How to Play Basketball

The game of basketball was invented over a hundred and twenty years ago by Dr. James Naismith, who was a physical trainer at a YMCA center in the United States. It was raining outside, and he did not want his gym class to sit idle. So after a few thoughts and ideas, he came up with the game of basketball. Although the game has undergone a lot of changes over time, the fundamentals of how to play basketball still remain the same. Before we talk some more about this game, let us have a look at some images, which will tell us more about the equipment used and the type of shots that are played. 

Basketball Equipment 

To start playing the game, we need to first gather the equipment. This should be very easy as the game only requires a ball and two hoops perched at a height of ten feet at the opposite ends of a court. It is also a good idea to wear proper basketball shoes, and not any jogging pair while playing. A nice team jersey can be worn when you get better at playing and are part of your school or college team. 

Basketball Court 

Basketball can be played outdoors too, but the norm is to play on an indoor court on a maple-wooded highly polished floor. The size of the court varies according to the level of competition. For school games, the court size is usually 74' × 42'. High school games are mostly played on a court size of 84' × 50'. Games played according to the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) rules are played on a court that measures 91' 10.4" × 49' 2.6". As far as the NBA is concerned, the court size is 94' × 50'. The height of the rim of the basket is 10'. 

Basketball Rules 

Next, we need to set the teams. There are two teams with 5 players per team. The object of the game, very obviously, is to score baskets. As for the length of the game, the famous National Basketball Association (NBA) teams play a 48-minute game with four 12-minute sessions. The length can vary based on the type of tournament and organization. 

The game starts with a jump ball. A jump is when one person from each team goes in the center of the court and jumps to tip the ball to their teammates after the referee throws the ball straight up. The goal here is to direct the ball towards your team. Each goal or 'basket' is worth 2 points. However, if a basket is scored from outside the 3-point line, that is the arc-shaped line outside the free throw line, then the basket is worth 3 points. The 3-pointer distance from the basket is 23.75' in the middle of the court, and it gradually decreases to 22' at the sides. 4' around the basket is the restricted area arc where a defending player cannot force an offensive foul. The free throw line is at a distance of 15' from the backboard. A free throw that results in a basket is worth 1 point. 

The game of basketball consists of offense and defense. When the ball is present with a player of your team, then all the team members of your team are on the offense. The goal here is to score points by shooting the ball into the defending team's basket. Similarly, when the ball is present with the opponent team, then all the team members of your team are on the defense. The goal here is to stop the other team from shooting the ball into your team's basket, and also to steal the ball from them so you can again attack and score. 

While on the offense, you can pass on the ball either via dribble or passing. Bouncing the ball continuously and moving forward simultaneously is known as dribbling. It is important to remember here that once you have dribbled the ball past the mid court, you cannot go back into your own half. A pass can be used to advance your offense. Most passes are accompanied by a step forward to increase power and are followed through with the hands to ensure accuracy. 

A dribble ends when you stop and hold the ball. If you hold the ball for more than five seconds, then you incur a penalty as well as lose possession of the ball. An attempt to unfairly disadvantage an opponent through physical contact is illegal and is called a foul. For all types of competition worldwide and even in the US, you are allowed four personal fouls per game. On committing a 5th, you have to sit out and be substituted by another player who has less fouls to his name. The NBA though, allows 5 personal fouls, and a player needs to sit out on committing a 6th. On offense, you cannot remain in the "key" (area designated underneath and directly in front of basket) for more than 3 seconds. If there is a 3-second violation, there will be a subsequent change of possession.

Official Basketball Size

It is important to know the game that you want to thoroughly pursue. Ever wondered what is the size of the basketball, which some of you might be adoring a lot? However inconsequential it might appear to be, it is essential to know this fact. The official measurements and league regulations for a basketball include its circumference, inflation pressure, and weight. In a few cases, the material or manufacturer may also be mentioned. 

Sizes and Specifications 

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) - Women 

For a women's match, the NCAA states that the basketball used is of size 6. It has a circumference ranging between 28.5 and 29 inches, and weighs between 18 and 20 oz. When dropped from 6 feet, the bounce height should be between 51 and 56 inches. 

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) - Men 

The requirements of this association are not as stringent as compared to the National Basketball League (NBA) or International Basketball Federation (FIBA). A size 7 ball is the standard for men's tournaments. The circumference measures between 29.5 and 30 inches, and the ball has a weight in the range of 20 and 22 oz. Ultimately, there has to be a bounce 49 to 54 inches in height, if it is dropped from 6 feet. National Basketball League To begin with, the NBA basketball is produced by Spalding, and the official size for men's tournaments has to be 29.5 inches in circumference. With a weight of 22 oz., the ball can be inflated with a pressure range of 7.5 to 8.5 psi. These balls are made up of orange leather having black lettering, and are of size 7. For the women, the size is a little different. Again, mostly made by Spalding, the ball for women's NBA is smaller (size 6). The circumference ranges between 28.5 and 29 inches, and it weighs between 18 and 20 oz. It can be further inflated till a maximum pressure of 9 psi. The ball is made up of alternating orange and white leather patterns. 

International Basketball Federation (FIBA) 

The rules are very strict as far as FIBA is concerned about the ball used in its games. It has to be a size 7, and the name of the manufacturer and the serial number should be present on it. The circumference is 30.7 inches, and the weight is between 567 and 650 gm. When dropped from a height of 70.8 inches, the ball should bounce to a minimum height of 51.2 inches. These FIBA approved balls have to pass a series of stringent tests (For example, heat test and valve test). Official basketball height is not a plausible dimension, and hence, it is not standard anywhere. 

Juniors and Youngsters 

 For the juniors, the NBA recommendations are basketballs of circumference of 27.75 inches, which is size 5, and weighing around 18 oz. For children who are still younger below the age of 7, it is suggested to use a ball with a circumference of 22 inches, and weight around 8 oz. 

Facts about Basketball

The origin of basketball can be traced back to the year 1891. Dr. James Naismith founded this sport. Basketball came into existence as a result of his efforts to find some indoor recreational activity for children in general. Thus, Dr. Naismith became the first coach of this sport, and went on to specialize in sports physiology. The National Basketball Association (NBA) is one of the major basketball leagues, of which USA and Canada are the member nations. 

Basic Basketball Facts 

In the game of basketball, the primary objective is to score points by shooting the ball in the opponent's basket. The basket is placed at a height of 10 feet. There are 5 players each in both teams. Points are scored by shooting the ball in the basket; dribbling helps players to advance towards the opponent's basket. Passing is also one of the important moves in basketball because it helps cover the distance quickly. The rules and regulations of basketball discourage players from making unfair moves. The total duration of a basketball game played at the international level is divided in quarters of 10 minutes. In the NBA League, the quarters last for 12 minutes. 

Dimensions of Basketball Court 

• Size of the basketball court for international games is 28 m x 15 m. It is 28.65 m x 15.24 m for NBA League matches. 
• Diameter of the circle at the center is 3.6 m and 3.66 m for FIBA and NBA respectively. 
• Height of basketball rim is the same for NBA and international matches; the height is 3.05 m. 
• Radius of the restricted arc (not shown in the adjoining image) for NBA and FIBA games is 1.22 m and 1.25 m respectively; radius of the restricted arc is measured from the center of the basket. The circle is marked on the court, directly beneath and around the basket. 
• Distance between the 3-point line (represented by two large arcs in the image) and basket for NBA and FIBA games is 7.24 m and 6.75 m respectively. The distance between basket and the 3-point line at the corner is smaller; it is 6.70 m and 6.60 m for NBA and FIBA respectively. 
• Diameter of the free-throw circle (shown near the basket in the image) is 3.60 m. 

Basketball Positions 

The basketball positions listed below have been named after 1980 and they are as follows: 

• Point guard 
• Shooting guard 
• Small forward 
• Power forward 
• Center 

The tallest player in the team is reserved for the 'center' position. Players at the 'Shooting Guard' and 'Point Guard' positions are the shortest of all. Rest of the players play at 'Small Forward' and 'Power Forward' positions. 

Did You Know? 

Wilt Chamberlain is the only player to have scored 100 points in an NBA match. 

Interesting Facts about Basketball 

The game of basketball has changed a lot over the years. These changes have enriched the game and helped in making it better. Here are some of the interesting basketball facts one would enjoy reading. 

First Game of Basketball 

The first ever game of basketball was played on 20th January, 1892. The court used for this game was half the size of courts used in today's NBA League games. Only one point was scored in the whole match. Nine players each from both teams participated in this game. 

Basketball Soars to Popularity 

People from different regions of America flocked to the YMCA Training school to obtain basketball training. Thus, YMCA Training School is the place where basketball originated. In a short span of time, it became a popular sport in USA and Canada. 

College Basketball 

In the first ever inter-college basketball match, the School of Agriculture from University of Minnesota defeated the Hamline School from Hamline University. 

Women's Basketball 

Women's basketball started in 1892 at the Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. Senda Berenson who received basketball coaching from Dr. James Naismith suggested a few changes to the rules of the game to make it more suited for women. The first women's intercollegiate match was held on 21st March, 1893 between the Berenson's freshmen and sophomores. 

Basketball in High School 

In USA, basketball has been a popular sport from the time of its inception. School basketball was the most popular sporting activity before national level matches were telecast on TV. 

Introduction of the New Ball 

Earlier, the soccer ball was used for playing basketball. It was only in 1929 that a ball specially made for basketball was introduced. 

Basketball Goes International 

In 1932, the International Basketball Federation was formed through the joint efforts of Italy, Greece, Argentina, Portugal, Czechoslovakia, Latvia, Romania, and Switzerland. The acronym of International Basketball Federation is FIBA; it is derived from the French Fédération Internationale de Basketball Amateur. Basketball was introduced in the Berlin Olympics (1936). 

National Basketball Association (NBA) 

The entry of National Basketball Association in the world of American and Canadian basketball had a huge impact on the manner in which this game was played. Popularity of basketball kept rising thereafter. The NBA league has produced some of the greatest players like Michael Jordan. 

Today, NBA is the best league in terms of talent, money offered to players, and popularity. Started in 1946, the NBA was earlier known as the Basketball Association of America (BAA). 

Brown and Orange Balls 

Earlier, basketballs were brown in color. However, the brown color hampered visibility. Tony Hinkle initiated the search for a new color for the basketball in the 1950s. The orange color was finally chosen. 

Michael Jordan 

He is a legend in the world of basketball. A highly gifted player, Michael Jordan has led the US team in Olympics that won gold medals in 1984 and 1992. Michael Jordan displayed great mental strength and resilience to make a spirited comeback to the NBA league. His total career score is 32,292. The record score of 5,987 (in playoffs) set by Michael Jordan is unbroken in the NBA. 

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 

He holds the record for the highest score of 38,387 career points in the history of NBA. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) title a record 6 times. He also won the NBA championship 6 times. In his career that spanned between 1969 and 1989, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers. 

Backboard was Added 

The reason why the backboard was added to the basket is quite interesting. The audience who watched the game from the balcony used to interfere by intercepting the ball with the hand. Incorporating the backboard behind the basket prevented any such interference by the audience. 

Variations of Basketball 

The game of basketball is played in many different forms. Some of the variants of basketball are as follows: beach basketball, water basketball, wheelchair basketball, unicycle basketball, streetball, slamball, and dunk hoops. 

Basketball at Olympics 

The United States won the basketball gold medal at the London Olympics (in 2012). They beat Spain 107-100 in the gold-medal match. USA has dominated the basketball event ever since 1936 - when basketball was introduced in the Olympics. USA has won all the gold medals in the history of Olympics except for the 4 that were won by the Soviet Union (Munich Olympics, 1972 and Seoul Olympics, 1988), Yugoslavia (Moscow Olympics, 1980) and Argentina (Athens Olympics, 2004). 

Tallest Basketball Players 

Paul Sturgess of the United Kingdom is the tallest professional basketball player with a height of 2.32 meters (7 feet, 7.26 inches). Gheorghe Muresan (Romania) and Manute Bol (Sudan) are the tallest players in the history of NBA. Both of them have the same height i.e. 2.31 meters (7 feet, 7 inches). 

The game of basketball underwent many changes after its inception in 1891. The tricks like shooting, dribbling and passing evolved in due course of time. Originally restricted to few countries, basketball has now become a popular sport the world over.

Tennis Equipment

Tennis is a ball game, which can be played by two people or even four. When played between two people it is called "singles" and when played by four people (two people in each team), it is called "doubles". To hit the ball each player has a racquet (racket) and there is a net in between the two teams in the middle of the court. Tennis can be classified as an indoor as well as an outdoor game. It is one of the most popular games in the world and the players of this game are nothing less than celebrities. Their fan following can be a matter of envy for the cine stars as well. Tennis was initially played by the aristocrats and was called court tennis in the USA; in France it is called Jeu de Paume and in Australia it is called Royal Tennis. In Great Britain it was called Real Tennis and the modern Lawn Tennis is derived from the same. 

The court plays a significant role in the whole game. It is rectangular in shape and it is divided into two equal halves by the net that lies in the middle of the court. The length varies with the number of players playing, for singles 'it is thinner than in doubles. To be precise the court is 23.77 m long and 8.23 m wide for singles matches, and 10.97m wide for doubles matches. Additional space is provided for the players to access overrun balls. 

Tennis courts are of three types: 

• Clay 
• Hard 
• Grass 
• Suspended 
• Indoor 

Clay courts can be of two types: 

• Red clay 
• Green clay 

Red clay courts are made of compressed brick particles and are covered with a layer of loose particles. This kind of court is common in Europe and South America. The French Open is played on a red clay court. The other kind is a green clay court, which is not very different from a red clay except for the fact that Har-Tru(C) or American Clay is used to make the underlying bed and then it is covered with red clay. Green clay courts are mostly found in the Eastern and Southern parts of United States. 

Hard Courts are made of cement, plastic, asphalt and even concrete are an advantage for people who play speedy games and like to hit the ball hard. The US Open in played on a hardcourt surface and these are quite common in West America and California and the Australian Open is played on a Rebound Ace, which is a synthetic hardcourt. There lies a difference between the Rebound Ace and the ordinary hardcourt as they differ in the degree of hardness. Rebound ace is softer as a result of which when the ball bounces the first time its speed decreases. The speed and friction also depends on the materials that are used to prepare the top layer of the court. 

Grass courts can be made of synthetic or natural grass and the bounce of the ball would be dependent on the quality of grass that the court has .Synthetic grass court is similar to Astro Turf that is used for football matches. Grass courts are expensive to maintain. The ball does not bounce well but takes on good pace. Grass courts are used in Wimbledon. 

Tennis equipment is made by big brands and a lot of detailing is involved in the manufacturing. It has now become such a grand sport that everything associated with it also assumes a lot of importance. 

• Tennis Ball: A tennis ball can be yellow, green or white in color (colors approved by the USTA) and has fixed standards for size ,weight and deformation. These balls are made of pressurized rubber covered with high quality cloth, which is made of wool and nylon. These balls are kept under pressure of two atmospheres before initial use. 
• Tennis Ball Machine: This is practice equipment, which is used by the players to train themselves. It helps the players to practice the footwork and handle all kinds of shots that the opponent might use. These machines come in different models and are quite a help. 
• Tennis rackets (racquets): To play tennis the first things that are elementary are the racket and the ball. A racket in general has a handle and an oval frame, across which a network of strings is stretched. The size of a modern racket for an adult would be 27" to 27.5". Tennis is a power game and requires a lot of stamina and strength for only to hold the racket since handling such a heavy device becomes quite a challenge. When choosing a tennis racket the following things have to be kept in mind like the grip, the head size, length, flex, string tension, weight, and balance. 
• Bag: This is one of the most neglected but important accessories related to the game. Whenever a bag is brought, the space that is needed, the feature that would suit the best and the style that is required should all be kept in mind. Too small or too biog a bag can be equally useless. Price for a good quality bag varies from $50 to $60. 
• Tennis Apparel: Tennis apparel has gone through a metamorphosis as has done the perception of the game, wherein the former definitely contributes to the latter. Initially men played the game in long trousers and women wore long dresses and stockings whereas now tennis players are style icons and the apparels are designed by brands that have made it quite fashionable. Any fashion brand would have a different section for tennis apparel, one only has to go and choose the apparel one is comfortable in. 
• Tennis Shoes: When buying shoes for this game, one should go for a proper shoes. The shoes should be court specific, since its conformity and compatibility differs from one pair to the other. Shoes, like apparel, should also be comfortable and should ensure that the feet are protected. The toe area should have better protection than the other parts of the foot as a tennis player uses his toes for foreground grand strokes. Nowadays shoes come with special cushioning and moisture absorbing mechanism as well. Since the game requires a lot of sudden movements, shoes should support the feet and protect it to an extent. 

All these and many more comprise the tennis gear, I hope this article gives an insight to the beginners as to what exactly is and requires.

Tennis Scoring System

Though tennis is a thrilling and exciting game, you will understand the game properly only if you know the scoring in detail. As for the history of this concept, it is believed by many people that its rules originated in the medieval numerology. As per this system, the number or score of sixty was the winning score after securing points in the sequence of fifteen, thirty, and forty five. The circular movement of the clock can be compared to the scores of this system as with every score, we move ahead by a quarter. But, the concept of the score forty was not explained by this system.

The Procedure 

• A game can be won by winning four points 
• A set can be won by winning six games 
• The tennis match can be won by winning two (or three) sets 

The scoring explained in this article is based on the performance of two players, say Y and Z. After the toss is over, and if Y wins, he can either serve the opponent or choose the side of court and receive a serve from the opponent or pass on the decision to Z.

Let us assume that Y decides to serve first. The condition for Y is that he should get his service right in two chances otherwise Z wins a point. If Y gets the serve right, then the rally between the two players begins till one of them misses or loses a point. Remember - the tennis ball has to be returned after only one bounce and should land inside the court to win a point. If Y wins the first point after a rally, the referee will announce the score as 15-0 or 15-love. In case, the next point is won by Z, the scores will be 15-15 or 15 all. If Z wins the next point, the score will be announced as 15-30. Now, consider that Y wins the next point and levels the score at 30-30 or 30 all. Now, if Y wins the next point, the score will be announced as 40-30.

After this point, the situation might be slightly confusing to understand. If Y wins the next point, he will be the winner of the game. However, if Z wins it, the scores will be 40-all and the referee calls for a deuce. In the case of a deuce, it is necessary for both the players to win two points in a row. After winning one point, by either of the players, the situation is termed as advantage Y or advantage Z. If the player with the advantage wins the next point, then he wins the game. If he fails to win, then the scores are again referred to as deuce. However, some tennis matches adopt the no-ad scoring in which the player who wins the next point after the duece wins the game.

After playing the first and every next game which is odd numbered, the two players will change sides. A set can be won by winning six games by a margin of two or more games. However, if the score is 6-5 or 5-6 and if the player with the score 6 reaches 7, he wins the set by 7-5 or 5-7 respectively. In case the scores turn to be 6-6 within a set, players play a tiebreaker which is a best of 12 points. The points in tiebreakers are noted with counting numbers like 1, 2, 3 and so on. Service is done by the player winning the game just before the tiebreaker, and is given to other player for serving two points, and continued till the set is won. The one who wins the tiebreaker wins the set by 7-6.

By winning two sets (best of three) the match can be won, while in men's tennis, match is won after winning three sets (best of five). The best of three format is for the female players. There are doubles matches which are of two sets and have a match deciding a tiebreaker of ten points.

After studying the above mentioned scoring system, all your doubts would have been cleared. With actual tennis practice, you will understand the basics of the game much better.

Basic Tennis Shots

To succeed in anything, one first needs to get the basics right. The same goes for the game of tennis too. So here are all the basic shots that are played in this wonderful game, be it on a grass court, clay court, or a hard court. 

Forehand 

This is the basic and most important shot in every player's game, and also one of the first shots that almost everyone learns to master. The racket is held with a locked and firm grip, and the shot is played on the correct side (right side for a right-handed player and left side for a left-handed player), by swinging the racket from behind to front, directing it towards where the ball needs to be hit. This shot has one continuous swing, and the speed is determined by how far the player swings the racket from behind the ball. For the greatest effect, this shot should be played with the body weight towards the front. An effective forehand either produces a winner or is so good that the opponent produces a weak return which allows you to put the ball away with ease and win the point. 

Backhand 

The backhand shot is simply the opposite of the forehand, though it's not as simple as that. It is played on the wrong side of the player, by swinging the racket from behind towards where the ball needs to be directed. The other techniques that need to be used in this shot are similar to that of the forehand. Everyone, well almost, masters the forehand, but getting the backhand right is not so easy. And a player who has a powerful backhand along with the forehand, ends up having a much more lethal attacking game. With a good backhand, you are in a better position to retrieve more balls, and also, more often, set up points that way you want, eventually allowing you to dictate your own terms in more rallies of the match. 

Double-handed Backhand 

This is the same as the backhand shot mentioned above, the only difference being that instead of playing it with one hand, both hands are used. Now the reason can be any of the two - some players simply use it to generate more power, while others need to use it as their single-handed backhand is not such a powerful shot in their armor. Also, the situation can determine whether the single-handed or double-handed backhand needs to be used. For example, if you are moving forward to attack a weak return from your opponent, then finishing off the point with a double-handed backhand would be preferable. If the opponent's return is not very near to you, then with less time in hand, stretching and executing a single-handed backhand would be easier. 

Top Spin 

The top spin shot uses the basics of a forehand, with some tweaks for a different end result. Imagine you are executing the forehand shot itself, that's the basic posture. But the racket's starting point needs to be at least a foot below the height it will finally contact the ball. Usually, final contact is around mid-stomach height. At the point of contact, the back of the ball needs to be hit with the axis of the racket parallel to the ground. The ball should be hit anywhere between 4 - 5 inches above the net so that it has maximum effect after bouncing in the opponent's side of the court. The top spin allows the ball to bounce and go ahead even more, making it difficult for the opponent to either reach the ball or execute a decent return. It is also used to have a counter-effect if the opponent has played a slice shot. 

Slice 

The slice shot is used when you want the ball to sail through low into the other half of the court. It is also normally done on a backhand shot. Using a firm grip, the racket needs to be taken from a high point and hit down towards the ball, something similar to a karate chop. This keeps the ball low when it bounces in the other half of the court. It is also termed as backspin or underspin, and will force to opponent to play a top spin or a shot which comes high and weak, back at you. This shot is also played a lot when you are on the defensive, and the opponent is bombarding you with powerful shots come fast at you. Slicing the ball back gives you more time to get back into the point, and also doesn't allow your opponent to attack as much. 

Drop Shot 

A drop shot can be played like another version of the slice, or can also be simply a gentle touch over the net, in such a way that the opponent cannot reach or retrieve the ball. This shot produces a lot of backspin, just manages to go over the net and hardly bounces at all in the other half. It is most effective when used as a surprise weapon while the opponent is back deep into his half, and is not in a position to run forward fast enough to retrieve the ball right at the net. It works best on a clay court where the bounce of the ball is lower than all other surface types. This is not an easy shot to execute, and should not be tried too often, as besides the difficulty level, it will only end up negating the surprise element that it has. 

Volley 

In this shot, the ball is hit before it bounces on the ground. It is usually executed after the point has been set up with a deep shot that has the opponent defending right back at the baseline. The wrist has to be very firm to play the volley, and the ball is just punched into the vacant area of the opponent's side of the court with an angled racket. Also, you need to be either right at the net or well inside your baseline, to get maximum advantage. 

Lob 

This is a shot played when your opponent has come forward right to the net in an attacking position, and you feel you cannot win the point with a passing shot. The ball needs to be hit with the racket angling between 0 to 45 degrees. It should sail over the opponent in such a way that he cannot jump to smash it, and it should bounce in his court at the back, not allowing him enough time to run back and retrieve it. Using some topspin in this shot greatly increases its effectiveness. This is however the offensive lob. If you are in a defensive position during a point, your opponent being at the baseline, a lob can then be used too, to break the opponent's rhythm, which will also increase the duration of the point and give you vital time to get back into a proper position eventually. 

Overhead Smash 

The overhead smash can be played when you are either right at the net or a fair distance inside your baseline, and you receive a ball that is high. It can be taken either directly or on the bounce. The technique is quite like the serve, but many players love to jump up and execute the overhead smash.

Serve
The serve is the start of a point. The idea is to put the ball in play by serving it into the opponent's side of the court. The serve needs to fall in the diagonal part of the opposite side of the court, in the square just after the net, which is called the service box. The ball needs to be tossed up in the air, and the aim is to strike it at the highest point possible with a fully-stretched arm. While doing so, either foot should not touch the baseline until the serve is completed. There are different types of serves, though the common ones are the flat powerful serve and the slice serve. A serve is an important part of the game, and most often sets up the way the point is played. A serve that ends without the opponent even getting the racket to the ball is called an Ace.

These were the basic tennis shot names, which are most widely used in any game, be it amateur or professional. For a good overall game, executing these basic shots in tennis are a bare minimum for any player. And for all those who simply love to watch the game, when your favorite player plays an excellent shot and wins a point, you will now exactly know what that shot is all about. Right!

Health Benefits of Playing Tennis

Tennis is known as a gentleman's game because it was played by nobility and the elite, in the days gone by. Today, tennis is one of the most popular individual sports globally, and is played by people of all age groups. Besides the thrill and spirit of competition provided by a game of tennis, it also offers physical and mental health benefits. Let's get to know the array of health advantages of playing tennis.

Reduces Risk of Cardiovascular Problems

A game of tennis involves a great deal of quick aerobic movements resulting in increased heart rate and metabolic function. These enhanced energy levels help lower high blood pressure and cholesterol, and eventually heart-related risks. Aerobic exercises increase the blood circulation throughout the body, in order to increase the flow of oxygen. This process strengthens and keeps the heart muscles healthy.

Improves Bone Health

A 30-minute game of tennis can go a long way in improving the conditioning of the bones. Strenuous exercise, as well as the type of exercises where you have to work your body against gravity is an excellent way to strengthen your bones. Studies carried out by the National Institutes of Health indicate that bone mass of both men and women begins to reduce after the age of 30. Hence, the only way one can prevent or slow down its decline is by exercising regularly before you reach your peak age. The NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center states that at least half an hour of daily exercise, such as playing tennis, helps in preventing osteoporosis.

Burns Calories

Being a fast-paced sport, tennis requires one to stay alert at all times. It involves a great deal of calorie-burning activities like sprinting, swinging, and jumping. For an active play of 1 hour, the calories burned are as follows:

If the weight of a person is 160 pounds (73kgs) : 584 calories are burned

If the weight of a person is 200 pounds (91kgs) : 728 calories are burned

If the weight of a person is 240 pounds (109kgs) : 872 calories are burned

Enhances Brain Activity 

Tennis also requires the player to possess tactical thinking abilities, agility, presence of mind, and other motor skills. Motor control is enhanced while working on shots like drop shots, angled volleys, smashes, and lobs. Exercising, thus, aids in improving neural connections that are essential in transmitting vital information from the brain to the rest of your body. 

Elevates Mood 

Endorphins are neurotransmitters produced during various activities―exercise being one of them. These endorphins are released during intense workout sessions that gives a person an euphoria-like feeling―often termed as a runner's high. Aerobic activities like tennis, are excellent at improving your mood, relieving possible signs of depression, and reducing stress. This also plays a major role in keeping one's cool during an important match. 

Improves Coordination and Flexibility 

The exercise or training drills performed before a game of tennis include different styles of stretching workouts. These workouts are intense and are essential since court coverage is an important aspect of every game. Such drills, thereby, improve your agility and flexibility to execute every shot. 

As explained above, motor skills also play a major role when it comes to executing crucial movements. Overall body coordination is extremely important as you have to be prepared for every shot that comes your way. Coordination and flexibility together also reduce the risk of possible injuries, especially sprains. 

You can reap the health benefits of playing tennis, or any sport for that matter, only if you play regularly. Sport also acts as a great stress buster, and a 30-minute game of tennis is sure to recharge and rejuvenate you.