching it. BOARDING Throwing an opponent violently into the boards. BUTT-ENDING Jabbing an opponent with the shaft of one’s stick. CHARGING Taking more than two steps toward an opponent before body-checking him. CLIPPING Throwing one’s body below an opponent’s knees. CROSS-CHECKING Hitting an opponent with the shaft of the stick while both hands are on the shaft. ELBOWING Impeding or striking an opponent with one’s elbow. DELAY OF GAME Failing to keep the puck in motion. HIGH-STICKING Hitting an opponent above the shoulders. HOLDING Impeding an opponent with hands or arms. HOOKING Impeding an opponent with one’s stick. INTERFERENCE Body-checking an opponent who does not have the puck or who has not just passed it. KNEEING Hitting an opponent with one’s knee. SLASHING Swinging one’s stick at an opponent. SPEARING Jabbing an opponent with the blade of one’s stick. TRIPPING Impeding an opponent around his legs. OFFICIALS’ SIGNALS There are two categories of officials: on-ice officials are the referees and linesmen that enforce the rules during game play, and off-ice officials have an administrative role rather than an enforcement role. The referee will halt the game using a whistle, then signal when he spots any of the offenses outlined above. The signals used in ice hockey are unique to the game. There are more than a dozen signals used by referees during a game; below are among the ones that are most commonly seen during a game. ICING TWO-LINE PASS Icing is called when a player hits the The two-line pass (also known as an puck across the opponent’s goal line offside pass) occurs when a player from his or her own half, unless it goes passes the puck from his defending into the goal. Icing is legal when a zone to a teammate across the red team is shorthanded. center line. FISTICUFFS DELAYED PENALTY HOOKING SLASHING FIGHTING IN ICE HOCKEY IS A CONTROVERSIAL ASPECT OF GOAL SCORED THE SPORT. ALTHOUGH IT RESULTS IN A MAJOR PENALTY, PLAYERS WHO ENGAGE IN FIGHTING DO NOT GET EJECTED FROM THE GAME. HOCKEY REMAINS THE ONLY MAJOR PROFESSIONAL SPORT IN NORTH AMERICA THAT DOESN’T EJECT PLAYERS FOR FIGHTING. FIGHTS ARE OFTEN SPONTANEOUS KNEE-JERK REACTIONS TO AN ON-ICE INCIDENT DURING A CRUCIAL PART OF A GAME. GOAL DISALLOWED CROSS CHECKING

STAT CENTRAL PLAYING THE GAME Ice hockey is a crowd-pleasing, no-nonsense game of attack and defense. ALL-TIME NHL POINT SCORERS When in possession of the puck, players charge up the rink aiming to get into position for a shot on goal. In defense, the players try to intercept the POINTS PLAYER puck and steal it from the opposition by hassling players and blocking their progress up the rink. This high-tempo game relies on players’ swift 2,857 WAYNE GRETZKY movement across the ice, great passing and shooting techniques, and 1,888 JAROMIR JAGR wily playing strategies. 1,887 MARK MESSIER 1,850 GORDIE HOWE SLAMMING THE PUCK 1,798 RON FRANCIS Shooting the puck into the net is the aim of the game and 1,771 MARCEL DIONNE what the crowds pay to see. Shooting techniques are more 1,755 STEVE YZERMAN aggressive versions of those used for passing. There are four 1,723 MARIO LEMIEUX basic shots used by ice hockey players. 1,658 JAROMIR JAGR 1,641 JOE SAKIC High stick 1,590 PHIL ESPOSITO The player draws his 1,579 RAY BOURQUE stick back high 1,533 MARK RECCHI 1,531 PAUL COFFEY SLAP SHOT 1,478 JOE THORNTON This is the most powerful but least accurate shot. The stick is NHL TITLE WINNERS slapped against the puck with no previous contact. NO TEAM Shifting weight 24 MONTREAL CANADIENS The player’s weight 13 TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS goes toward his 11 DETROIT RED WINGS back foot 6 BOSTON BRUINS 6 CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS WRIST SHOT 5 EDMONTON OILERS The blade of the stick 5 PITTSBURGH PENGUINS starts cupped over 4 OTTAWA SENATORS the puck and then 4 NEW YORK RANGERS straightens as the player 4 NEW YORK ISLANDERS transfers his weight from 3 NEW JERSEY DEVILS back foot to front foot, 2 MONTREAL MAROONS before a final flick with 2 PHILADELPHIA FLYERS the wrist whips the puck 2 COLORADO AVALANCHE up into the air. 1 CALGARY FLAMES SNAP SHOT 1 VICTORIA COUGARS The puck is pushed forward against the OLYMPIC MEN’S MEDAL WINNERS stick until, at the right moment, the pressure is YEAR GOLD SILVER BRONZE increased and the puck is whipped away. 2018 OAR GERMANY CANADA BACKHAND SHOT 2014 CANADA SWEDEN FINLAND Because of the curve of 2010 CANADA USA FINLAND the stick blade, this is a 2006 SWEDEN FINLAND CZECH tricky shot to pull off. It 2002 CANADA USA RUSSIA is very hard to defend 1998 CZECH USSR FINLAND against because it is 1996 SWEDEN CANADA FINLAND difficult to predict in 1992 USSR CANADA CZECH what direction the 1988 USSR FINLAND SWEDEN puck will go. 1984 USSR CZECH SWEDEN 1980 USA USSR SWEDEN 1976 USSR CZECH W. GERMANY 1972 USSR USA CZECH 1968 USSR CZECH CANADA 1964 USSR SWEDEN CZECH

KEEPING IN CHECK PICK A TARGET TAKE HIM OUT TEAM SPORTS Hockey is a rough sport, and the players are Checking is all about The weight and allowed under certain circumstances to anticipation and momentum of the smash into each other. When a player is timing—picking the attacking player travels carrying the puck forward, players from the target, tracking his through his target, opposing team are allowed to impede his movement, and pushing him away progress by skating into him. This is called approaching at just from the puck. checking. They can also check a player who the right time. has just received a pass. Attacking the target Stick swoosh ICE HOCKEY Top hand Making the shot, the player’s The force of the hand Positioned right weight shifts through the puck movement causes the at the top of the and toward the target stick to bend, propelling stick, it creates a the puck into the air pivot against which to push Bottom hand PULLING THE GOALTENDER Pulls the stick away A team that is losing by a goal or two in the last few minutes of play from the puck, then may decide to “pull” the goaltender. This means that they remove the goaltender and replace him or her with an extra attacker with the aim snaps it through of using the advantage to score a fast goal. However, this tactic is toward the target pretty risky and quite often leads to the opposing team taking advantage of the empty net. “THE HAMMER” DAVE “THE HAMMER” SCHULTZ SCORED PLENTY OF INSIDE STORY GOALS FOR THE PHILADELPHIA FLYERS, BUT MOST Ice hockey originated in Canada in the 19th century and soon OF HIS ACHIEVEMENTS ARE NOW FORGOTTEN. IN HIS grew in popularity, spreading to the United States and then ENTIRE PLAYING CAREER OF 14 YEARS (1966–1980), WHAT Europe. The North American-based National Hockey League PEOPLE REMEMBER IS THE TIME HE SPENT IN THE SIN (NHL) was founded in 1917, and ice hockey was included in BIN: 259 MINUTES IN HIS ROOKIE YEAR IN 1966–1967, 348 the Olympic Games in 1920 and the Winter Games in 1924. MINUTES THE FOLLOWING SEASON, AND 405 THE NEXT. The game has since become one of the most popular SIDELINES spectator sports in the world and is shown on TV networks worldwide. Ice hockey is played in over 30 countries—mostly 3,123 The distance, in yards (2,856 m), that those with some natural ice cover. It is the official national winter sport of Canada, where the game enjoys immense the average hockey player covers during an NHL game. popularity, and it is also the most popular sport in Finland. The most prominent and successful ice hockey nations are 108 The noise level, in decibels, at an Edmonton Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden, and the United States. Oilers match when the team took to the ice. GOVERNING BODY 66 The height, in inches (168 cm), of the Stanley The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) was founded in 1908 and is the worldwide governing body of ice hockey. Cup, one of the largest trophies in professional sports. It is responsible for the management of international ice hockey tournaments and maintains the IIHF World Ranking. 637,000 The number of registered Canadian Despite its worldwide authority, the IIHF has little control of hockey in North America. hockey players. That’s a staggering 1 in 58 of all Canadians. BEST PLAYERS, TOP LEAGUE The National Hockey League (NHL) is the world’s top league, featuring the world’s best players. The league’s teams are divided into two conferences, each comprising three divisions.

NEED2KNOW BANDY Bandy is an ancestor of ice hockey. The sport GAME OVERVIEW resembles both field hockey and soccer. Its Bandy, or “banty,” is a winter sport that is usually played on alternative names include “hockey on ice” an outdoor ice rink, although there are some indoor rinks. and “winter football.” Two teams of 11 players compete over two 45-minute halves The leading bandy-playing nations are to hit a small ball into goals at either end of the rink. Players Sweden, Norway, Finland, and the Baltic wear skates and wield curved sticks, known as “bandies.” states (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania). The They can control the ball with their feet or bodies but must game is also popular in parts of Canada, not use their hands. Russia, and the United States. The game is fast-moving and high-scoring, averaging seven PLAYER PROFILE or eight goals per match. To keep up the tempo, each side Bandy players must be good ice skaters and, can use three substitutes (four in international games) who because dribbling with the feet is permitted, may come on and off as often as the captain or coach many also have the ball skills of top soccer requires. One of bandy’s peculiarities—and for some, its players. They need strong lungs—the round attraction—is the paucity of rules: there are only 18 in total. ball travels quicker than a flat puck, so bandy is an even faster game than ice hockey. The Saving face SOCKED BY SOCCER matches last longer, too (45 minutes each half, Players must wear a mouth IN VICTORIAN BRITAIN, IT BRIEFLY as opposed to ice hockey’s three 20-minute guard; the goalkeeper, who SEEMED THAT BANDY MIGHT RIVAL periods), and stamina is essential. The needs greater protection, SOCCER IN POPULARITY. BOTH strategic complexity of the game means that has a face guard SHEFFIELD UNITED AND NOTTINGHAM players also need an instinct for positioning. FOREST SOCCER CLUBS BEGAN LIFE Skid lid PLAYING BOTH SPORTS. BUT BANDY’S Helmets have ear protection and POPULARITY FELL SHARPLY IN THE chin straps; they are required at LATE 19TH CENTURY AS SOCCER all levels of the game CONQUERED THE WORLD. Protective layer BRIGHT BALL Padding is essential but is not as thick as The ball used for bandy is hard, usually bright orange that used in ice hockey, because bandy or red in color, and approximately the same size as a involves much less physical contact tennis ball. Traditionally, the outer surface was made Hand guards of cord, which covered a cork core, but many Gloves protect against low temperatures modern bandy balls are plastic. and opponents’ sticks Handy bandy Speedy The wooden stick is lighter and shorter than that The ball travels used in field hockey—up to 4 ft 1 in (1.25 m) long. These reduced dimensions make for easier control, fast when hit which is necessary because bandy players use only one hand to hold the stick 21⁄2 in (6.5 cm) Cutting edge Bandy boots have thick layers of leather or nylon to protect the players’ feet and lower legs. The blades are rounded on both ends to assist rapid stops and changes of direction

THE RINK Goalkeeper Fullbacks Middle Half-backs Quarterbacks Forwards TEAM SPORTS Bandy was originally played on frozen He is permitted They guard fullback They are the The strategic Two wingers fields but now usually takes place on to use hands each side This player first line of generals: their and a central all-weather ice rinks similar in size to and arms to against marshals the defense and job is to use the striker are soccer fields. Low wooden fences along play the ball, attack from other defenders the key to ball to create constantly the sidelines keep the ball on the rink. but only within the wingers from a central getting the ball goal-scoring in motion to Between matches, the ice is smoothed his own point forward and opportunities receive their over by a special motorized vehicle penalty area turning defense for the forwards teammates’ widely known by the name of the into attack passes leading manufacturer, Zamboni. Penalty spot Players’ bench Attackers are In standard games, teams are allowed expected to score up to 14 players, including substitutes; from this point only 11 can be on the ice at one time Block board BANDY The wooden guards keep the ball on the rink so the game keeps moving—there’s no letup for the players 98–120 yd (90–110 m) 49–71 yd (45–65 m) Target area Corners Center line Free-stroke spots Penalty area The bandy goal is 11 ft 6 in The attacking side puts the The line passes through When a trivial foul is committed This semicircle marks the area in (3.5 m) across, 6 ft 10 in (2.1 m) the center spot, where the inside the area, the free stroke which the goalkeeper may handle high, and 6 ft 6 in (2 m) deep. ball back into play from first stroke of each half is taken from the nearest of the ball—he can hold it up for up to The midpoint of the goal line is here, after it has been put the four spots. More serious five seconds—and in which serious the center of the semicircle of the game is played fouls result in a penalty fouls lead to the award of a penalty that marks the penalty area out by the defenders BANDY CANS STICKLESS WONDERS Many elements of bandy, such as corners and free strokes, are closely Bandy goalkeepers do not have sticks: they catch the ball or related to soccer. If the ball goes out over the side fence, a stroke-in block it with their bodies. They wear protective padding on is awarded to the opposition. If the ball goes over the goal line off a their legs in addition to the clothing worn by outfield players. defending player, an attacker takes a corner, playing the ball toward Having caught the ball, they may hold it for no more than five the goal. Attackers must be outside the penalty area when the corner seconds before throwing or kicking it to an outfield player. is taken; defenders must be on the goal line. When the ball goes out of play behind the goal off an BANDY BANS attacker, the goalkeeper restarts the game with the ball in Bandy players may not head the ball or control it with their arms or his hand. All other players must be outside the penalty area. hands, nor can they raise their sticks above head height to control the ball. Although physical contact is allowed, kicking, tripping, pushing, INSIDE STORY grasping, and slashing are punished by a free stroke or penalty. Bandy world championships for men and women Players who commit serious or repeated fouls may be sent to a “sin have been held in every odd-numbered year bin” for five or 10 minutes. Free strokes are awarded for fouls. They since 1957. For the first two decades, they were must be taken within five seconds. dominated by the Soviet Union, which won the first 11 titles. Since that nation broke up at the end of BEST FOOT FORWARD the 1980s, Russia (one of its former components) The best bandy players combine the quick-footed dribbling skills has started as the favorite in most tournaments, of soccer players with either the kind of spectacular shots familiar with Sweden as its main challenger. from field hockey and ice hockey or delicate lobs that take out the opponent’s midfield defenders. Forwards cover miles during a game, GOVERNING BANDY since they need to make sure that they’re always available for a pass. The Federation of International Bandy (FIB) was formed in 1955 in Stockholm and is still based in Sweden. There are 28 member nations— including India, a nation not usually associated with winter sports.

NEED2KNOW Field hockey is played in more FIELD than 130 countries. In India and Pakistan, it is a national sport, together with cricket. Hockey rules have changed HOCKEY dramatically in the last 20 years: a contested start GAME OVERVIEW (the bully) has been replaced Field hockey—often just called “hockey” in countries where ice hockey is by an uncontested push-off, not a major sport—is a fast-moving, exciting, and potentially tough game offside has been abolished, in which two 11-a-side teams of men or women try to hit, push, pass, and rolling substitutions or dribble a small, hard ball into each other’s goal using J-shaped sticks. are permitted. The winner is the team with more goals after two 35-minute halves. Hockey remains largely an Gameplay often resembles soccer with sticks—in some countries, amateur sport, because it has hockey is the more popular of the two games. not found large audiences in wealthier nations. PLAYER PROFILE TURKISH DELIGHT Outfield players cover a lot of ground during HOLARI IS A UNIQUE FORM OF HOCKEY PLAYED a match, so they need to be fit, with good IN TURKEY. THE GOALS AND FIELD OF PLAY ARE stamina but also capable of short sprints. SIMILAR TO THOSE IN REGULAR HOCKEY, BUT Their training involves demanding leg A WOODEN CYLINDER REPLACES A BALL AND exercises. They also work hard to perfect THERE ARE NO CODIFIED RULES AND NO SET their touch—the ability to “feel” the ball TIMES. GAMES MAY START AT DAWN AND GO through their sticks. ON UNTIL THEY ARE TIMED OUT BY SUNSET. Clothing “Long” corner Both shirt and shorts or skirt are usually When a defending player puts the ball out made of cotton to allow athletes to of play behind his or her back line, the perspire. They are in matching team attacking team restarts the game with a colors; all have numbers, apart from free hit from the nearest of these marks the goalkeepers’ shirts Stick Umpires Although rules limit the size of the Two; each is meant to take charge of one half of head of the crook-shaped stick and the field, with the division along an imaginary line the overall weight, there is no running diagonally from corner to corner. In practice, specified stick length. Most sticks the game is so fast that they have to work closely are about 3 ft 1 in (95 cm) long together and cooperate throughout the field Back line Shin guards This is the limit of the field at each Wearing protection from end. The part of the back line between other sticks and the ball the posts is known as the goal line is recommended but not required Boots SIDELINES 143 The number of goals Sometimes have studs but now 4 The highest number of men’s scored by German defender Florian normally have Kunz in only 39 games for his national plastic ridges World Cups won by a single nation, team in the 1990s. He was World Ball Pakistan, since the competition Hockey Player of the Year 2001. Usually plastic over a cork core, began in 1971. Along with India, they sometimes with indentations to dominated hockey in the 1970s. 166 The record number reduce drag on a wet field 4 The number of nations to of international goals, scored by attacking midfielder Alyson Annan have won the Women’s Hockey in 228 appearances for Australia. World Cup. The Netherlands lead the way with eight titles.

ON THE CARPET INDOOR HOCKEY TEAM SPORTS As the name suggests, field hockey was originally played on Developed in the 1950s as a way for hockey enthusiasts to play real grass. Today, though, the majority of top-tier matches are during the winter, indoor hockey takes place in a sports hall on a played on a type of watered synthetic grass, which is easier to small field 145 x 72 ft (44 x 22 m) between teams of six players. maintain. This speeds up play by providing a flatter surface to Most elements of the game are like field hockey, but the ball may help the ball run true. A sand-based field is also sometimes only be pushed rather than hit and must stay on the ground except used, but it can cause abrasions if players get knocked over. during a shot. Long boards run along the sidelines to keep the ball Synthetic fields also reduce the likelihood of matches being in play, making the game faster than the outdoor version. postponed due to adverse weather conditions. Goalkeeper Fullbacks Half-backs Center Inside Wingers Center forward FIELD HOCKEY Inside the circle, the Two; their main Two; they try to half-back forwards Two; stationed Hangs close to the keeper can stop the task is to stop control midfield and The fulcrum of the Two; turn defense near the sidelines goal; main job is ball with any part of opposing wingers break up attacks defense; marks into attack by in the attacking to score, but also his or her body and from breaking down the opposing feeding the ball to half of the field harries opposing kick it but may not the sides and center forward the forwards fullbacks catch it crossing the ball Officials Substitutes Penalty spot Shooting circle 3 ft (90 cm) Net They check the Each team can have up to five 21 ft (6.4 m) in A semicircle with its center at Hangs outside players’ equipment, substitutions, and replacement players front of the center the middle of the goal line; the boards monitor can themselves be replaced of the goal line radius 48 ft (14.63 m) substitutions, and keep the time and 7 ft (2.1 m) score 180 ft (550 m) 12 ft (3.7 m) 300 ft (91.4 m) GOAL Along the sides and back of the goal are solid boards 18 in (46 cm) high and dark colored on the inner side. These help referees see and hear if a shot at a penalty corner has risen too high to count. The goal nets are fitted slackly to stop the ball from bouncing back out. Ballistic missile 2 7⁄8-3 3⁄8 in The ball is hard (7.3–7.7 cm) and travels fast, so the goalkeeper needs protection Helmet A helmet with a face guard is obligatory for a fully fitted goalkeeper Flag posts 23 m line Center line Body protector One in each corner; Two; 75 ft (23 m) The opening push-off The optional padding covers the 4–5 ft (1.2–1.5 m) in from the back is taken from the arms, as well as the torso. The high and easily line (the field was midpoint along this shoulders and elbows are bendable to avoid originally measured central marking particularly well clad causing injury in imperial units) Hand guard Protects the hand GOALKEEPING GEAR holding the stick The hockey rule book makes it compulsory for the goalkeeper and the free hand to wear a protective helmet, preferably one that completely covers the head and throat. It is permissible for the keeper to Pads remove the helmet to take a penalty stroke. Most goalkeepers Unlike shinpads, goalkeepers’ pads also wear full body protection against the speeding ball, are worn externally; they are made including padded shorts, hand protectors, and shin pads. of springy foam, so a blocked ball bounces a long way

HOCKEY STROKES SAFETY FIRST Stopping, controlling, or playing a small ball with Hockey has many rules, and they change often. Most are a thin stick requires great touch and accuracy. The aimed at making the game safer, but they are highly complex. skills required range from perfectly timed tackles The ball cannot be hit into the air, for example, unless a player that stop the ball without touching the player, is taking a shot or unless it is lifted by a scooping motion and dribbling by using the stick both forehand and does not endanger another player. In the same way, if the ball backhand, and smashing the ball at high speeds. is in the air, a player may not raise his or her stick above the In general play, the ball must not be raised into shoulder to stop it, unless it is to save a shot. When a player the air when hit. However, it can be raised using a brings a high ball under control, opponents must remain scooping or long pushing action of the stick. When 16½ ft (5 m) away until it is on the ground. the ball is in the air, a player must not play if it is above shoulder height. DRIVE Grip A strong hit along Gripping with PUSH the ground may be both hands at Less powerful than a drive, the either a pass or a shot. the top of the push is used for accuracy over The player takes the stick gets more short distances; the stroke is longest backswing distance from controlled mainly by the wrists. possible before hitting It is an effective stroke in the close forward. The knees are kept the drive quarters of the shooting circle, where bent to ensure that the ball the attacker has to push the ball remains on or close to the accurately between the players playing surface. defending the goal. DRIBBLING Protective Gentle stroke Keeping the ball under close stance The lower hand pushes the control at the end of the stick stick through the ball involves being able to play both The head of the forehand and with the stick stick protects FLICK reversed, or hooked over the ball, the ball from Used mainly from dead ball so that the stick is always shielding situations, the flick or scoop is a the ball from a potential tackler. potential attack push with a last-minute turn of as the player the wrists to lift the ball off the moves up ground. The stroke can take the field defenders out of the game but will be penalized if the ball endangers an opponent. Upward lift Rapid reverse A flick of the wrist The stick head flicks back scoops rather than and forth over the ball to hits the ball into the air keep it under tight control FOULS PENALTIES Depending on where on the field they occur, Most goals come from penalty strokes or penalty corners. Penalty corners are awarded fouls are punished by the award of either a against defenders for deliberately playing the ball over their back line; a foul between free stroke or a penalty hit to the opposition. the 23 m (75½ ft) line and the circle; or an unintentional foul inside the circle. Because most goals are scored through penalty hits, this is an effective way of preventing foul play. These are the main offenses: STICKS Raising the stick above shoulder height. BACKHANDERS Playing the ball with the rear, rounded surface of the stick. OBSTRUCTION Tripping, shoving, charging, or striking an opponent. FEET Deliberately kicking the ball. CARDS PENALTY STROKE TAKING A PENALTY CORNER Umpires may show a player a card for These are awarded for deliberate fouls by defenders Teams drill to get the ball as quickly as possible dangerous play or an intentional foul. A green inside the circle or for any foul that prevents a goal. from the corner taker to a teammate on the edge card is issued as an official warning. When The taker hits the ball from the penalty spot. Only the of the shooting circle, who either traps it or plays it umpires show a yellow card, the player is opposing goalkeeper may defend; all other players to another one of their team to slam home before sin-binned for five or more minutes. For must stand behind the 23 m (75½ ft) line. the advancing defense blocks it. persistent fouling or serious offenses, a red card is shown and the player is sent off.

INSIDE STORY GOVERNING BODY TEAM SPORTS Games similar to hockey were played in Egypt some 4,000 years ago and by The International Hockey Federation was founded the ancient Romans and Greeks and the Aztecs. The modern game evolved in in 1924 to oversee the development of the British schools in the mid-18th century, and hockey became an Olympic sport game. It has 137 member associations in five in 1908 (1980 for women). Until the 1980s, hockey was dominated by the continents. Based in Lausanne, Switzerland, it national teams of India and Pakistan, but since then, Australia, Germany, organizes the Men’s Hockey World Cup and the and the Netherlands have been the most successful national teams. Women’s Hockey World Cup and is responsible for deciding the rules for the sport. TACKLING STAT CENTRAL FIELD HOCKEY Players may not make a tackle that will lead to contact with an opponent or use their own body to shield the ball. Likewise, the player MEN’S HOCKEY WORLD CUP with the ball cannot use his or her body to push the other player away. BLOCK TACKLE YEAR WINNER RUNNER-UP SCORE This is one of the most commonly used tackles. The defender drops the stick to the floor, thus 2018 BELGIUM NETHERLANDS (3–2 PENS) 0–0 impeding the attacker’s further progress. In 2014 AUSTRALIA NETHERLANDS 6–1 a successful tackle, the stick is dropped 2010 AUSTRALIA GERMANY 2–1 at the last possible moment. 2006 GERMANY AUSTRALIA 4–3 2002 GERMANY AUSTRALIA 2–1 No swing 1998 NETHERLANDS SPAIN 3–2 The object is not to swing 1994 PAKISTAN NETHERLANDS the stick, but to keep it low (4–3 PENS) 1–1 on the ground Crossed Defender OPEN-SIDE TACKLE sticks Lunges across the attacker toward the ball A defender approaching from the The tackler right potentially has an easier risks hitting the REVERSE-SIDE TACKLE job—he or she can use his stick attacker’s stick The defender comes from the the “normal” way around. or body before hitting the ball attacker’s left with his stick Open access reversed; the reverse The tackler stands a better chance tackle risks giving away a of taking possession of the ball foul because the stick must Losing control cross the attacker’s body. The attacking player has been forced off the ball FLOORBALL GAME OVERVIEW MATCH RULES Often likened to ice hockey without the skates, floorball A game consists of three 20-minute periods, (also called floor hockey) is a fast-moving game played with extra time and penalties if scores end indoors on a gym floor between two teams of six players. level. At any one time, five outfield players and A lightweight plastic ball is used instead of a heavy puck, one goalie are allowed on the rink, but up to and body-checking is not allowed. This makes the game less 20 players are allowed in the squad and players physical and more skill-oriented than its ice-based cousin. may be substituted without stopping play. NEED2KNOW LIGHT AND FAST Outfield players use a lightweight stick with Floorball was developed in Scandinavia in the 1970s. The best a curved plastic blade to strike a ball that teams are Finland, Sweden, Switzerland, and Czech Republic. weighs just 1 oz (23 g). Skilled players The sport was officially recognized by the IOC in 2008, but may propel the ball at speeds the sport has yet to make its debut at the Olympic Games. of up to 120 mph (190 kph). The goalminder does not Lightweight stick carry a stick. The stick must weigh no more than 12 oz (350 g) Floor ball The plastic ball has 26 holes in it and may be covered in dimples to make it more aerodynamic

LACROSSE Helmet Men wear helmets GAME OVERVIEW with a face mask and Lacrosse is a fast and furious game where two teams of chin pad. All players 10 men or 12 women vie to get a hard ball into the opposition have mouth guards goal. They use crosses—sticks with net pockets—to catch, Shoulder guards dribble, tackle, carry, scoop, and throw the ball. The skills of passing the ball huge distances are combined with force: Shoulder guards crosses are also used to check opposition sticks and players. are required for all men except PLAYER PROFILE Body armor Lacrosse players are tough all-around: they have the Many players wear the goalie hand-eye coordination to catch a small ball traveling at rib protectors; goalies high speeds, the stamina of middle-distance runners, must also wear throat Gloves and the physical resilience of rugby players. and chest protection All men must wear PLAYING AREA Sound footing protective Lacrosse is played on grass or artificial turf. The Players usually gloves women’s field is bigger than the men’s because wear soccer or Arm pads female teams have two more players. rugby boots, with Men wear studs or cleated arm pads for soles for grip protection when body-checking Goalkeeper Defenders Midfielders Attackers A goalkeeper Three defenders Three midfielders Their job is to NEED2KNOW remains in or form the link the defense score goals. They near the goal penultimate and attack. They may not enter the Lacrosse is most popular crease (circle) line of can move up and crease around the in North America, where it and tries to protection in down the field to opposition goal, originated. It is the official stop the front of the goal support either as but their sticks can summer sport in Canada opposition necessary and the fastest-growing from scoring sport in the United States. Invented in the 1980s, Intercrosse is a popular noncontact form of the game played by teams made up of men and women. PLAYING TIME End line Officials (9 1m0)yd Matches vary in length Both this and One timekeeper, two depending on the age the sideline penalty timekeepers, a and sex of the players. should be players’ bench official, Matches of one hour surrounded by have four quarters, a limit line at and two scorers usually with two timeouts least 6 yd 20 yd (18 m) permitted per half. (5.5 m) back 35 yd (32 m) 6 ft (1.8 m) Men: 60 yd (55 m); women: 70 yd (60 m) 6 ft (1.8 m) (100 m); women: 120 yd (110 m) GOAL CREASE Men: 110 yd Wing area Although only marked near the halfway line, this line, 10 yd (9 m) The goal is made of wood or plastic and Center line in from the sides, Four players, including the goalie, is taken to extend the net is always pyramid-shaped. stay in the defensive half of the field the length of Around the goal is a circle, called the and three in the attacking half crease, with a diameter of 6 yd (5.5 m). the field

CUTTING IT DOWN TO SIZE STRUCTURED MAYHEM TEAM SPORTS THE POPULARITY OF LACROSSE HAS INCREASED IN Lacrosse is one of the fastest of all ball sports, with play INVERSE PROPORTION TO THE SIZE OF THE FIELD AND switching from end to end in a couple of throws and players THE NUMBER OF PLAYERS. IN ITS ORIGINAL FORM— A barging each other off the ball. The game sometimes looks TRAINING EXERCISE FOR IROQUOIS WARRIORS KNOWN AS like a free-for-all—which is why it takes up to three officials to BAGGATAWAY—IT WAS PLAYED ON A FIELD 500 YD control the game: a referee, an umpire, and a field judge. All (457 M) LONG BETWEEN TEAMS OF 200 PER SIDE. three perform the same duties, but the referee can override the others in the case of a dispute. LONG AND SHORT OF IT FACE-OFF LACROSSE Crosses come in two sizes: at least half of each team— The men’s game begins with a face-off—one player from each team usually midfielders and attackers—must use short crosses, squats low in the middle of the center line on either side of the ball. The which are easier to manipulate. Only five players—usually the referee calls “Are you ready? Play,” then blows his whistle, and both defenders and always the goalie—can use long crosses. players try to scoop up and pass the ball. Play is then continuous, except for stoppages for out of bounds or infringements. Pocket High visibility OUT OF BOUNDS The net is made of linen, The smooth, solid If the ball crosses the end line or the sideline, the other team takes nylon, or leather and must be rubber ball is usually possession, and the player who restarts the game must be given 3 ft no deeper than the diameter yellow but may be white (1 m) of clear space. If the ball goes out of bounds after a shot on goal, of the ball; goalies’ pockets or orange and weighs possession is awarded to the player nearest the ball when it went out 41⁄4 oz (130 g) (normally the opposing goalkeeper). He restarts the game with a free can be up to 12 in play, when all other players must be at least 9 ft (2.75 m) from the ball. (30.5 cm) across 21⁄2–23⁄5 in OUT OF ORDER (6.3–6.5 cm) It may be hard to believe, but lacrosse has a long list of infringements. Takeouts are permitted, for example, but there are strict limits. They may be made only from the front or the side between neck and hip on a player who is in possession of the ball or within 9 ft (2.75 m) of a loose ball. 10 in (25.4 cm) Stick Crosses are made of wood, aluminum, or plastic 40–42 in (102–107 cm) or 52–72 in (133–183 cm) IN CONTROL Passing the ball THE WOMEN’S GAME The skill of scooping the ball The player with the ball tilts Women’s lacrosse differs from the men’s game in several up from the ground is hard to the stick head back and with ways. The field is larger (see right), and there are two learn but not nearly as difficult more players on each team. All women players use the as catching an airborne ball in a leverlike forward motion short stick, which has a shallower pocket than that of the the pocket of the crosse. Another releases the ball men’s crosses. Women cannot body-check an opponent. crucial skill is distribution—the They wear less protective clothing, and they can’t kick ability to propel the ball over a Pocketing the ball the ball. To shoot at the goal, they must have a clear view long distance to a teammate The pouch of the of it, whereas men can shoot through a group of players. running into space. receiver’s stick should INSIDE STORY CROSSE MESSAGES be facing the thrower. The first lacrosse Men’s World Championship in Stick checking is the method used to try and 1967 had only four entrants: Australia, Canada, dislodge the ball from the pocket of the player in Moving the stick England, and the United States. Since then, the possession. The defender tries to strike the slightly backward sport has spread to Japan, Korea, Italy, Finland, attacker’s stick with a well-directed but not cushions the ball, Denmark, Argentina, Hong Kong, and Tonga. The necessarily forceful blow but may not be successful preventing rebound 2006 tournament had 21 competing nations; if the other player has good ball-handling technique Canada beat the US in the final. The most popular or uses his body to shield the stick. form of the sport in Canada is box lacrosse, or boxla. Played indoors, the game was developed in SIDELINES 10 The number of times the 1930s by owners of ice-hockey rinks to make the United States has use of their rinks during the winter season. The 13 The number of National won the men’s World Lacrosse game resembles outdoor lacrosse, but there are Championship. The event, staged only six players per team. It is faster, as attacking Lacrosse League (indoor) teams— for the first time in 1967, is held players must pass the ball within 30 seconds. eight in the United States and every four years. Canada is the five in Canada. only other nation to have lifted the trophy (on three occasions).

NEED2KNOW SIDELINES 0.3 The time, in seconds, it typically More than 800 million people across 8 The maximum number of seconds takes a volleyball to travel from one baseline the globe play volleyball at least to the other when served by a top-class once a week. It is one of the most allowed for a serve—any longer and the player, a speed of 121 mph (194 kph). played sports in the world. ball is given to the opposition. The game is particularly popular in 1,100,000,000 eastern and southern Europe, Asia, 3 The number of consecutive Olympic and North America. According to the Fédération Internationale Invented in 1895, volleyball became gold medals won by the Cuban women’s de Volleyball (FIVB), the number of people an Olympic sport in 1964. volleyball team. Their triumphs came at who played or watched the game on one or Barcelona in 1992, Atlanta in 1996, and more occasions in 2006—one in six of the Sydney in 2000. world’s population. VOLLEYBALL GAME OVERVIEW Headwear Volleyball is a high-energy sport played between two Forehead bands or caps may teams of six players. The object is to score points be worn to keep hair in place by hitting a ball over a net so that the opposition or to hold perspiration; hats cannot return it before it hits the ground. Defensive players dive around the court and jewelry are forbidden to get their hands under the ball and Courting clothes push it up toward their teammates in attack, who are ready to leap high to Shirts or blouses; shorts or smash it back over the net. At top skirts; preferably lightweight levels, teams are either all-male or cotton; may be in team colors all-female, but volleyball is also a and numbered front and back popular recreational sport played by mixed teams of all ages and abilities. PLAYER PROFILE Volleyball was initially created as a genteel form of relaxation, but in its first 100 years, it developed into a high-energy game requiring great aerobic ability. Training concentrates on cardiovascular exercises—sprints, long-distance runs, and jumping rope. Jumping is important. Players also work out with dumbbells. Protective kneepads ROUND AND Often worn to prevent ROUND The players usually move grazes caused by digging around clockwise after every (diving to reach the ball point so that they all serve and before it hits the ground) take turns in every position. Shod or unshod Some teams, however, have a Players normally wear dedicated defender, known as a “libero,” who always stays in flat-soled shoes but may go the back zone and is not barefoot with permission allowed to serve.

THE COURT KEEP IT UP TEAM SPORTS The playing area is usually made of wood or synthetic Once the ball is in play, each team has up to three hits to material, but the game can be played on any surface that get it back over the net. As long as they do not catch or carry does not cause injuries to diving players. Indoor courts must the ball, players can strike it with any part of their bodies, but be flat, but outdoor courts can slope for drainage. in practice they usually use an open hand, wrist, or fist. The Lines on the court show where players may stand at the team that wins a rally wins a point and, if not serving, wins start of each point: three defenders in the back zone (including the right to do so. Matches are usually the best of five sets. the server, who starts anywhere behind the end line) and three In the first four games, the winner is the first to 25 points; attackers in the front zone close to the net. The standards in the fifth game, the winner is the first to 15 points. If the supporting the net are set 3 ft (1 m) at either side of the score reaches 24–24 or 14–14 respectively, two clear sidelines and are sometimes padded to safeguard the players. points are needed for victory. Scorer Two referees Substitutes’ bench Back row Back row Passers Power attacker VOLLEYBALL Records points The senior referee Up to six substitutes are allowed. center left and right Set the ball up Leads the attack; stands on a raised Players can enter or leave Defensive player Defenders who for the power normally the main scored and platform; the other the game once who patrols middle guard the sides attacker to smash point scorer acts as stands on the per set of back zone of the court other side of the timekeeper net at court level 10mftin(3immu)m End line Service zone Line judges (4) A ball landing Server must not One at each on the line is in cross end line corner of court; until ball has they signal 60 ft (18 m) been put in play infringements with a red flag Back zone Defenders patrol this area 10 ft (3 m) Center line Any player who crosses 29 ft 6 in (9 m) it loses a point 1(30--516mf)t 5 in Attack lineMen: 8 ft (2.43 m) Women: 7 ft 4 in (2.24 m) One-third of the way between net and end line THE NET The net is suspended across the court directly above the center line by two poles. The net is higher in men’s competitions than in women’s. 29 ft 6 in (9.50 m) Free zone Front zone 16 ft 5 in (5 m) wide Attacking players in internationals stand here THE BALL INFLATED WEIGHT KEEP COOL, DON’T GLARE Volleyballs should be inflated The match ball should weigh VOLLEYBALL IS THE ONLY GAME IN THIS BOOK WITH to a pressure that keeps them 9.17–9.87 oz (260–280 g). PRECISE RULES ABOUT THE TEMPERATURE AND AMOUNT slightly soft so that they have OF LIGHT REQUIRED FOR PLAY. MATCHES CANNOT START some “give.” They are then 81⁄2 in (22 cm) OR CONTINUE IF THE AIR IS COLDER THAN 50°F (10°C). comfortable to play with IN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, THE TEMPERATURE MUST BE using the hands. NO LOWER THAN 61°F (16°C) AND NO HIGHER THAN 77°F (25°C). THE LIGHT ON COURT MUST BE BETWEEN 1,000 Pump action AND 1,500 LUX—ABOUT ONE-FIFTH OF WHAT YOU GET ON Bicycle pumps are A CLOUDY DAY—SO THAT PLAYERS DON’T GET DAZZLED. commonly used to inflate the volleyball to the requisite pressure and weight

DIG AND SMASH Four hands Against all odds Competitive volleyball players master six basic skills: Teamwork presents an The attempted spike serving, passing, setting, attacking (spike or dink), is intercepted blocking, and digging. impenetrable barrier Hip twist Cocking BLOCK WALL The front arm and leg the trigger Blockers crowd the net and stretch above it to return the ball as are placed ahead of the The attacker soon as it has crossed the center line, before it can do any damage striking hand to allow a hits the ball at in their court. the top of its follow-through flight, then INSIDE STORY SERVE swings her Volleyball was invented in 1895, and was The serve is hit either underarm or arm through originally named mintonette. The first recorded (usually) overarm; jumping is allowed. 270° competitive game was played at Springfield College, Any serve that reaches the opponents’ ATTACK (SPIKE) Massachusetts, in 1896. The sport’s popularity spread court is valid, even if it touches the net. In this spectacular smash, a player jumps from North America in the early 20th century and, above the net and hits the ball hard toward in 1949, volleyball’s first World Championship was the ground in the other court. held in Prague (Czech Republic). The sport was given Olympic status in 1964, although it first featured as Backhand extremism a demonstration sport at the Paris Olympics of 1924. Players can stretch farther LARGEST BODY with downturned palms The Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) was founded in 1947 as the sport’s governing body. It has Open palms DIG 221 affiliated national federations, making it the world’s From this Players dive or get down low to stop largest international sports federation. the ball from touching the ground, position, the trying to get enough height on it attacker to allow teammates to play it. can flip the wrists on contact and thus angle the shot TIP OR DINK A light touch by an attack-zone player sends the ball softly over the net into an unguarded area of the opponents’ court. GAME OVERVIEW Rest area Scorer Referees (2) RULES CHANGE Very similar to standard volleyball, this For players Records The senior Beach volleyball differs from between points official on a regular volleyball in several version of the game is played on sand, on a games and high platform, ways. For example, in beach, a keeps the other on slightly larger, softer ball is used. slightly smaller court, and with a team of time the ground only two players. Beach volleyball has been Line played professionally since the late 1960s judges (4) and has been an Olympic sport since 1996. They signal when the ball is out of play (on NEED2KNOW Playing surface the line is in) Sand must be at least The sport was originally a casual form 1 ft 4 in (40 cm) thick of volleyball played on the beachfront in Santa Monica, California. The US, Brazil, and Australia dominate the sport at the highest level. Players wear shorts or swimsuits on court. BEACH VOLLEYBALL

FOOTVOLLEY NEED2KNOW TEAM SPORTS Soccer ball The net height is set at 6 ft 10 in The standard ball is (2.1 m)—lower than a beach a size 5 soccer ball volleyball net. Top soccer players regularly compete in GAME OVERVIEW exhibition footvolley matches in Brazil. Footvolley began as an informal sport on the beaches of Brazil in the 1960s. Overhead kick HEAD TO TOE A winning kick made with A point is started by one The modern game combines the rules both feet off the ground player kicking the ball into of beach volleyball with the skills scores two points the opponent’s court. A team will often return the ball with an of soccer, as players use any attacking header, after one player SEPAK TAKRAW part of their bodies to play the has set up their partner by controlling the ball except their hands and ball on the chest. A “super point,” worth two arms. Teams of two players points, is scored by making the winning shot with may touch the ball the foot or leg while both feet are off the ground. alternately three WORLDWIDE APPEAL times before it is Rallies in footvolley tend to be longer than rallies in returned over beach volleyball, and its popularity is spreading. The Pro the net. Soft landing Footvolley Tour began in 2008 and attracts large crowds. For safety, the court is The league attracts some of soccer’s biggest stars. covered in deep sand SEPAK TAKRAW GAME OVERVIEW NEED2KNOW Sometimes known as “kick volleyball,” sepak takraw is a spectacular three-a-side game in which a ball is The game began in Malaysia and Thailand. Sepak propelled over a high net using any part of the body means “kick” in Malay; takraw is Thai for “woven ball.” other than the hands—usually the foot, knee, Matches are the best of three games up to 15 points. shoulder, or head. Points are scored by getting the Different sets of three players contest each game. ball to hit the ground on the opposition’s court. The MATCH PLAY game combines soccer and gymnastics. Play begins with the server standing in the service circle with his or her teammates in the quarter circles. 8 ft 10 ft (3.05 m) Quarter On the other side, one player has to have a foot in the (2.5 m) circle service circle, but the others can stand anywhere. A player in the quarter circle tosses the ball to the Service server, who sends it over the net. As in volleyball, circle each side can strike the ball three times before it returns to the opposition half. 14 ft 20 ft (6.1 m) (4.25 m) 10 ft (3.05 m) LIKE A ROCK-HARD BALL 44 ft (13.42 m) Leg and knee Dress for comfort OF YARN bandages Loose-fitting shorts Traditionally THE COURT These prevent and a shirt or blouse hand-woven to The game is usually played on a grazing from in cotton or (less create a rigid sphere, badminton doubles court with two inevitable bumps desirable) nylon; may the takraw ball is circles and semicircles marked to on the floor be in team colors made of rattan stems show players’ positions for service. Foot covering or very hard plastic. It The top edge of the net is set at Sneakers with weighs approximately 5 ft (1.54 m) for men and 4 ft 9 in smooth soles 8.8 oz (250 g). (1.45 m) for women. 1 ft 33⁄4 in (40 cm)

GAME OVERVIEW SIDELINES Originally conceived as a version of basketball for women, netball rapidly became a sport in its own 20 000 000, , The approximate number of right and is today enjoyed by millions of dedicated players worldwide. In the Commonwealth, netball boasts more players all over the world. Netball is an exciting, participants than any other sport. fast-paced game played by two teams of seven players on a rectangular court. The object is to shoot 1 The winning margin, in goals, for Australia in the 1963 and the ball from within the goal circle into a netted hoop more times than the opposition. The players may 1999 World Championships finals. On both occasions, New Zealand neither run with nor dribble the ball and are restricted was the opposing team. to set zones (determined by their playing position). This means that accurate, often lightning-quick passes and disciplined teamwork are paramount. NETBALL Ball Strong defense Because netball can be played indoors Although players must or outdoors, the ball used is durable maintain a distance of and waterproof 3 ft (0.91 m) from the person with the ball, a Shooting defender with Only two players on each team—the outstretched arms, goal shooter and goal attack—are reaching high, makes life permitted to shoot for goal. To perfect difficult for the shooter this skill requires good technique and a Clothing lot of practice Today’s top-level players mostly wear Player identification a lightweight, durable A bib or patch must be worn by players to Lycra body suits identify their position. “GA,” for example, denotes goal attack. This helps the Powerful legs umpires ensure that the players are Netball players, particularly when within their allocated playing zones defending or catching the ball, must be able to jump strongly. They must NEED2KNOW also be able to take off and accelerate quickly. The leg muscles, Netball evolved directly from basketball therefore, tend to be well developed and was originally known as “women’s basketball.” PLAYER PROFILE Injury danger Only seven players from each team Netball players are fast and agile, with high Knee and ankle injuries are permitted on court, but both endurance levels. They have sure hands are common in netball. sides are allowed an additional five and the mental sharpness to complete substitute players. accurate passes swiftly. Height is an This is because the The Netball World Cup is held every advantage, particularly for those attacking game requires very four years. Sixteen teams took part in or defending the goal. Confident footwork, swift stops, starts, and the 2019 tournament. sharp reflexes, secure balance, and excellent changes in direction. Although netball is traditionally a women’s team play are common attributes. Good technique and an sport, there are also a number of mixed adequate warm-up and men’s leagues. reduce the risk of injury

1 Goal shooter (GS) 2 Goal attack (GA) 3 Wing attack (WA) 4 Center (C) 5 Wing defense (WD) 6 Goal defense (GD) 7 Goal keeper (GK) TEAM SPORTS The team’s primary The team’s These players use This player— This player marks the This player marks The last line of goal scorer, the goal secondary goal precise passes to the team’s opposition wing the goal attack and defense, the goal shooter has an scorer, the goal provide possession workhorse—provides attack and tries to works to restrict the keeper marks the accurate shot. The attack also feeds the for the team the link between intercept passes into opposition’s scoring goal shooter and blue team’s goal goal shooter. The shooters. The blue attack and defense. the goal circle. The opportunities. The protects the goal. shooter (below) is blue team’s goal team’s wing attack is The blue team’s blue team’s wing blue team’s goal The blue team’s restricted to areas A attack plays in areas restricted to areas B center is allowed defense is restricted defense plays in goal keeper works and B A, B, and C and C in areas B, C, and D to zones C and D areas C, D, and E in areas D and E THE COURT NETBALL The netball court is divided into three thirds but five areas that help determine where each player may and may not go. At either end of the court is a semicircular goal circle and a goal post, ring, and net. In the middle is the center circle from which play begins. Sprung wooden flooring is the ideal surface for netball, but grass and asphalt are also common. 100 ft (30.50 m) 50 ft (15.2 m) Court markings All of the lines on court are considered part of the playing area and must measure 2 in (5 cm) in width Goal line Goal circle Center circle Transverse lines Found at either end of Shots at goal may only A game begins, and play The lines that divide the be taken from the goal is resumed after a goal or court into three equal the court is the goal circle, a semicircle with a interval, by a pass from parts—the center third and line. The goal post is radius of 16 ft (4.90 m) this circle, which has a two goal thirds—are known diameter of 3 ft (1 m) as the transverse lines positioned midway along the goal line PLAYING THE GAME Standing still Umpire’s job Face off Play begins with a pass from the center circle. The team The players must remain The umpire throws the The players must be at in possession then attempts to pass the ball into their goal still, arms at their side, until ball from just below least 3 ft (0.91 m) apart circle so that either the goal shooter or goal attack may the umpire blows the whistle the level of the shorter shoot for goal. After each goal scored, play is restarted with and tosses up the ball player’s shoulders and each face their a center pass. A match is played over four quarters, each goal end of which is 15 minutes long. A team consists of 12 players, but only seven are allowed on court at a time. Unlimited TOSS-UP substitutions are permitted between the quarters or during When two infringements occur simultaneously, or if the umpire is unsure which injury breaks. team last had contact with a ball out of play, a toss-up results. The two players adopt positions across from each other, the umpire—standing between CONTROLLING THE GAME them— tosses the ball into the air, and the players compete for possession. Two umpires officiate over infringements of the rules of netball. Major infringements include contact (a player must not come into contact with another if this interferes with play) and obstruction (a player must not be closer than 3 ft [0.91 m] to the player with the ball). Common minor infringements include: held ball (the player with the ball must pass or shoot within three seconds), offside (players must not move outside their playing zones), and footwork (the player with the ball must not reground the first landed foot until the ball is passed). For a minor infringement, the infringed team is awarded a free pass but may not shoot for goal. Major infringements incur a penalty pass or shot, during the taking of which the offending player stands out of play. Furthermore, if the penalty occurs inside the goal circle, the goal shooter or goal attack may shoot for goal.

NETBALL TECHNIQUES OUTSTANDING ANTIPODEANS Netball is a fast-moving game in which players must make THE MOST SUCCESSFUL NATIONAL TEAM IN THE HISTORY decisions and precisely execute a variety of techniques in a very OF NETBALL, AUSTRALIA WON THE INAUGURAL NETBALL short space of time. All players must be able to catch and pass WORLD CUP IN 1963. ALTHOUGH AUSTRALIA HOLDS THE effectively, and the goal shooter and goal attack must also MOST CHAMPIONSHIP TITLES, ITS CLOSEST CHALLENGER master the art of shooting for goal. All players constantly use IS LOCAL RIVAL NEW ZEALAND. solid and decisive footwork throughout the course of a game. DEFENDING SHOOTING Sound defense often wins games. It is the job of the defense to The shooting skills of the goal shooter and goal attack must be finely gain possession of the ball, which is mainly achieved by pressuring tuned. In the past, the ball was released low; today, it is usually held the opposition into making mistakes. Good defenders are determined high, making interception more difficult. The shot is normally taken and persistent, with the ability to predict the flight of and then from a stationary position. The game “freezes” as the player shoots, intercept passes. and attention focuses on the shooter. Steady nerves are essential. Protecting the ball Delicate release The ball is held high to keep it safe The index finger from the attentions of the defenders. This allows the shooter to concentrate guides the ball out of the hand and also solely on the target imparts a touch of backspin Good balance Balance Liftoff Athletically balanced with The knees are As the shot is made, just one foot on the ground, bent before the this player is effectively ball is released the legs extend to pressuring the attacker while maintain momentum obeying the obstruction rule 3 ft (1 m) NO CONTACT PREPARATION RELEASE Netball is a noncontact sport, and the rules stipulate that the defender In preparing to shoot for goal, the player The ball is released with a flick of the wrist must maintain a distance of at least 3 ft (1 m) from the player holding stands with the knees slightly bent, eyes so that it travels in a high arc upward and the ball. This makes defending a challenging but vital task. Agility, fixed on the target, and the ball rests then down into the ring. The knees extend anticipation, and timing are all essential. on the fingers of the shooting hand. slightly to aid momentum. FOOTWORK PASSING In a fast-moving game such as netball—where players are required Because players cannot run with or dribble the ball, netball is a passing to stop, start, and change directions very quickly—good footwork is game. Professional teams can move the ball from one end of the court essential. Without it, a player can easily lose balance and body control, to the other with impressive speed. Passes fall into two categories: therefore becoming slow and cumbersome on court. In particular, two-handed (which generally give the player more control and are netball’s “one-step” rule necessitates specialized footwork skills. easier to execute) and one-handed (which generate more power). Handling Quick thinking CHEST PASS Controlled delivery Sharp, accurate With only three seconds in This easily controlled, two-handed Before release, the handling is vital. pass is useful when a swift, player’s thumbs are A fumbled catch which to release the ball, accurate offload is required. behind the ball, the or inaccurate the player must swiftly look It is commonly utilized when elbows are tucked in, pass can give for other players to pass to passing to a player who is and the ball is held away possession positioned in front of a defender. or for space into which The chest pass is effective over teammates could run to short or long distances. receive the pass SHOULDER PASS The most frequently used one-handed pass, the Powerful release Landed foot Stepping foot shoulder pass is a good The ball is held on the The player pivots The player pushes option when the player fingertips and close to the on the landed off and steps with requires a long, direct shoulder. The nonthrowing foot, which must the nonlanded foot, transfer. It is often employed hand is used to protect the ball not drag or slide and in so doing is during the able to change the when defenders wish to clear maneuver the ball from their goal third. direction of the pass Eyes forward The player has knees bent, elbows in, and eyes fixed on the target BOUNCE PASS This pass is perfect when the THE PIVOT player is “crowded” and is often After catching the ball, the player may not reground the foot that first touched used by an attacker wishing to the ground until the ball is passed. However, the player may step with the other outmaneuver defenders. The foot any number of times. This is particularly useful when the ball carrier lands two-handed pass offers disguise, facing one direction but wishes to pass in another. The player pivots on the while the one-handed pass allows the landed foot and steps in the direction of the intended pass with the other. player to reach around defenders.

STRATEGIES THREE-WAY TIE INSIDE STORY TEAM SPORTS Because the players are restricted to set THE 1979 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, In 1895, “women’s basketball” was areas, teamwork is vital: simply to move HELD IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, introduced to England, and it was the ball from end to end, the team must FAMOUSLY DID NOT FEATURE A here that the game was developed. cooperate effectively. And with 14 people FINAL. AS A RESULT, THREE There were no court markings then, on a relatively small court, efficient use TEAMS—NEW ZEALAND, TRINIDAD and the players wore long skirts and of space is also important. Preplanned AND TOBAGO, AND AUSTRALIA— sleeves. In 1901, the first recorded strategies are one way in which to work SHARED THE TITLE. rules of netball were published. effectively as a team and to best utilize Traveling teachers and others the available court space. propagated netball throughout the British Empire, and the sport THREE-OPTION ATTACK DEFENSIVE PRESS became especially popular in New KORFBALL This strategy gives the ball holder three passing Defenders must apply constant pressure, anticipate Zealand and Australia. In 1960, the options. First is to pass to a player who has moved attackers’ movements, and close down the available International Federation of Women’s into space and is in front of the defenders. However, space. One strategy that achieves all of these aims Basketball and Netball was founded, if this alternative becomes unsafe, the second option is the defensive press, which involves a group of and the Netball World Cup has been is to pass to another player who has made a definite defenders moving into a specific court area to force held every four years since 1963. move. The third choice is a safety option—often a an error and secure a turnover. This move can back pass to allow the attack time to regroup. effectively break up free-flowing attacking play. GOVERNING BODY The International Netball GK C WA Federation (INF), which is based GD GA WD in Manchester, England, is the governing body for netball. It is C GD responsible for the rules of netball WD and has 49 member nations and 25 associated member nations. These countries are organized into five groups, each of which has a Regional Federation, which aids the implementation of INF policies. KORFBALL NEED2KNOW GAME OVERVIEW Korfball was developed in the Netherlands, and the game Korfball claims to be the world’s only truly mixed- takes its name from the Dutch word for basket, “korf.” gender team sport. It is played between two teams Men and women play side by side, although defenders may of four male and four female players who pass a only oppose players of their own sex. ball between each other by hand, with the ultimate goal of shooting it through the opposition’s basket, GAME OF TWO HALVES or “korf.” Korfball is played in more than 50 A korfball match consists of two halves of 30 minutes. Two men and countries and is especially popular in Belgium and two women from each team are positioned in each zone and take up the Netherlands, where it originated. the role of attackers or defenders, depending on whether they are in their own or the opposition’s half. Once there have been two goals Penalty area Post scored in the game, each player’s role reverses—defenders become attackers, and vice versa—and the teams attack the opposite ends. 65 ft 7 in (20 m) Defenders may only oppose attackers of their own sex. They “defend” the attacker by standing between them and the korf, with one arm raised to block a shot. As goals may only be scored by an attacker when they are not being defended, they must take a shot before the opponent takes up their position. Taking a shot while being defended results in a free pass to the opposition, while defending an attacker of the opposite sex is a penalty offense. Penalty spot DUTCH BASKET 151/4–161/8 in (39–41 cm) Usually made of cane or synthetic 131 ft 3 in (40 m) material, the korf is attached to the post, with its top edge 11 ft 6 in IN THE ZONE (3.5 m) above the ground. The game is played on a rectangular court divided into two halves, or zones. Each zone features a post, with a korf at the top, surrounded by a shaded penalty area. Synthetic korf This molded korf is slotted onto the top of the post

Small, soft ball PLAYER WHO PLAYS WHERE The ball is made of PROFILE In addition to the goalkeeper, teams usually leather or synthetic Handball players must comprise two wing players, a center-left, material—men’s be able to run quickly a center-right, and two centers, one of diameter 71⁄4–71⁄2 in in short bursts and be whom is primarily defensive and the other (18.5–19 cm); women’s capable of changing the playmaker. The outfielders’ roles 63⁄4–7 in (17–18 cm) direction quickly in are fluid and change according to Digital strapping order to wrongfoot the state of the game: references Players often wear protective bands opponents. These are to 6–0, 5–1, and 4–2 (the number around their thumbs and fingers the skills they practice of attackers is always stated first) to prevent injury while trying to most often off-court. relate to the players’ positions at a catch fast-moving balls Catching ability is also given moment of play rather than Sweat bands essential, together throughout a match. The classic These are not required, with a fast and line-up is the 4–2 formation: four but they are useful on accurate throw. attackers and two defenders. hot indoor courts Team strip NEED2KNOW Keeper Players wear lightweight Can touch the ball with shirts and shorts Handball is one of any part of the body as or skirts made Europe’s most popular long as one foot is in the area of cotton or participation games, Wingers viscose with up to 27 million Two; tend to operate along the touch lines, regular players. but cut inside on demand Light shoes In Denmark, the sport Outlying centers Any kind of sneaker or tennis-type rivals soccer for One is on the left, the other on the right, shoe; must not mark the court popularity with players but they may alternate and spectators. Attackers Scores often reach Two; a.k.a. “centers,” they focus on the opponents’ as high as 30–30. goal but do not do all the scoring GAME OVERVIEW COURT IN THE ACT Handball developed in the late 19th century in Germany and Because demand for handball courts Scandinavia. It is a fast and sometimes furious contact sport exceeds supply, in many parts of the world, for men and women in which two teams of seven players (plus the game is played on basketball courts, up to seven substitutes) bounce and pass a ball toward and which are much more numerous. The ultimately into each other’s goal. Players commonly bump into two games are similar, with the same each other—deliberately, as well as accidentally. But they are aim of scoring more goals than the other allowed to do so only with their torsos; any attempt to grab side. However, with an area of 502 sq yd or trip an opponent is a foul. (420 sq m), the basketball court is only slightly more than half the size of a dedicated handball arena, which is 957 sq yd (800 sq m). While organized competitive events are played indoors on designated courts, many informal games of team handball are played outdoors on flat areas of grass, pavement, or a beach with a makeshift goal. REICHS AND WRONGS HANDBALL MADE ITS OLYMPIC DEBUT IN 1936 IN BERLIN AT THE INSISTENCE OF ADOLF HITLER, WHO LOVED THE GAME. BECAUSE OF THIS UNHAPPY ASSOCIATION WITH THE NAZI DICTATOR, IT WAS DROPPED AFTER WORLD WAR II, BUT IT WAS REINTRODUCED AT MUNICH IN 1972. HANDBALL

Sub lines 131 ft (40 m) 65 ft 6 in (20 m) Goal line TEAM SPORTS The substitutes The markings should be 2 in (5 cm) thick must sit on the between the outer posts and the corners side between these and 31⁄3 in (8 cm) thick in the goal mouth two stub markings Goalie’s restraining line The keeper must not stand in front TEAM HANDBALL of it when facing a 7 m throw ULTIMATE OBJECTIVE The goal posts and crossbar must be marked with alternating bands in two different colors that contrast with the off-court surroundings; red and white are most often used. 6 ft 6 in (2 m) 7 m line 9 ft 9 in (3 m) This is 3 ft 3 in (1 m) long, parallel to the goal line, and centered on the middle of it; penalty throws are taken from here 6 m line Sidelines Free-throw line RIGHTS AND WRONGS This marks the outer edge of Anything This is 10 yd (9 m) Games are normally two 30-minute periods, with 10 minutes’ extra time the goal area. The curves on on the line from the center of and a sudden-death shootout from the 7 m line if the scores are still either side are concentric with in handball the goal line and even. Play begins with a throw-off—one player stands within 5 ft (1.5 m) those of the free-throw line counts as runs parallel to it of the center of the court and passes the ball to a teammate in the same in play: the for 9 ft 9 in (3 m) half of the court. In open play, players may normally hold the ball for only ball and the before curving in three seconds and take only three steps with it in the hand, although players have two 9 ft 9 in (3 m) there are many local variations to this rule. If the ball goes out of play, to cross radius circles, each it is put back in with a throw-in at the spot where it crossed the line. it completely centered on the Penalty throws—awarded for serious infringements, such as tripping— to be out nearer goal post. are taken from the 7 m line; only the goalkeeper may defend them. Infringements inside it lead to a direct free throw at goal MANUAL METHODS FIST Clear swing Speed of movement and passing are important, One basic passing Both arms are but when both teams are comparably fast, other movement is a punch with held away from skills come into play. One of the most important the fist clenched in the of these is faking—making opponents think “thumbs-up” position. The the body you’re going to do one thing and then, having leg on the same side as Body wrongfooted them, doing another. the hand holding the ball language is thrust forward to make Suggests a Seven o’clock Two for one room for the swinging arm. pass to the This angle of By the time the ball returns WRIST left; conceals bounce helps to the hand, the player has The player creates the one to close control impression that he is either the right made two strides going to keep ahold of the ball or pass to one side, but Follow DRIBBLE then, with an upward flick through The player bounces the ball as he advances, and redirects it at of the wrist, passes it from Arm rotates the top of its upward flight with the downturned palm of his hand. below his downturned palm through Only he knows if he will go left, right, or forward. (If he takes in the opposite direction. 270° too many steps though, possession is given to the other side.) OVERHEAD PASS Made on the run, this move requires the nonthrowing arm to be outstretched (for balance and to provide a directional sighter). The left foot hits the ground at the moment the right hand releases the ball.

NEED2KNOW GAELIC FOOTBALL Gaelic football is an exclusively amateur game played mainly GAME OVERVIEW in Ireland. It is also popular in Played by both men and women, Gaelic football is a fast-moving, Canada, the United States, physically punishing cross between soccer and rugby. Two teams of and other countries with large 15 players—and up to 15 substitutes, of whom five may be used— populations of Irish descent. aim to get a round ball under or over the crossbar of their opponents’ Matches are played in two H-shaped goal. Players may kick or hand pass the ball to each other. 30-minute halves at club level and Once in possession of the ball, they may take no more than four steps for women and in two 35-minute before either bouncing the ball or kicking it into their own hands in an halves at county level. action known as soloing. SIDELINES FIELD OF PLAY The field and goals are the same as those used in hurling, but some of the field 37 The highest number of wins markings for hurling are covered over or disregarded during Gaelic football matches. Traditionally, the game was played only on grass, but artificial surfaces were in the annual All-Ireland Gaelic football introduced in the second half of the 20th century and are now widespread. competition, first held in 1887. The holder of the record is Kerry County. Mouth protection Mouth guards are not 19 The number of counties required, but they are worn by nearly all modern (out of 32) that have won the All-Ireland players, since blows to the competition. Two—Armagh and Derry— mouth—unintentional or have won it once only. An unlucky 13 otherwise—are frequent have yet to win the trophy. TROUBLED HISTORY DURING IRELAND’S TROUBLES, GAELIC FOOTBALL WAS CLOSELY LINKED WITH NATIONALISM. ON NOVEMBER 21, 1920, 14 FANS WERE KILLED WHEN BRITISH TROOPS OPENED FIRE AT A GAME IN CROKE PARK, DUBLIN. Stitched up Team strip Gaelic footballs Cotton shirts and are traditionally shorts are in team covered with 18 colors. They are stitched strips often quite heavy of leather and durable to withstand the wear 9–91⁄3 in (21.6–22.3 cm) of the game OBJECT OF ATTENTION Footwear The ball is somewhat smaller than a soccer Players wear shoes with ball and thus easier to handle. The permitted studs or cleated soles for weight range is 16–17 oz (450–485 g). grip on the grass field PLAYER PROFILE Gaelic football players need to be fit, athletic, muscular, and tough. They must have good speed and stamina, a sharp turn of pace, and finely honed throwing and kicking skills. Players regularly undertake weight training, sprints, and long-distance runs. Preparation for games involves work on tactics with other members of the team.

TELLING SCORES Goalkeeper Defenders Midfielders Attackers TEAM SPORTS One point is awarded for putting the ball The only player who Three fullbacks and Two midfielders cover Three half-forwards and over the opposition’s crossbar between can use hands to play three half-backs. They the most ground to three forwards. They the posts; a shot into the net counts as the ball on the ground mark attackers, win the support backs and need to be quick and a goal, worth three points. Scores are ball, and launch forwards and marshal tough to get shots on recorded in two parts: goals scored, counterattacks the attacking options target under pressure then points total. For example, the 2010 All-Ireland Senior Final finished Penalty area Cork 0–16 Down 0–15. A foul inside the large rectangle results in a 45 m line penalty taken from the At the start of the game, all players middle of the 13 m line except two contesting possession must be behind these lines in their 8 ft (2.5 m) own half of the field 22 ft 9 in (7 m) 13 m line (62.15fmt 4) in GAELIC FOOTBALL Marks edge of penalty area 422–471 ft (130–145 m) Goalkeeper’s area 260–290 ft (80–90 m) Sidelines HEIGHT MATTERS The small rectangle is 45 ft 6 in If one team knocks In rugby and hurling, the goal (14 m) wide and 14 ft 71⁄2 in (4.5 m) the ball out down the uprights may be any height, but deep. Within it, keepers cannot be sidelines, the other puts it Gaelic football rules stipulate charged, but they can be tackled back with a kick from the the vertical dimensions shown. ground or from the hands 20 m line Kick-outs after scores are taken from this line THE BALL IN PLAY HANDS AND FEET Foot action Hand reaction Play begins with the referee throwing the Many of the skills are the same as The player in … but his ball up the center of the field between those required in soccer and rugby, possession goes two midfielders from each team. After a but there are three actions in Gaelic for a kick … opponent thrusts goal is scored, the keeper restarts play football not used in the other sports: both arms in the with a placekick from the edge of his or crouch lift, hand pass, and solo. path of the ball her area. If a defender knocks the ball out GAINING POSSESSION at the end, an attacker takes a kick from The ball may be won by tackling or by the nearest point on the 45 m line. using both hands to block a kick. CROUCH LIFT Ground work Quick uptake SOLOING Aside from the goalkeeper, Player supports He uses other A move unique to Gaelic football, soloing is a no one may play the ball on ball with foot foot to lift ball way of dribbling without committing a foul by the ground with the hands. taking more than four consecutive steps in In the crouch lift, the player Got it possession of the ball. Players alternately stoops down and uses a With cupped bounce the ball on the ground and then “solo,” foot to scoop the ball into which means dropping the ball onto one foot. cupped hands facing hands, he backward. The ball can then pulls ball up be pulled up to the body. to his body HAND PASS Aim and swing Hand over fist INSIDE STORY One of the most common The player eyes The carrying hand Gaelic football is ancient in origin but passes is to hit the ball with the intended target is withdrawn at the was first codified in 1885. It developed the side of the closed fist, and draws back his in part as Ireland’s rejection of the using the knuckle of the punching arm same moment “English” games of soccer and rugby. thumb; a regular punch Held low Today, the game is played at club and with the knuckles or The ball is held low county levels by male and female teams. forefingers is forbidden. in the carrying hand The men’s county final is broadcast live and attracts crowds of up to 80,000. GOVERNING BODY The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) was founded in 1884. Its main concerns are with the laws of Gaelic football and hurling.

GAME OVERVIEW NEED2KNOW One of the fastest-moving of all team games, hurling is virtually a national sport in Ireland. Second only to soccer The sliotar can be hit as far as 325 ft (100 m) in popularity among players and spectators, more than half and as fast as 93 mph (150 kph). the country’s population watch the annual county hurling Hurling is played in some countries other than competition. The 15-man teams aim to get the ball, or sliotar, Ireland, such as the United States. into the opposition’s goal or over the crossbar using a curved There are no hurling internationals. An Irish stick known as a camán or hurley. Hurling, called iománaíocht hurling team regularly plays a Scottish shinty or iomáint in Irish, is not quite the free-for-all it may appear: team using modified rules. body-checks and deliberate obstruction are banned. The 12-a-side women’s version of the game is known as camogie. HURLING ON THE FIELD A hurling field is the same as the field for Gaelic Headgear Axe-shaped stick 71 yd (65 m)football. The two 15-member teams take up Plastic helmets and face A hurley is made of ash 142–164 yd (130–150 m)positions on the field of play, although these guards are required wood and is 27–39 in may change with coaches’ tactics. Up to five at most levels of the game (70–100 cm) long. The substitutes are allowed. hurley a goalkeeper PLAYER uses is longer than an 20 m line PROFILE outfield player’s stick Infringements The game of hurling requires by defenders immense stamina, great Sliotar between this line physical strength, and a wide The leather-covered and the goal are range of ball skills. The best ball is made of cork penalty offenses players are often also good at Penalty spot other moving-ball games, or composite such as soccer, and stationary material; its diameter The penalty ball games, such as golf. taker plays a is 2½ in (6.5 cm) lift-and-strike RULES Shinpads A game has two halves of 30 to beat the minutes each (35 minutes for Hurlers wear opposing senior inter-county matches). protection against When knock-out matches are blows to the legs goalkeeper drawn, a replay is followed Football boots by extra time of 10 minutes Studded football boots 87–98 yd (80–90 m) each way. Players use their are worn to provide hurley to pass or shoot or to SCORING dribble the ball by bouncing grip on the field Teams score a point for putting the sliotar over the crossbar and it off the end of the stick and three for a goal (into the net). Scores are recorded in two parts: goals catching it. They can kick the scored followed by the points total. So a 3-4 score equals 13 points. ball, but they cannot pick it up off the ground, throw it, travel (62.15fmt 4) in Through the posts five steps holding it, catch it Players often opt for three times in a row without one point rather than it touching the ground, or pass it from hand to hand. taking on the goalkeeper OFFICIALS FOULS 8 ft (2.5 m) Hurling has a number of Technical infringements and dangerous tackles officials: a referee on the field, are punished by a “free”; a player uses his GOAL two linesmen who indicate hurley to lift and strike the ball at the point The goal is H-shaped like a rugby goal when the sliotar leaves the field where the offense occurred. If the referee is and has a net like a soccer goal. The of play, and four umpires to unsure of the culprit, he stops play and restarts uprights are 23 ft (7 m) tall. assist the referee and linesmen it by throwing the ball between two opponents and to signal the scores. on the halfway line. A foul inside the large rectangle in front of the goal is punished with a penalty stroke taken from the 20 m line.

Cork ball Required headgear ON THE FIELD TEAM SPORTS Slightly smaller than a Plastic helmets, with or The long edge of the field is called the sideline and baseball, it has a cork inner without chin straps, are the short edge is called the byline. The main on-field with a seamed leather now required at all levels features are a center circle, two semicircles, and cover and a diameter of of the game two D-shaped areas around the goal. 2½ in (6.3 cm) Goal 12 ft (3.65 m) The crossbar and Camán uprights must be 10 ft (3 m) The stick is usually about 3 ft 3 in painted white and (1 m) long and made of laminated made of either wood hickory or ash. The head must be or metal able to pass through a ring with a diameter of 2½ in (6.4 cm) PLAYER Clothing 70–80 yd (64–73 m) SHINTY PROFILE Shirts and shorts As well as strength, skill, and Corner stamina, shinty players need a are made of Quarter circles 2 yd sharp eye and quick reactions to cotton or synthetic (1.8 m) in radius mark attack the ball without being hit the corners of the field in the process by opponents’ material; the swinging sticks. goalkeeper wears Semicircle a different-colored The penalty spot is 20 yd Good grips strip than the rest (18 m) from the center of Players wear boots with studs the goal line; behind it is a or cleated soles for grip. They of the team sometimes have extra padding Shinpads semicircle 5 yd (4.5 m) on the toes and insteps for in radius kicking the ball Pads are not required, but they Center circle protect players from A circle in the blows to the legs center of the field has a diameter of 140–170 yd (128–155 m) 10 yd (10 m) 10-yard area SHINTY Attackers caught in this D-shaped area ahead of the ball are offside Goal line GAME OVERVIEW ORGANIZED CHAOS Shinty originated in the Highlands of Scotland, where it is Shinty has relatively few rules. To start the game, known by Gaelic-speakers as camanachd or iomain. Two two opposing players cross sticks above their heads teams of 12 players (men or women) use hooked or curved and the referee throws the ball into the air above sticks, called camán, to hit a ball toward and into each other’s them. Players usually stay in their positions so goal, or hail. Shinty is a rough and lightning-fast game that defense quickly turns to attack. Players can hit the resembles field hockey and lacrosse. A shinty match is played ball while it is in the air and use both sides of the in two halves; a 12-a-side game lasts 90 minutes, while a stick; they can use their sticks to block and tackle 6-a-side game lasts 30 minutes. opponents. Only the goalkeeper may handle the ball but may only slap it with the flat of the hand. INSIDE STORY NEED2KNOW Shinty’s major competition, the Camanachd Cup, is a knockout tournament that has been held every year since 1896, except Shinty is played almost entirely in Scotland. during the two World Wars. There is also a league in Scotland, There are three clubs in England and a which is divided into North and South sections; the winners play handful in the United States. each other in a grand final playoff for the national championship. Traditionally a winter game, in 2003, the shinty clubs of Scotland added a summer CAMANACHD ASSOCIATION season from March to October. The Camanachd Association was formed as shinty’s governing body in Despite the best efforts of the governing 1893. It oversees the game in Scotland and elsewhere, stressing its Celtic body—the Camanachd Association—to traditions and encouraging indoor versions to bring children into the sport. codify the game internationally, there are still many local shinty rules.

Dodgeball ball GAME OVERVIEW The ball is a Dodgeball is a thrilling six-a-side mixed or single-sex ball low-pressure game where the object is to get opponents “out” by either bladder covered hitting an opponent with a ball before it bounces or by by a polyester catching a thrown ball cleanly before it bounces. A game is fabric. Under this over if one team’s players are “out” or if the game-playing is a layer of foam time expires, and matches consist of five games. If overtime to ensure shape is required, the number of players on each team is equal, retention and durability. The ball and one additional minute is played. Overtime continues is 9 in (25 cm) until there is a winner. in diameter DODGEBALL Sneakers RUSH RULES 42 ft (13 m) Dead zone Any lightweight The referee starts play by placing 3 balls This is 2 ft (0.6 m) training shoe that into the dead zone. Only three players can wide in the middle does not leave run to collect the balls to begin the game. of the court marks on the court Players then try to hit opponents below 24 ft (7¼ m) the shoulders with the ball to get them NEED2KNOW out. Play is continuous as each team tries to hit opponents, but a player can rejoin If teams have the same number of players the game if a teammate catches a thrown left in after five minutes, they play one-minute ball. The ball can be passed three times periods of sudden-death overtime. between teammates before being thrown, The popularity of the game increased thanks but it must be thrown within five seconds. to Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, a 2004 The winner is the team with the most hits. film starring Ben Stiller. DOUBLE TEAMING Dodgeball players are so good at ducking and weaving that cunning teamwork is needed to get them out. Strategies include the targeting of one opponent by a number of players on the other team to get them out. TUG-OF-WAR EVENT OVERVIEW ROPE MARKS In this trial of strength, two teams of eight men or The rope is at least 115 ft (35 m) long. A red mark is in the women (and sometimes mixed teams) face each center, directly above an equivalent line on the ground at the start. other and pull on opposite ends of a rope. The On either side of the rope’s midpoint, and 13 ft (4 m) from it, are winner is the side that pulls the other team 13 ft two white marks; the event is won by the team that pulls the (4 m), so that a central mark on the rope crosses a other’s white mark across the center line on the ground. Another marked line. All matches are the best of three pulls. 3 ft 3 in (1 m) toward the ends of the rope in both directions are blue marks—these are the first points that the pullers can grip. PULLING TOGETHER THE WEIGH-IN The judge gives three commands: “Pick up the rope,” To ensure even contests, tugs-of-war has strict weight divisions. “Take the strain,” and after gesturing clearly that he is about In men’s events, there are normally five categories: up to 1,234 lb (560 to give the final order, “Pull!” The teams then tug on the rope kg); 1,323 lb (600 kg); 1,411 lb (640 kg); 1,500 lb (680 kg); and 1,587 lb with all their might and throw their weight backward as far as (720 kg) per team. For women, the dividing lines are 1,058 lb (480 kg); they can. But deliberately sitting on the ground or failure to 1,146 lb (520 kg); and 1,234 lb (560 kg). There is a weigh-in before each return immediately to the pulling position results in a caution. contest, and tuggers have their weight stamped on an easily visible part Two cautions are given prior to disqualification; however, a of their bodies—this is to help prevent illicit midevent substitutions. team can be disqualified without caution for any offense.

FLICKING RULES 120 ft (37 m) TEAM SPORTS One member of a team throwing NEED2KNOW the disc to the opposition (called the End 58 ft 6 in pull) starts the game. To score a point, zone (18 m) The discs used in this sport are made by several the Frisbee must be caught in the End manufacturers, but the trade name Frisbee® has opponent’s end zone. Players must zone 210 ft (64 m) become generic, in the same way “Kleenex” is establish a pivot foot when in used to describe facial tissues. possession of the disc and can only 58 ft 6 in The main governing body is the World Flying Disc move the disc by passing it to a (18 m) Federation (WFDF). In the United States, the most teammate. Failure to release the disc important organization is the Ultimate Players within 10 seconds, any incomplete Association (UPA). pass, or an interception turns the Ultimate is most popular in the United States but disc over to the opposition. is also played in more than 40 other countries. GAME OVERVIEW TO HAVE AND HAVE NOT TUG-OF-WAR Ultimate is a seven-a-side game in which Because Ultimate is a noncontact sport, the team in possession has a teams float a plastic disc, known as a huge advantage. The best that opponents can hope for is to force an Frisbee, to teammates. A team scores error. To do this, they close down the stronger side of the player with the a point every time one of them catches Frisbee so that he or she can pass it only from the less favored side. the disc inside the end zone that they Below are three basic grips. Most backhands are mirror images played are attacking—the first to 15 points wins. with bent elbows from the opposite side of the chest. A thrower may pass the disc in any direction to any teammate. Ultimate is BASIC BACKHAND CONTROL FOREHAND POWER FOREHAND self-refereed, and the Spirit of the Game™ This is the default grip for Index and middle fingers This is one of the holds guides how players referee the game and a right-handed player make a V-sign; the thumb used for passes that how the players conduct themselves. passing the Frisbee from (hidden) points upward sacrifice directional control his or her off-side. like a hitchhiker’s. for speed and/or distance. 11 in (28 cm) ULTIMATE ARMY AT (TUG OF) WAR Anchorman Bare hands THE TUG-OF-WAR IS The rope passes alongside the body, diagonally across Pullers must grip the HOTLY CONTESTED IN THE the back and over the opposite shoulder from rear to front. rope with bare hands BRITISH ARMY, WHICH FIRST Only the anchor can hold the rope in this fashion using a palms-up HELD INTERREGIMENTAL grip. The rope must CONTESTS IN INDIA IN THE Flush soles Planted foot pass beneath their MID-19TH CENTURY AND, Tuggers wear boots with This plays the anchor upper arm SINCE THEN, VARIOUS flush soles and heels. Metal role; players alternate PERIODICAL TRIALS OF toecaps and toe plates are feet as they draw their Get a grip STRENGTH AGAINST TEAMS barred, but metal heel tips are opponents backward The rope is FROM THE ROYAL NAVY permitted, as long as they are AND THE ROYAL AIR flush on the side and bottom normally FORCE. WHILE YOU MIGHT 4 in (10 cm) in REASONABLY EXPECT circumference THE CHAMPION ARMY Extended foot TEAM TO BE MADE UP OF PARATROOPERS, IN The puller FACT, THE PARACHUTE establishes SQUADRON IS ONLY THE a foothold with SECOND-BEST TEAM. his extended PERHAPS SURPRISINGLY, foot before the THE TEAMS TO BEAT ARE pull begins THE MEDICAL REGIMENTS.

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TENNIS NEED2KNOW GAME OVERVIEW The Open Era of tennis Tennis in its modern form dates from 1874, when the game was began in 1968, when most codified by Major Walter Clopton Wingfield. Its basic principles, world-class tournaments however, date back to the French jeu de paume (game of the palm), allowed professional players which came to prominence in the 12th and 13th centuries. It is now to enter the most prestigious strictly known as “lawn tennis” to distinguish it from court (royal) tennis, tournaments. but because the game is played on a variety of surfaces—grass, clay, The four Grand Slam cement, coated asphalt, carpet—“tennis” is the term most widely used. competitions, or Majors, are Both the men’s and women’s tours are split into different categories. the Australian, French, and US The men’s tour is made up of four categories: Grand Slams (also Opens and Wimbledon. They are known as Majors), ATP, Challenger Series, and Futures tournaments. played on three different surfaces: hard-courts, clay, and grass. The term “Grand Slam” describes the act of winning all four Majors in the same calendar year. A LOVE GAME Sun protection Racket grip Racket strings A PLAYER WHO HAS SCORED NO Players often play matches during the day in the The racket handle has eight The best players use strings POINTS IN A GAME OR NO GAME IN A summer; therefore, visors and sunglasses may be sides that help the player made from animal gut. SET IS SAID TO HAVE “LOVE.” THIS MAY worn on the court to protect against the sun find the correct grip Synthetic gut strings will BE A CORRUPTION OF THE FRENCH offer a combination of good WORD “OEUF” MEANING EGG, WHICH control and durability DESCRIBES THE SHAPE OF THE ZERO. Shoes Good-quality shoes should be reinforced at the toe and at the side of the shoe to compensate for the scraping and sliding that occurs during the course of a match. The soles will differ depending upon the court surface Tennis shorts THE COURT Men should always wear Although a tennis court is made of shorts, although the length materials ranging from concrete, is not specified, and which is a fast playing surface, to women may also wear clay, which plays slower, its dimensions shorts instead of a skirt are invariable. Most courts are laid out Clothing sponsor for both singles and doubles, as shown Either two manufacturer’s logos, each not opposite. Some, however, are marked exceeding 2 sq in (12.9 sq cm), or one only for singles. Before the start of play, logo not exceeding 4 sq in (25.8 sq cm) the officials or players must check to are allowed on the front of the shirt see that the net is the correct height PLAYER PROFILE and that its tension is acceptable. Tennis players need high levels of energy and stamina. Play should be Many courts have now been fitted with continuous—other than in exceptional circumstances, there should be electronic devices and large television no more than 90 seconds between games—and matches can last for screens to determine line calls and up to four hours. They also need excellent hand-eye coordination to net cords, which increases the level hit the ball well, strong powers of concentration, the ability to adapt of spectator involvement in matches. to different court surfaces, and the nerve either to close out a game or to hang in there when the game is going badly.

SIDELINES 1,337 The number of matches won 665 The duration in minutes of the RACKET SPORTS 17 Unseeded outsider Boris Becker, aged by Jimmy Connors of the United States between longest-ever top-rank match, more than twice 1972 and 1993, more than any other player in as long as the previous record. John Isner (USA) 17 years, 7 months, became the youngest-ever modern times. Of these victories, 109 were in beat Nicolas Mahut (France) 6-4, 3-6, 6-7, 7-6, Wimbledon champion. Becker was also the title-winning finals. 70-68 over three days at Wimbledon in 2010. first German to ever to win the title and the first unseeded player to do so. 163.4 The fastest serve, in miles 81 The number of consecutive matches 59 The number of Grand Slam titles won per hour (263 kph), recognized by the ATP was that Rafael Nadal won on clay between April delivered by Samuel Groth during an ATP 2005 and May 2007. Nadal’s 81-match winning by Martina Navratilova during her career. Her Challenger event in Busan, South Korea, in 2012. streak was an all-surface record. titles were made up of 18 singles, 31 doubles, and 10 mixed doubles titles. Singles sideline Umpire’s chair Service line Back court Center mark Court surround TENNIS This line defines The chair is raised off The serve must This is the area This short mark protruding No dimensions are the singles court. the ground for a better land between the between the beyond the middle of the stipulated in the rules, Some courts are view of the court and net and this line service line and service line is an extension but there must always only marked with stands in between the the baseline of the center line; the be sufficient space singles lines player’s chairs server must stand to the around the lined playing right of it when serving area for players to return into the deuce court (as wide-angled shots shown) and to the left of it when serving into the advantage court 18 ft (5.48 m) 21 ft (6.4 m) (41.31fmt 6) in (1.437ft m6 )in 36 ft (10.972m7 f)tD(o8u.2bmles) Singles 78 ft (23.77 m) Net dimensions Doubles sideline Baseline The net should stretch beyond The area between the This line marks the back of the court. If the the width of the doubles court ball lands beyond this line, it will be deemed by 3 ft (0.914 m) and be 3 ft edge of the singles out of play 6 in (1.07 m) high at posts court and the outer and 3 ft (0.91 m) at its center edge of the doubles The umpire This official sits in a raised chair to gain a commanding court is known view of the court and can overrule line judges as the alley Net court judge This official sits in a chair with a hand on the net to judge if the ball touches the net when it is served Linesmen Along each line of the court, a linesman is placed to judge if the ball lands in or out of the court Ball boys and ball girls Usually teenagers, they run across court between points to retrieve out of play balls and throw them to the server on request Foot fault judge This official doubles as line judge once the ball is in play

TENNIS ESSENTIALS RULES & REGULATIONS The International Tennis Federation (ITF) rules on which balls Before a match, a coin is tossed and the winner chooses can be used for competition and on which surface they can whether to serve or receive first or the end that they want to be used. There are three different ball specifications. Type 1 start the match from. Players stand on opposite sides of the is a fast ball and must be used on a slow court; Type 2 is a net; the server (the player who puts the ball into play) begins medium-paced ball and is used on a medium- to fast-paced the rally by hitting the ball over the net, into the service court court; and the Type 3 ball is slow and is used on a fast- directly opposite, from the right of the center line and from paced court. The altitude also determines the choice of ball. behind the baseline. The server plays the ball from alternate The specifications of the tennis racket are also governed by sides of the center line throughout the game, starting from the the ITF; therefore, manufacturers must produce rackets to a right. The receiver may stand anywhere on their own side of maximum length, width, and thickness. They must also be the net but may not return the ball before it has bounced. free from any device that can change the shape or physical After the ball is served, play continues until one player hits property of the racket during a rally. the ball out of play. TENNIS BALL GAMES Certain specifications must be met before a ball will be judged legal by the ITF. Each player starts with “love” (zero); one point is called “15,” two points The ball shall have an outer surface of a fabric cover that should be white or are “30,” and three points are “40.” 40-all is known as “deuce.” After yellow in color. The ball’s weight and size will also be manufactured to a required deuce, the player who wins the next point is said to have “advantage”; if specification. During a match, the balls are replaced with new ones after an they win the next point, the game is over. If they don’t, the score goes agreed odd number of games—usually after five, and then after seven. back to “deuce.” At this point, the game will only be won when one player has won two successive points, the “advantage” point, and the “game” Inner core Outer ball point. Players change ends at the end of every odd-numbered game. The ball should be hollow. surface WINNING A SET Type 3 balls are always Matches are the best of three or five sets. (Women only ever play the pressurized, but Type Two pieces of best of three sets.) The first player to win six games wins the set, but if 1 and 2 balls can be hourglass-shaped the games go to 5-all, the set is extended to see if a two-game margin either pressureless can be achieved (7-5, for example). If, however, the score reaches six or pressurized rubber bonded games apiece, a tiebreaker might come into operation. Ball weight together and Weight (mass): 1.975–2.095 oz (56–59.4 g) covered with felt Diameter: 25/8–2¾ in (6.541–7.303 cm) TIEBREAKER During a tiebreaker, points are scored “0” to “7.” The first player to THE RACKET win seven points, provided there is a margin of two points, wins the Whereas the ITF can govern the overall size of the racket, it cannot determine its game and set. The player whose turn it is to serve, serves the first construction. Tennis racket frames have changed a lot in recent years, as stiffer point, and the following two points are served by the opponent. carbon materials have replaced wood and metal. Carbon rackets generate a lot of power because they are not flexible, so choosing the right strings and stringing tension is crucial to aid ball control. The strings 1234 SETS GAMES POINTS String tension is a matter of individual preference, but in general, the tighter the strings are strung, the greater the player’s control over the ball. Most players have their rackets strung at between 50 and 65 psi (pounds per square inch). During a match, if a string breaks, a player will generally discard the racket and play with a new one Tiebreaker 5-3 The second and third sets This was the score after the were decided by tiebreakers most recently completed game Completed sets Points This part of the scoreboard shows These windows show the score in the score in the previous sets the present game being played Maximum width 12½ in (31.7 cm) Hitting surface width 11½ in (29.2 cm) Racket area Racket frame The maximum area of a racket head A modern racket frame can have a 40% larger is 135 sq in (178.25 sq cm) head, be three times stiffer, and be 30% lighter than the most highly developed wooden version Hitting surface length 15½ in (39.4 cm) Maximum length 29 in (73.7 cm)

TECHNIQUES THE SERVE Tossing the ball RACKET SPORTS The most important and most used shots in modern tennis are A good serve will help the player win their service Toss the ball the serve, the forehand, and the backhand (the latter are known games easily, so the more force there is behind as groundstrokes). Until these strokes are mastered, the player it, the better. Practice it as much as possible upward and extend will struggle to win points and compete in matches. The serve for consistency. your toss arm up starts every point in a match, and a good server is considered as high as you to have an advantage. This is partly because this player has can. Keep the TENNIS two chances to get the ball into play and partly because the shoulders turned opponent doesn’t necessarily know where the ball will go. sideways before Groundstrokes are the basic shots you make once the point starting the swing has begun and are usually played from near the baseline and after the ball has bounced. They can be played with different Hitting the ball types of spin, topspin and slice being the most common. Raise the racket SLICE BACKHAND and start the The backhand can be played with either topspin or swing. Bend the slice (backspin). Hitting sliced backhands is most effective when playing matches on fast courts, knees, then in where the ball skids through at a high speed. It a continuous is also used when playing defensive shots on the motion, drop the run, or where the ball is above shoulder height. racket behind the back. Push Making contact Following through off with the legs Swing out to the side using a The racket makes a and roll the right high to low motion to impart down-to-up U-shaped shoulder forward motion, with the racket to impact with backspin. Accelerate the face facing upward racket head and stay sideways the ball Wrist action Snap the wrist down to generate ball speed Starting position Stand sideways behind the baseline; the feet need to be shoulder-width apart Finishing position Land on the inside leg while trying not to overbalance Shot preparation On the move Turn sideways with the racket Move forward to play the low forehand. arm slightly bent. Turn the Make a half-turn sideways, then begin the shoulders while making the backswing, keeping the arm bent. Slightly backswing. Holding the racket lift the racket and make a circular swing by with the free hand helps turn rotating the shoulders and trunk of the body the shoulders. Raise the racket above the height of the ball Racket speed Continue to swing, placing the racket below the level of the oncoming ball. Swing from low to high and accelerate the racket to the ball while lifting it when contact has been made to get topspin on the ball THE FOREHAND Shifting the weight forward The forehand is the most used shot in Bend the knees and hit the ball tennis and the one that most people at the highest point possible. learn first. This major groundstroke, for As you swing upward, transfer both the beginner and the advanced bodyweight to the front leg to player, will allow a player to control a get power into the swing rally from the back of the court. The shot is usually hit with topspin, but backspin and sidespin can both be applied to the ball.

THE L0B LOB SCENARIO The lob—a shot that goes high in the air—may be played defensively Player A has advanced to the net but has played the ball too short. or aggressively. Offensive lobs are hit with topspin from around the Because of this, Player B has two options: he can either play baseline. The more topspin the player is able to get on the ball, the faster a passing shot, or he can play a lob. It is best, whenever possible, the ball will drop into the court, which means the player can hit a deeper to play the lob over the opponent’s backhand side, as it produces lob. Volleying players often close in after hitting their first volley, and the weaker shot if attempted. When in control of the rally, hide the this is an ideal time to use the lob. Defensive lobs are usually hit with intention to lob until the last possible backspin or very little spin, as they are used when the ball is low, or moment, as this will put the wide, when little or no topspin is possible. opponent on the back foot in future exchanges. JUST A GAME Hitting the lob ON APRIL 30, 1993, MONICA SELES WAS STABBED BY GUNTHER Player B plays PARCHE WHILE SEATED DURING A CHANGEOVER. WHY DID HE DO THIS? PARCHE WANTED TO INJURE SELES SO THAT HIS IDOL, STEFFI an offensive lob with GRAF, COULD REGAIN THE TOP SPOT IN THE WORLD RANKINGS. topspin to control the ball and to keep the ball in court SMASHING TIME Finishing the smash A smash is an aggressive volley played overhead. It is often a response to a lob The player accelerates the racket and that has failed to clear the player’s head. A smash requires good footwork to ensure snaps the wrist, generating as much power that the ball is played down into the opponent’s court; any error of judgment may as possible. Follow through across the body result in an air shot (missing the ball altogether) or a wild hit out of court. Generating power The player uses the same grip that is used when serving. It will provide the player with the best control Prepare to swing Prepare The player reaches to swing with the free hand, The player then drops the racket should be behind his back aggressive Lining up whenever the smash possible. Reach The player then for the ball turns sideways from the ready position, remembering to watch the ball Good positioning Moving into position under the ball, the player brings the swinging arm alongside the body SIDELINES 8 The number of left-handed players EXHIBITION MATCHES On May 2, 2007, at the Palma Arena, Rafael Nadal, the 14 Serena and Venus Williams to have won a Wimbledon singles title king of clay, played grass champion Roger Federer on during the Open era—the most recent a half-clay half-grass court in an exhibition match dubbed have both won the US Open title being Petra Kvitové in 2014. “the battle of the surfaces.” Playing on a court that cost without losing a set. To achieve this $1.6 million to construct, Nadal prevailed 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 feat, they won 14 sets without 130.5 The record for the (12-10). The organizers had to lay a brand-new surface conceding one, from the first round on the grass side of the court a few days before the event to the final. This has happened only fastest serve by a woman, held by because an infestation of worms made the original turf 24 times in the history of the Open. Sabine Lisicki, who achieved a speed unusable. During the match, the changeovers were of 130.5 mph (210 kph) in 2009. extended to two minutes to give the players a chance to change their footwear for each surface.

COURT SURFACES STAT CENTRAL RACKET SPORTS The governing body of tennis, the ITF (International Tennis Federation), has identified three different categories of court surfaces. The categories are based on the speed GRAND SLAM SINGLES WINNERS (MEN) of the ball after the bounce; the amount of spin on the ball after contact with the surface; the height of the bounce; and the level of traction the court gives the NAME WON/LOST player. Category 1 courts are slow-paced; Category 2 surfaces are medium or medium-fast-paced hard-courts; and Category 3 courts are fast-paced surfaces. ROGER FEDERER (SUI) 20/11 RAFAEL NADAL (ESP) 18/10 NOVAK DJOKOVIC 16/9 TENNIS PETE SAMPRAS (USA) 14/4 ROY EMERSON (AUS) 12/3 ROD LAVER (AUS) 11/6 BJORN BORG (SWE) 11/5 BILL TILDEN (USA) 10/5 IVAN LENDL (CZE/USA) 8/11 CLAY COURT: CATEGORY 1 HARD-COURT (DECOTURF): CATEGORY 2 GRAND SLAM SINGLES WINNERS (WOMEN) Examples include most clay courts. Rallies on this This surface has the same characteristics as the surface tend to last a long time, as the speed of the Rebound Ace court. Its top surface uses a different NAME WON/LOST ball after the bounce is relatively slow. Players can type of sand. Aggressive groundstroke play is the also slide on clay, increasing their reach. most dominant style of play on category 2 surfaces. MARGARET SMITH COURT (AUS) 24/5 SERENA WILLIAMS (USA) 23/9 STEFFI GRAF (GER) 22/9 HELEN WILLS MOODY (USA) 19/3 CHRIS EVERT (USA) 18/16 MARTINA NAVRATILOVA (CZE/USA) 18/14 BILLIE JEAN KING (USA) 12/6 MONICA SELES (YUG/USA) 9/4 MAUREEN CONNOLLY BRINKER (USA) 9/0 HARD-COURT (REBOUND ACE): CATEGORY 2 GRASS COURT: CATEGORY 3 GRAND SLAM WINNERS (MEN) These are hard courts, which are concrete or Natural grass and artificial turf surfaces fall into this asphalt coated with synthetic rubber. The top layer category and are characterized by their low, skidding, NAME YEAR is reinforced acrylic paint mixed with sand. The and often irregular bounce. Players look to finish ball bounces true, at a medium height. points as soon as possible. ROD LAVER (AUS) 1962, 1969 DON BUDGE (USA) 1938 USING GRAND SLAM WINNERS (WOMEN) TECHNOLOGY Electronic review technology, a NAME YEAR high-speed multicamera system that tracks the trajectory of a moving ball, STEFFI GRAF (GER) 1988 was first used in a grand slam during MARGARET SMITH COURT (AUS) 1970 the 2006 US Open at Flushing Meadows. MAUREEN CONNOLLY (USA) 1953 Its success has led other grand slams to adopt this system, with both the ATP PRIZE MONEY LEADERS ($) Australian Open and Wimbledon first using the system in 2007. At the US and HAWK-EYE NAME CAREER EARNINGS Australian Opens, each player is allowed An instant replay of the contested point is shown to make two challenges per set and one on large screens, allowing both the players and the NOVAK DJOKOVIC (SRB) $125,772,589 during a tiebreaker. If proved right, the crowd to see whether the ball was judged in or out player retains their quota of challenges. by review technology called Hawk-Eye. ROGER FEDERER (SUI) $120,514,916 RAFAEL NADAL (ESP) $103,251,975 ANDY MURRAY (GBR) $61,046,255 PETE SAMPRAS (USA) $43,280,489 INSIDE STORY ANDRE AGASSI (USA) $31,152,975 The most common view is that it was a crude courtyard ball game invented by 11th- or 12th-century French monks. The name tennis is said to come from the BORIS BECKER (GER) $25,080,956 French word “tenez,” from the verb tenir, meaning “to take.” It means “take this,” which the monks would yell as they served the ball with their hand. YEVGENY KAFELNIKOV (RUS) $23,883,797 IVAN LENDL (USA) $21,262,417 ANDY RODDICK (USA) $20,637,390 ITF ATP STEFAN EDBERG (GER) $20,630,941 The International Tennis Federation The Association of Tennis Professionals (ITF) is the rulemaker and (ATP) was formed in 1972 to protect GORAN IVANISEVIC (CRO) $19,878,007 governing body of world tennis. the interests of male professional Its membership comprises more tennis players. The Women’s Tennis LLEYTON HEWITT (AUS) $19,425,179 than 200 national associations. Association (WTA) launched in 1973. MICHAEL CHANG (USA) $19,145,632 DAVID FERRER (SPA) $17,705,519

PLAYER PROFILE THE COURT Court tennis requires many of the same No two court tennis courts are the same, but they all have certain features skills needed to play lawn tennis, although in common. The playing area is enclosed by four walls and a ceiling. Three the service depends much more on spin of the walls have sloping roofs, known as penthouses. There is a service end and placement than raw power. The court and a receiving, or “hazard,” end. The wall on the server’s left has various tennis court is hard, and as many shots windows, which are both viewing galleries and openings into which the ball involve “digging” low-bouncing balls, the can be played. The wall behind the server has a similar window that is both game’s greatest physical demands are on a viewing point for spectators and the “dedans,” into which the receiver tries the legs and knees. to drive shots beyond the server in order to gain the serve. On the receiver’s Court clothing side of the net are a buttress, known as a “tambour,” and a grille. Cotton dress or polo shirts and Match ball Court racket Winning gallery shorts or skirts; The ball has a yellow This is made of wood Any shot from the some clubs or white covering of service end into require players to hand-sewn felt around and has very tight these windows wear white strings. The head is is a winner a core of cork angled slightly to one wrapped in fabric side to make it tape, and has a possible to play diameter of 2½ in (6.4 shots off the floor or in the corners. Its cm). It is heavier and overall length is less bouncy than a about 27 in (70 cm) lawn tennis ball Service penthouse The server must send the ball along this roof to the hazard end Service end 32 ft (9.8 m) Spectators viewing through the dedans behind the server are protected by a net Floor chase line Lines painted on the playing floor are used to measure where the ball drops during a “chase,” when players strive to gain the service end NEED2KNOW GAME OVERVIEW The precursor of modern lawn tennis, court tennis is an indoor There are only about 43 courts in the racket sport played by two people (singles) or two teams of two world, so court tennis is one of the most (doubles). The object is to hit the ball over a central net so that exclusive of all sports. it cannot be returned. With a history going back hundreds of Professionals compete in annual years, the game reached the height of its popularity in the court tennis Grand Slam events—the 16th and 17th centuries. Although court tennis now has an Australian, British, French, and US elitist image, any tennis club with a court tennis court will Opens—and a biennial World welcome members who wish to give it a try. Many leading Championship. court tennis professionals were formerly lawn tennis players. The outstanding player in the history of court tennis is Robert Fahey of Australia, COURT who won his 13th world title in 2012— TENNIS five more than Pierre Etchebaster of France, who won eight titles between 1928 and 1952.

110 ft (33.5 m) Hazard end Grille CHASING THE GAME RACKET SPORTS 96 ft (29.3 m) The receiver always A server who gets The server (usually chosen by spinning a racket) plays from stands in this half of the ball in here one end of the court only. In a service, the ball must bounce at the court wins the point least once on the left-hand penthouse on the receiver’s side of the court (the hazard end). 39 ft (12 m) Service does not alternate between the players as in lawn tennis; the receiver has to gain the right to serve. It takes four COURT TENNIS points to win a game and six games to win a set (even if the The tambour score reaches five-all; there is no tiebreaker). Matches are Every court tennis court has the best of three or five sets. an angled buttress on this The server has two areas in which to place the ball to win side of the hazard end a point. These are the winning gallery and the grille. The receiver has a large area, called the “dedans,” behind the Central net server, into which he or she can hit a clean winner. The net must be 5 ft (1.52 m) high at the sides and 3 ft (90 cm) high in the middle Players do not automatically lose a rally if the ball bounces twice in their half of the court. Instead, the score remains the Service line same, but the players change ends and replay the rally. The The serving player must be behind this player who originally failed to get to the ball then has to try and send a shot that bounces twice farther back from the net line when serving than the first missed shot. This part of the game is known as a “chase” if it results from the server’s failure to return the ball and a “hazard chase” if it stems from the receiver’s error. Measurement of distance is aided by the lines drawn 3 ft (90 cm) apart from side to side of the court. LOOKING FOR ANGLES Spin is a major feature of court tennis—because of it, some of the slowest shots can be the hardest to return. However, the main aim of the game is to produce forcing strokes off or into the court’s architectural features. A shot onto or off the tambour is often hard to reach because the ball rebounds off it unpredictably. Strokes played into the “nick” (the corner of the floor and the wall) and aggressive drives into the dedans, the winning gallery, or the grille are unreturnable, so these areas are often targeted by players. SOFT TENNIS GAME OVERVIEW Any racket you like This is a form of regular lawn tennis that can be The surface must be the same on both sides, but played on indoor or outdoor courts. What makes it apart from that, almost anything goes. Rackets can different is the soft, squishy ball, which means that be any shape or size, be made of any material, and the game is characterized by long rallies rather than weigh as much or as little as players want. The by powerhouse shots. strings are similarly unrestricted, as long as they do not make the ball fly off completely unpredictably NEED2KNOW RULE RÉSUMÉ Ball requirements Serves can be played either Should be made of rubber, filled with air, and be The game’s greatest strongholds are underarm or overarm; scoring 21⁄2 in (6.6 cm) in diameter. The International Soft in Japan and Taiwan, but its appeal is in games is the same as in Tennis Federation stipulates that the balls should spreading among people who have grown lawn tennis. Singles matches be “white in principle,” but in practice, they are tired of serve-and-volley “big gun” tennis. are the best of seven games, often yellow and sometimes red Due to its popularity in Asia, soft tennis while doubles are the best of has been an official sport at the Asian nine. Tiebreaks come into Games since 1994. operation at 3–3 and 4–4. Grunting is expressly forbidden!

TABLE NEED2KNOW TENNIS Table tennis became an Olympic event in 1988; the GAME OVERVIEW medal table has since been dominated by China. Also known as ping-pong, table tennis is a The ball may travel at speeds of more than 100 mph fast-moving and physically demanding racket (160 kph). sport. Players play as individuals or in pairs and Table tennis claims to be the most played racket sport, win points by hitting a lightweight ball over a net with 300 million players worldwide. It is particularly so that their opponents either cannot return it or popular in Asian countries such as China and Korea. are forced into an error. Most matches are short The game is so fast that, in 1973, a women’s rally and sharp, and the rules have ways of dealing produced 173 hits in only 60 seconds. with games that go on too long. 6 in (15.25 cm) PLAYER PROFILE 9 ft (2.75 m) Table tennis players need fast reactions, 5 ft (1.5 m) exceptional hand-eye coordination, and strong and flexible leg muscles. They need 2 ft 6 in (76 cm) to be able to move quickly over short distances and to change direction in an instant. They must take particular care of their shoulders, lower backs, and knees; these are the areas that are most commonly injured. Away from the table, players typically practice with jumping sessions, squats, short sprints, and at least three 20-minute runs per week. TABLE TERRAIN Leaving no trace Tables are made of Masonite or a similar A player’s shoes must manufactured hardwood and are layered have soles that do not with a smooth, low-friction coating. They mark the floor surface are usually dark green. The net should extend 6 in (15.25 cm) beyond the edge THAT WAY WE CAN ALL GO HOME of the table on both sides. The white THE FINAL OF THE 1936 SWAYTHLING CUP—THE MEN’S center line indicates where the service TEAM TABLE TENNIS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP—WAS must land in doubles: it should bounce in BETWEEN HUNGARY AND AUSTRIA, AND THE MATCH the right-hand courts of both server and DEVELOPED INTO A MARATHON THAT LASTED FOR THREE receiver. (In singles matches, it can land DAYS. IN ORDER TO PREVENT FURTHER STALEMATES, anywhere on the table.) WHICH RISKED KILLING THE GAME AS A SPECTATOR PLAYING A MATCH SPORT, THE LAWMAKERS BROUGHT IN WHAT IS KNOWN AS Matches are the best of five or seven games. Each game THE EXPEDITE RULE: IF A GAME GOES ON FOR LONGER is won by the first side to reach 11 points or, from 10–10, THAN 10 MINUTES, SERVERS THEN LOSE POINTS IF THEY two points. Play begins when one player serves the ball by CANNOT BEAT THEIR OPPONENTS IN LESS THAN 13 SHOTS throwing it up at least as high as the net and then striking it FOLLOWING EACH SERVICE. with the paddle. The ball must be thrown from an open palm to rule out finger spin. The ball must bounce twice—once on each side of the net—before being returned by the other player. Thereafter, in open play, the ball may bounce only once per shot, on the receiver’s side of the net. If the ball touches the net during service but then lands on the receiver’s side, a let is played, and the server serves again. A player serves for two points, after which it is the opponent’s turn. Players swap ends after each game.

TABLE MANNERS GETTING A GRIP ON IT RACKET SPORTS It is legal to hit the ball around the side of There are many ways of holding a table tennis paddle, but most grips fall into one the net to land on the opponent’s side. of two categories: the orthodox or shakehand grip and the penholder. There is also Volleying is not allowed—the ball has to a V-grip, in which the blade is held between the index and middle fingers. touch the table. A player who touches the playing surface with his or her free WOODEN PADDLE FRONT VIEW TABLE TENNIS hand during a rally loses the point. Also known as a bat or a BACK VIEW racket, the paddle has a In doubles matches, players strike blade that is made mainly the ball in turn—no one may make two of 5-ply wood. It may be consecutive shots. As a result, doubles any weight or size, and players must switch positions quickly so the shape may be square, that the next receiver is standing in front oval, or round. The rubber of the center line. That location gives the coverings on both sides player the best chance of hitting the ball, no must be no more than matter which side of the table it lands on. ⁄3 16 in (4 mm) thick. Lightweight clothing Rubber surface SHAKEHAND GRIP PENHOLDER GRIP Players wear polo shirts Table tennis is the This is the most natural, The handle is clasped only racket sport in and hence the most between thumb and and shorts or skirts which the front and popular, way of holding forefinger in the same back surfaces of the a table tennis paddle. way as holding a pen. Even lighter ball racket may be This is a sphere of different, and so suited to particular shots. white or orange celluloid filled with gas; SHOTS AND SPINS Strength of shot plays an important role in table tennis, but the key in the modern it has a diameter of game is spin. The ball is so light that almost anyone can make it rotate in the air 11⁄2 in (4 cm) and and therefore bounce in an unpredictable way on the receiver’s side; the skill is to conceal the amount and type of spin used. weighs ⁄1 10 oz (2.7 g) BACKSPIN Arc of stroke Straight net Backspin is applied by The shot is The net is tightened so that it hitting through and under the ball with the lower part played with a is the same height all the of the paddle angled ahead downward way across the table of the upper section. The slashing goal is to make the ball motion On the edge slow down and “die” A ball touching any part of (bounce as little as possible) the top of the table, including on contact with the table. the white edges, is “in” FOREHAND SMASH Top up This is one of the most The upper SPEED RESTRICTIONS devastating shots in any edge of One form of table tennis aims to slow the player’s armory, in which the racket game down. The “hardbat” game is seen as the ball is hit at high speed. is angled a return to classic table tennis. Sponge-faced In addition to adding forward bats are not permitted, making it harder to topspin, the player can spin the ball. Instead, players concentrate on conceal in which direction The lowdown ways to draw their opponents out of position the ball will travel by flicking Grounded heels before they can hit a winner. his or her wrist to direct the and bent knees ball across the table. help the player INSIDE STORY BACKHAND TOPSPIN keep the shot low The game was inspired by a 19th-century The basic technique is lawn tennis players who, in bad weather, the reverse of the backspin practiced indoors using cigar-box lids as shot: the paddle is slanted rackets, the rounded tops of champagne so that the top is farther corks as balls, and a row of books for a ahead of the player than net. This early game had a number of the bottom. Topspin stops names, including whiff-whaff. the ball from rising too high into the air. Instead, it dips INTERNATIONAL TABLE quickly onto the receiver’s TENNIS FEDERATION side and has a low bounce, This was founded in 1926 by Austria, England, making it harder to return. Germany, and Hungary. It now has 226 member associations.

BADMINTON GAME OVERVIEW What a racket THE COURT Badminton is a game for singles and Pro-level rackets The surface of a badminton court doubles. Players win points by hitting consists of a sprung, often plywood, a conical shuttlecock over a high net are made from floor beneath a vinyl covering or strips of so that it lands on the other side of carbon fiber treated hardwood. The surface is marked the court before the opposition can with lines that define the playing areas return it. The shuttlecock’s composite, which for both singles and doubles games. lightness and aerodynamic is stiff, strong, and The shuttle travels very fast but not very shape means that badminton light, weighing as far, so the playing area is compact and can be a game of great little as 2½ oz (75 g). suitable for venues with limited space. delicacy or sudden bursts Modern strings are of power featuring spectacular smashes. usually synthetic PLAYER PROFILE Light clothing A top badminton player covers Lightweight cotton shirts about 1 mile (1.6 km) per game, so and shorts or skirts keep strong thigh and calf muscles are essential. Sprinting is a key element the players cool of training. Another essential skill is All in the legs footwork: athletes practice sudden Covering the court and leaping changes of direction and sharp for high shots demands acceleration over short distances. powerful thigh muscles The shuttle moves through the air quite differently from a ball, so strokeplay is unlike that of any other racket sport. It can only be improved by playing the game. NEED2KNOW Supporting role Bandages are often worn After soccer, badminton is one of the to support the knees, which most popular participation sports in can jar as a player lands and the world. It is particularly popular in Malaysia and Indonesia. turns on the court With the shuttlecock traveling at up to 206 mph (330 kph), badminton is the Leave no trace fastest racket game in the world. Badminton players wear nonmarking rubber-soled shoes and almost always have socks to prevent blisters SIDELINES 13.5 The average number of shots per rally in a game of 16 The number of goose feathers on an Olympic shuttlecock. badminton. Tennis rallies are comparatively short, with an average 206 The highest recorded speed, in mph (332 kph), of a of 3.4 shots per rally. shuttlecock during a competitive match. 53 The percentage of badminton gold medals won by China— for men’s and women’s singles and doubles and mixed doubles— since the sport became an Olympic event in 1992.

AT YOUR SERVICE WHAT’S IN A NAME? RACKET SPORTS The server and receiver stand in diagonally opposite courts, as defined IN 1873, THE DUKE OF BEAUFORT BROUGHT by the central line. The service must be delivered underhand from THE INDIAN GAME OF POONA TO ENGLAND beneath the server’s waist, and the server must have part of both feet AND BEGAN TO PLAY IT ON HIS COUNTRY on the floor. Service alternates from the right and left halves of the court, ESTATE IN BADMINTON, GLOUCESTERSHIRE. beginning from the right in every game. Players change ends after each of the first two games and midway through the third game. Line judges Service judge Singles sideline Ten judges watch Watches to see that the serve The edge of the court is legal: the player’s feet must to see that the in the singles game shuttle is within be behind the baseline until the shuttle is struck, and the SingleDso:u1b7lefst :(52.018ftm(6).10 m) BADMINTON bounds or if it shuttle must then land in the touches the receiver’s service court floor following the serve or during play 6½ ft (1.98 m) 2½ ft (0.76 m) Center line This line dissects 44 ft (13.4 m) the court and marks the right and left service court Umpire Sits in a high chair overlooking the net Doubles sideline This lies parallel to the singles line and 18 in (46 cm) outside it THE NET The two uprights are always positioned on the doubles sidelines, even when singles matches are being played. Players are not allowed to touch the net with any part of their bodies or rackets. Court baseline Doubles service line Short service line 5 ft 1 in (1.55 m) The court baseline is also the Serves in doubles games If a serve lands short of 20 ft (6.1 m) long service line for singles must be aimed to this line, the server or games. The shuttle is “in” land short of here serving team lose the point if it lands on the line COURTLY CONDUCT SHUTTLE AND RACKET Matches are the best of three games. If the server wins Shuttlecocks used in competitions weigh around ¼ oz a rally, he or she scores a point and serves again from the (5 g), have 16 goose feathers in a cork base, and are other service court. If the serving player or side loses the rally, notoriously fragile: top players often get through 10 in the opposing player or team scores a point. (This differs from the course of a match. By contrast, rackets are strong the old system, changed in 2006, where players could only and designed to transfer the maximum energy from win a point on their own serve.) The service then passes to the player to the shuttle, giving it greater speed and the next player in turn, who in singles would be the opponent distance in flight. but in doubles could be either the server’s partner or, if both players have served, would be one of the opposing players. MAKING CONTACT 21(6⁄24––237⁄04 imn m) 25 ⁄8 In badminton, 21 points win a game unless the score The rounded base of the (68 reaches 20–20. In that case, the first player or team to shuttle makes contact gain a two-point advantage wins. If the score reaches with the stringed surface imnm) 29–29, the winner is the first player or team to get 30. of the racket. The racket is cross-stringed and (12i5nmm) SCORING POINTS identical on both faces. A point is won by hitting the shuttle over the net so that it lands on the court before the opponent can return it or so that the opponent makes Max 112⁄5 in (29 cm) an error in returning it. Max 9 in (23 cm) A point is lost if the shuttle is hit into or under the net, if it lands outside the opponent’s court, if the shuttle touches a player or his or Max 26¾ in (68 cm) her clothing, or if a player hits the shuttle before it crosses the net.

SUBTLETY AND STRENGTH CENTRAL PLAY Shots range from drops over the net to high lobs and The best tactical position is near the center line in the middle of the unreturnable smashes. Players use disguise or power to get court, from where players can get to any shot. Players return here their opponent out of position and create an opening. Once between shots, sometimes playing high lobs to give them time to a serve has been played from behind the short service line, return to the central position. other shots are made from anywhere on the court or surrounds. Open face The racket faces up to hit the shuttle at a high trajectory Waist height The shuttlecock must be played below the server’s waist SERVE UNDERARM CLEAR The arm must remain below shoulder height and both feet must be This high lob, played powerfully off the forehand, aims to pass above on the ground throughout the stroke. Overarm “tennis-style” serves the opponent and drop steeply inside the back of the court for a are illegal—the racket must remain beneath the server’s wrist. winning shot. Clears can also be played off the backhand. Rotation Timing Power in a backhand shot comes A key to the smash is timing a from rotating the shoulder jump to play the shuttlecock at maximum possible height BACKHAND SMASH Backhand strokes tend to be less powerful than shots played off a Badminton’s most spectacular stroke is a powerful smash that player’s forehand side, so they are often defensive shots to move drives the shuttle steeply down into the opponent’s court. It is an opponent out of position. Cross-court drives or drop shots, often played with one or both feet off the ground to get a better however, can be winners if they catch an opponent unawares. angle above the net. INSIDE STORY MOST ALL-ENGLAND BADMINTON SINGLES TITLES First held in 1977, the World Badminton Championships became an annual event in 2006. The All-England PLAYER (COUNTRY) M/F YEARS WINS Championships date from 1899; this prestigious event JUDY HASHMAN (NÉE DEVLIN) (USA) F 1954–1967 10 is widely seen as the unofficial world championship. RUDY HARTONO (INA) M 1968–1976 8 ERLAND KOPS (DEN) M 1958–1967 7 GOVERNING BODY MERIEL LUCAS (GBR) F 1902–1910 6 Founded as the International Badminton FRANK DEVLIN (IRE) M 1925–1931 6 Federation in 1934, the Badminton World Federation now has 176 members and organizes LIN DAN (CHN) M 2004–2016 6 six major competitions around the world. After ETHEL B THOMSON (GBR) F 1900–1910 5 more than 70 years in England, the headquarters moved to Malaysia in 2005. F. G. BARRETT (GBR) F 1926–1931 5 RALPH NICHOLLS (GBR) M 1932–1938 5 SUSI SUSANTI (INA) F 1990–1994 4

JIANZI NEED2KNOW RACKET SPORTS GAME OVERVIEW Jianzi is also known as Chinese JIANZI Jianzi, or shuttlecock, is played indoors Hacky Sack, Chapteh, Kinja, and outdoors by individuals, pairs, or Jianzi wear Shuttlecock, or Featherball. teams of men and women who propel The normal gear is The first known version of jianzi a jianzi or chapteh (shuttle) to each lightweight (usually originated in the 5th century bce other using any part of their body but cotton) shirts and in China. The game is believed to their arms or hands. Points are won shorts or skirts in have evolved from an ancient for successful passes and lost for military exercise. letting the shuttle touch the ground. uniform color or colors if the match Flying feather ANY AREA is between two or The jianzi or chapteh is Some forms of jianzi are played on badminton made from feathers that courts, and competitors have to get the chapteh more teams are attached to a plastic over the net every time they play it. In other versions, Sensitive there is a line instead of a net. It is also possible to footwear or rubber disc base play without a defined playing area. Such casual Players wear games, which resemble hacky sack, are a familiar flat-soled shoes PLAYER PROFILE sight in parks in many Asian countries, where they with very thin uppers Excellence at jianzi requires the are a popular form of exercise for all ages. so they can “feel” skills of a juggler—with the feet. TEAM GAME the chapteh High levels of coordination as In individual matches, players may have two well as muscular and aerobic successive hits of the chapteh. In the team game, fitness are essential, as is the each side has a total of four hits. Teams may contain ability to make long stretches. any number of players but usually have six, of whom Top-grade players work out with three are on the court at any one time; the others are weights and do circuit training substitutes. The winning score is usually 21 points. and flexibility exercises as a FANCY FOOTWORK matter of routine. But jianzi Players can do anything with the chapteh except touch it gameplay can only really be with their hands or arms, but in matches, they mainly use improved by hours of practice their feet. A player usually takes a first touch to bring the or actual competition—not even shuttle under control and a second to pass to a teammate a badminton shuttlecock has the or hit it back over the net. They most often use their insteps same shape and aerodynamic but might also flick the shuttle up with the tops of their toes or peculiarities of the chapteh. slam it over the net with the sole of the foot in a “snake kick.” Receivers sometimes block the chapteh at the net with their chest, INSIDE STORY playing it down onto the floor on the opponent’s side to win a point. Originally from ancient China, jianzi has spread across the Feather ball Joint strength world. The leading playing In Europe, players Many people use nations are China and Vietnam, may use a badminton jianzi for improving but the sport is growing in shuttlecock rather aerobic fitness Europe, especially Finland, than a chapteh and flexibility France, Germany, Greece, LEOPARD HEAD SITTING TIGER Hungary, the Netherlands, The first touch is very Playing the chapteh with Romania, and Serbia. important. When the the instep requires great chapteh drops from flexibility and balance. GOVERNING BODY a height, players may Players practice repeatedly Taking the anglicized name for the use a knee to knock it knocking the chapteh up sport, the International Shuttlecock into the air—a move with first one foot and Federation (ISF) was founded in known as the leopard then the other—a basic 1999 in Vietnam and now has 19 head—to get the right technique that underlies members. The ISF staged the first height for a kicked return. much match play. world championships in Hungary in 2000, where Vietnam took most of the medals. The Shuttlecock Federation of Europe was founded in 2003, and the first European Cup was contested that year in Germany.

Color-coded ball PLAYER PROFILE Squash balls are Squash players need good hand-eye available in a variety coordination and high levels of fitness. Strong, of speeds, indicated healthy knees are essential for sudden stops by a small colored dot and changes of direction. Squash is good for Loose-fitting shirt cardiovascular exercise but is notoriously A loose-fitting, hazardous for players with a heart condition. lightweight cotton shirt (which can be Eye guards of any color) is worn Lightweight glasses Cotton shorts Players wear or goggles are lightweight cotton recommended to protect shorts, similar to those players’ eyes from injury worn by tennis players Quality socks Open-collared shirt It is important to wear a pair For greater freedom of of good-quality, well-fitting movement on the court, socks to prevent rubbing players often wear an and blisters open-necked shirt Lightweight racket Advanced players prefer lightweight rackets that allow them to “feel” each shot Squash shoes Specially designed squash shoes have heels and grips that aid performance, help protect against injury, and don’t leave any marks on the court NEED2KNOW SQUASH Squash—or squash rackets, as GAME OVERVIEW it was originally known—was Squash is normally a game for two players, although doubles matches are first played at Harrow School, played on larger courts. Matches are the best of three or, at international England, in the early 1800s level, five games. A player wins a game by being the first to score either and derived from an earlier nine points or 11 points, depending on which scoring system—points or game called rackets. rally—is being played. Opponents take turns hitting the ball, which may Squash is played in more touch the ground only once between each stroke. The ball may hit the than 185 nations. There are side and back walls below the out lines and must bounce off the front approximately 50,000 courts wall above a metal strip known as the tin. Because of the small size of worldwide, and at the start of the squash court, players often get in each other’s way during matches— the 21st century, their number collisions can happen, and lets are commonplace. was increasing by 2,000 a year. Most of the big names in squash have come from relatively few countries: Egypt, Pakistan, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, France, and Malaysia.

SIDELINES 176 The speed, in mph (281.6 kph), 2,666 The highest number of RACKET SPORTS strokes recorded in a single squash rally. 17 The number of times Jahangir of the highest recorded speed of the ball off The exchange—which took place in 2004 in the racket. It was achieved by the Australian Jersey, Channel Islands, Great Britain—was Khan of Pakistan beat the same opponent— Cameron Pilley in 2014. a deliberate bid for a world record rather Australian Chris Dittmar—in the finals of than part of a competitive game. It ended major world squash tournaments. The run 700–1 000, The number of when the players reached the previously began in 1987 and Khan, who retired in agreed 60-minute time limit. There was no 2001, is regarded as one of the greatest calories a player can expend during a game winner, and they could have played on…. squash players of all time. of squash, which is one of the healthiest sports. COURT PROCEDURE PREMATCH PREPARATIONS SQUASH The diagram below shows the standard dimensions for a singles squash Before any match, the players warm up themselves court. At the highest level, clear-sided courts are used to allow for better and—just as importantly—the ball for five minutes by TV broadcasting. The ball may be bounced off any of the walls below the stroking the ball to each other. The players swap sides out-of-court lines, including the back wall. The tin is marked with a metal after exactly two and a half minutes. If there is a referee, strip; the noise made when a ball hits it tells the players (and officials, he or she will call “half-time” and then “time” when if there are any) that the shot is not “up.” the full five minutes have elapsed. The referee carefully observes the warm-up session and may intervene if Service boxes Service Side-wall line he or she decides that one player is denying the other Players may start Service may Balls must not hit adequate practice by dominating the court. from either service be overarm, as the wall above box, after which in tennis, or this line the serves are underarm, which taken from is more common Cut line Out-of-court line alternate boxes The service must hit the Balls must hit the front wall above this line front wall below this line 9 ft (2.7 m) 5 ft 2 in (1.6 m) 15 ft (14.57 m) 21 ft (6.4 m) Tin During a rally, every stroke must hit the front wall above this line; the area below it is made of metal 5 ft 2 in (1.6 m) 5 ft 2 in (1.6 m) 7 in (5.4 m) Short line The service must rebound beyond this 17 ft line on the opponent’s side of the court Half-court line The rear of the court is divided into left and right halves by the half-court line. The “T” is where the half-court line meets the short line Court flooring May be of any material but must be hard, smooth, and capable of absorbing small amounts of moisture without becoming slippery. It must also have limited spring and give a firm footing. It is typically made of parallel hardwood planks

KEY EQUIPMENT 8½ in (21.5 cm) Most squash rackets are made of graphite with the addition of a small amount of another material, Frame depth BALL SPEED such as Kevlar or titanium, which makes them stiff, The frame can measure A colored dot indicates the light, strong, and powerful. String tension is an level of bounce and speed of important factor in producing a good on-court between ¼ in (7 mm) a squash ball. The standard performance. Generally, harder hitters have their and 1 in (26 mm) competition ball is the yellow. rackets strung more tightly than lighter hitters. String width, or gauge, can also vary. Thin strings Strung area Double yellow—extra are more powerful than thick strings, since they Measures a maximum super slow stretch more and launch the ball farther. Beginners Yellow—super slow should use a fast ball with plenty of bounce, while of 77½ sq in Green or white—slow professional players use much slower balls. (500 sq cm) Red—medium Racket grip Blue—fast EYE PROTECTION Grips can be made of During rallies, squash players risk being hit by their 27 in (68.6 cm) toweling, leather, or RUBBER BALL opponent’s racket or the ball; many facial injuries are synthetic materials The ball is formed of two hollow sustained in this way. The World Squash Federation RACKET hemispheres of rubber compound recommends that all players wear appropriate eye Originally made of glued together. guards at every level of the game. Eye protection is laminated wood, modern essential if a player has a history of medical problems rackets are made of Hollow ball with their eyes or has had surgery. Few professionals graphite and have two Air inside the wear eye protection, however, although eye guards are layers of synthetic string ball expands as now required in the doubles game and for juniors. woven in a uniform pattern. it warms up, The strings may be animal increasing the gut (which can add more level of bounce spin to a shot) but are more commonly made of nylon. 1½ in (4 cm) A racket should weigh no more than 9 oz (225 g). SERVING USING THE WALLS The right to serve first is determined by a “racket During a rally, the striker may play off one or more of the three walls to spin.” The server continues to serve until he or she deceive the opponent through rapid changes of angle or to draw them to loses a rally, after which the opponent takes service the forecourt. With the opponent in a weak position at the front, the attacker and the procedure continues. Part of the server’s may try to win the point with a hard drive into the vacant back court. foot must be completely inside the service box (not Alternatively, a ball played to hug the wall is extremely awkward to return. touching the box lines) and in contact with the floor when the ball is put in to play. The ball must hit the STRAIGHT DRIVE Down the wall front wall between the cut line and the out-of-court The straight drive or The ball is played line and then bounce on the floor in the opposite “rail” is one of the most tight to the side wall, half of the court beyond the short line. If a serve effective shots in the making it difficult fails to satisfy these criteria, service immediately game. The first bounce to return passes to the other player. should land on the front wall above the service Back corner At the start of each game or after service has line, followed by a The ball should passed to an opponent, the server may begin play second bounce off the bounce off the back from either service box. Serves then alternate back wall near the floor. wall and drop into between the two boxes, regardless of which player If left, the ball will drop is serving, except when a let has been called, in into the “nick” between the “nick” which case the ball is hit back into play from the the back wall and same box as the previous serve. If the players are the floor—virtually unsure of which box to serve from, the marker (the impossible to retrieve. referee’s assistant) announces the correct box. A good drive has length (to reach the back court) and is tight to the wall. RALLYING FORECOURT SHOT High drive Alternate players must hit the ball against the front Squash players aim to A hard drive is wall between the out-of-court line and the tin. It may draw their opponents played high onto be deflected off any of the other three walls, but it away from the “T” at the the side wall near may hit the floor only once per stroke. The ceiling of center of the court, the the corner the court is out of bounds. most advantageous position. In this diagram, Front of court DOMINATING THE “T” for example, a drive The ball loses most of A game of squash revolves around the “T,” the point played high onto the its power and drops where the half-court line and the short line meet. side wall near the corner into the forecourt The player who dominates the “T” also dominates loses most of its power the game, since they are in the best possible position on making contact with to place winning shots and are perfectly balanced to the wall, falls onto the go in any direction to return their opponent’s shots. front wall, and then drops away into the forecourt. The chasing player has to run and fetch to keep the rally alive.

SCORING SYSTEM STAT CENTRAL RACKET SPORTS Points are won at the end of a rally of “good” balls, which occurs either when one player fails to return the opponent’s shot or plays a “bad” ball. A good ball is one MEN’S WORLD OPEN CHAMPIONS that reaches the front wall below the out line and above the tin before touching the floor. Bad balls include those that bounce twice on the floor, hit the tin, or hit the YEAR PLAYER (COUNTRY) wall above the out-of-court lines. 2018 ALI FARAG (EGY) 2017 MOHAMED EL SHORBAGY (EGY) POINT-A-RALLY (PARS) SYSTEM PLAYING A LET 2016 KARIM ABDEL GAWAD (EGY) SQUASH A let is played when one player 2015 GRÉGORY GAULTIER (FRA) In the point-a-rally or PARS system, either the obstructs another during a 2014 RAMY ASHOUR (EGY) server or receiver may score a point at the end rally. If the striker hits their 2013 NICK MATTHEW (ENG) of each rally. The winner of each game is the first opponent with the ball before 2012 RAMY ASHOUR (EGY) to 11 points. However, when the score reaches it reaches the front wall, or 10-all, the game must be won by two clear the striker’s racket hits the 2011 NICK MATTHEW (ENG) points. The rally system is used in international opponent, play is paused, and and doubles matches, and also in the men’s the referee decides whether WOMEN’S WORLD OPEN CHAMPIONS professional singles tour. the ball would have been good. If the referee decides YEAR PLAYER (COUNTRY) POINT SYSTEM it would have been good, or 2018 NOUR EL SHERBINI (EGY) if the opponent deliberately 2017 RANEEM EL WELEILY (EGY) Only the server can score in the point system, and intercepted the ball, the stroke 2016 NOUR EL SHERBINI (EGY) the winner of each game is normally the first player is awarded to the striker. If the 2015 NOUR EL SHERBINI (EGY) to reach nine points. An exception is made when ball would not have been good, 2014 NICOL DAVID (MYS) the score reaches eight-all for the first time. In this the stroke is awarded to the 2013 LAURA MASSARO (ENG) situation, the receiver may choose to continue that player who was hit. 2012 NICOL DAVID (MYS) game to nine or 10 points. The former is known as “set one”; the latter is called “set two.” OFFENSIVE DEFENSIVE MEN’S BRITISH OPEN CHAMPIONS SHOTS SHOTS The volley (hitting the ball before The drop shot, which can be played YEAR PLAYER (COUNTRY) it bounces on the floor) is a key from anywhere on the court, will force 2018 MIGUEL ÁNGEL RODRÍGUEZ (COL) attacking shot that allows a player an opponent that is dominating the 2017 GRÉGORY GAULTIER (FRA) to interrupt the rhythm of play. A lob “T” out of position. The “boast” (a shot 2016 MOHAMED EL SHORBAGY (EGY) that sails over an opponent’s head played with pace against a side wall 2015 MOHAMED EL SHORBAGY (EGY) and drops into the back corner is first) may be necessary to retrieve a 2014 GRÉGORY GAULTIER (FRA) an equally effective offensive shot. ball played into the back corner. 2013 RAMY ASHOUR (EGY) 2012 NICK MATTHEW (ENG) FOREHAND GROUND STROKE The forehand is a versatile stroke that is vital for both offensive and WOMEN’S BRITISH OPEN CHAMPIONS defensive play. The stroke allows a player to hit both hard drives and delicate drop shots with accuracy. Backswing Strike Follow- YEAR PLAYER (COUNTRY) Keeping the Swinging through racket back the racket A proper 2018 NOUR EL SHERBINI (EGY) and the arm through a follow-through 2017 LAURA MASSARO (ENG) high on the smooth curve means the 2016 NOUR EL SHERBINI (EGY) backswing helps ensure player is in 2015 CAMILLE SERME adds power the shot is control of the 2014 NICOL DAVID (MYS) to the shot accurate ball throughout 2013 LAURA MASSARO (ENG) the shot 2012 NICOL DAVID (MYS) 2011 NO COMPETITION INSIDE STORY GOVERNING BODY AND KHAN TAKES IT… Squash has its origins in the UK, and the British The World Squash Federation (WSF) BETWEEN 1951 AND 1997, THE Open Championships was one of the first major has more than 145 member nations. WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WAS WON squash tournaments. Prior to the creation of the It organizes the sport’s world 30 TIMES BY PLAYERS FROM A World Open, it was effectively considered to be the championships for men, women, SINGLE VILLAGE IN PAKISTAN. THE world championships. The first women’s contest boys, girls, and masters (over 35s) VICTORS WERE NOT ALL RELATED, was held in 1922, and the men’s in 1930. It is still at individual and team levels in both BUT THEY WERE ALL NAMED KHAN: regarded highly by many on the circuit despite its singles and doubles. The men’s AZAM, HASHIM, JAHANGIR, JANSHER, lower prize money. The World Open Championships professional game is governed by MOHIBULLAH, AND ROSHAN. have been held since the 1970s, and are played the Professional Squash Association annually by the world’s best men and women. (PSA) and the women’s by the Women’s International Squash Players Association (WISPA).

NEED2KNOW RACQUETBALL Most sports evolve, GAME OVERVIEW but racquetball was Racquetball is a fast game played on indoor or outdoor courts by two, three, or invented in 1950 by four players. It is a combination of handball and squash with several exciting Joe Sobek, an American features that are all its own. At the start of the 21st century, there were 8.5 handball player who million racquetball players worldwide. was dissatisfied with the range of indoor Arm extension IN PLAY games then available. Small and secured to the wrist, the Players take turns hitting a ball against Racquetball caught on racket feels much more a part of a wall. Points are scored only by the fast because it could be the player’s body than the equipment server, and only if they serve an ace played on the handball used in many other racket games or win a rally. A rally is won when the courts that already opposition is unable to prevent the ball existed in most US high Bouncy rubber from hitting the floor twice, or when they schools and colleges. Match balls are made of cannot return it so that it touches the Confusingly, racketball rubber, are 2¼ in (5.7 cm) front wall before it touches the floor. is not just an alternative spelling—it’s a completely in diameter, and weigh The server must stand in the service different game played about 1½ oz (40 g) zone, bounce the ball on the floor once, on a squash court with and then hit it directly onto the front a smaller and less Light and absorbent wall, making it rebound and touch bouncy ball. Polo or T-shirts and shorts or the floor beyond the short line without touching a side wall. In rallies, the ball skirts; given the heat of the may hit the side walls or the roof, as long indoor court and the strenuous as it also hits the front wall and bounces only once between opponents’ strokes. nature of the game, it is THE GEAR important that the clothing The racket and ball are similar to those used in squash, but larger. The game is is light and breathable fast-paced and furious, and players Padded support often wear protective safety goggles. Often worn to support LIGHT FRAME the knee joints, which Modern rackets are often constructed with a light graphite-titanium have to withstand composite frame and weigh only great pressure during about 6 ½ oz (184 g). groundstrokes 10 in (25 cm) PLAYER Wide frame Up to 22 in (56 cm) PROFILE Racket For top players, a strong frames are heart and physical fitness a distinctive are vital to sustain the shape: wide necessary stamina and at the end speed across the court. and tapered One of the main reasons for toward the the popularity of racquetball handle is that almost anyone can High tension play it, and the nature of Strings are usually the sport means it is a made of plastic; good way of staying fit. tension may be altered according to individual preference Nonmarking Wrist strap The sneakers worn Worn to prevent the are similar to those racket from flying out used in other court of players’ hands sports; they must not mark the surface