Tennis originated in northern France in the 12th century as "jeu de paume" where the ball was hit with the palm of the hand. Racquets were introduced in the 16th century and it became known as "tennis." The basic rules are that one player serves to the other across a net, with the goal of hitting the ball before it bounces twice without it going out of bounds. To win, a player must gain points to win games then sets and ultimately the match. Proper tennis equipment includes a racket no more than 29 inches long and 12.5 inches wide, as well as yellow or white balls of regulation size.

1. TENNIS

2. history
• Most historians believe that tennis originated in northern
France in the 12th century, but the ball was then struck
with the palm of the hand hence the name jeu de
paume (game of the palm) It was not until the 16th
century that rackets came into use, and the game began
to be called "tennis." It was popular in England and
France, although the game was only played indoors
where the ball could be hit off the wall. Henry VIII of
England was a big fan of this game, which historians now
refer to as real tennis.

3. Rules of tennis
The rules of tennis are fairly simple. One player hits or serves the ball from a corner of a marked out area called a
court, that is divided down the middle with a three feet high (0.914 meter) net. The opposite player's goal is to
return the ball, bouncing it no more than once in his own court, aiming for the other player to not be able to hit it. A
point is gained when a player is not able to return the ball at all or he hits it out of the court. The ball is always
served cross court or diagonally. The overall goal of tennis is to gain points to win games, sets and matches.

4. equipment
The right equipment is essential for a good game of tennis.
Tennis Racquet
The usual tournament size racket should not be more than 29 inches in length and 12.5
inches in width. The hitting area of the racket cannot be more than 15.5 inches long and
11.5 inches wide.
Tennis Balls
These vary in color, but for official tournaments the ball must be yellow or white in color.
Two, three, four or six balls may be used in a match.