The popular sport of tennis, originally called “La Soule,” can be traced back to 1500BC, shown in carvings from the Egyptian temples. Tennis was first played as a part of religious ceremonies and in the 8th century, Tennis had reached the Moor Empire, in which was incidentally spread into Europe. Christian monks, curious about the Moor Empire, were introduced to the game so much that the Christian church wanted to ban the game because it was so popular among the monasteries. The game was soon adopted by French royalty and spread to the English royalty. Around 1875, the All England Croquet Club tried to attract more members by adding “Lawn Tennis” to their activities. It was so successful that in 1877, the All England Croquet Club became known as the All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club. A tournament was later established, known as the Wimbledon Championship. Originally, there were twenty-two players and around 200 spectators. The Wimbledon Championship is still valid today, and over 6,000 spectators attend the tournament, which is held annually between late June and the beginning of July.
Sometimes known as “lawn tennis,” tennis is a very popular sport and can be played by either two or four people. The court is separated by a net, which divides the player(s) equally. The first person to begin the game is known as a server, who has two tries to hit a ball with a racket, sending the ball across the net onto the opponent’s side of the court, who is also known as the receiver. Play continues between the two players by hitting the ball to the opponent’s court, and if a player fails to hit the ball across the net, the opponent scores a point. To win a game, a player must score four points, and to win a set, players must play six games. If players are competing against each other to win a match, they must play two or three sets. The beginning score of 0-0 is known as “love.” The first two points in a game are counted by fifteens. Thus, the first point is fifteen; second is thirty; and not following the previous rule is the third point, which is forty. The winning point of the game occurs when the score returns to love. If the score is tied, it is known as deuce, in which case one player must win by two points. If the server wins the next point and thus, ends the game, it is called an advantage-in. If the situation is reversed with the receiver winning the game, it is called an advantage-out.
Although I am not a big fan of sports, I have played tennis and I enjoyed it. However, there is a big difference between playing it yourself and watching it. I try to watch tennis, since I do not play anymore, but I do not enjoy it. I cannot sit still long enough to pay attention to a ball being passed between the two courts; it is a little tedious.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
America's Game
My entire life I have been passionate about sports. This passion runs wild, pumping through my veins to the point where athletic competition becomes an extreme obsession. I long for Sundays in the fall when the gladiators of our generation take to the gridiron. I crave the sound of skates scraping on that sparkling icy surface every winter, but more than anything, I love the game of baseball. Ty Cobb once said, “Baseball is a red-blooded sport for red-blooded men. It’s no pink tea, and mollycoddles had better stay out. It’s a struggle for supremacy, a survival of the fittest.”Baseball is America’s game, it is our pastime, and our most treasured outdoor activity.
The history and tradition associated with baseball dates back before the Civil War and arrived from alterations in Cricket and Stick-ball. Since the 1800s, little revisions to the rules have been made, creating “nostalgia among the American people, more so than any other sport… Baseball is also a very democratic game. Unlike football and basketball, baseball can be played well by people of average height and weight.” Players barely hovering above 5 feet, such as current Los Angeles Dodger Rafael Furcal have had outstanding careers in professional baseball.
According to baseball-almanac, the first professional baseball game was played in 1871, many years before the professional organizations of other major sports. Several years later in 1876, the first National League teams took the field. Since then, players from 50 different countries have played in the Major Leagues, making the game more diverse than most may think. Even in the poverty stricken countries of Latin America, baseball is played with sticks as bats and a can as a ball. Baseball academies sponsored by numerous professional teams allow these young men to showcase their skills and someday become professionals. The game’s popularity did not really come of age until the glory days of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. It was these men who helped to make the game, and it was Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa who helped to save the game. Baseball was struggling for survival in the early 90’s, but the homerun race in 1998 increased attendance in Major League parks. Since 1998, attendance has dropped below 70 million fans only twice, and this past season over 79 million fans trudged through the turnstiles, reports MLB.com. Baseball is again gaining popularity among the youth, as 2.7 million boys and girls headed to the sandlots as part of Little League Baseball in the 2006 season.
Hopefully, this popularity will not decline with players like Barry Bonds and Jose Canseco destroying decades of baseball history, and just maybe, the game will again be played the way it was meant to be played, “ninety percent mental, with the other half physical.”
Baseball is played in the greatest seasons of the year, under beautiful blue skies and fireworks on the fourth. The crack of the bat and pop in the glove are common sounds to ears of all ages; they are common to each and every American. The USA Today ranked hitting a baseball the hardest thing to do in all sports. But Tom Hanks said it best in A League of Their Own when he said, “It's supposed to be hard! If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great!” This hard keeps me coming back day after day and year after year. 162 games are played every year by every Major League team, and I can honestly say that I enjoy every single one of them.
The history and tradition associated with baseball dates back before the Civil War and arrived from alterations in Cricket and Stick-ball. Since the 1800s, little revisions to the rules have been made, creating “nostalgia among the American people, more so than any other sport… Baseball is also a very democratic game. Unlike football and basketball, baseball can be played well by people of average height and weight.” Players barely hovering above 5 feet, such as current Los Angeles Dodger Rafael Furcal have had outstanding careers in professional baseball.
According to baseball-almanac, the first professional baseball game was played in 1871, many years before the professional organizations of other major sports. Several years later in 1876, the first National League teams took the field. Since then, players from 50 different countries have played in the Major Leagues, making the game more diverse than most may think. Even in the poverty stricken countries of Latin America, baseball is played with sticks as bats and a can as a ball. Baseball academies sponsored by numerous professional teams allow these young men to showcase their skills and someday become professionals. The game’s popularity did not really come of age until the glory days of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. It was these men who helped to make the game, and it was Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa who helped to save the game. Baseball was struggling for survival in the early 90’s, but the homerun race in 1998 increased attendance in Major League parks. Since 1998, attendance has dropped below 70 million fans only twice, and this past season over 79 million fans trudged through the turnstiles, reports MLB.com. Baseball is again gaining popularity among the youth, as 2.7 million boys and girls headed to the sandlots as part of Little League Baseball in the 2006 season.
Hopefully, this popularity will not decline with players like Barry Bonds and Jose Canseco destroying decades of baseball history, and just maybe, the game will again be played the way it was meant to be played, “ninety percent mental, with the other half physical.”
Baseball is played in the greatest seasons of the year, under beautiful blue skies and fireworks on the fourth. The crack of the bat and pop in the glove are common sounds to ears of all ages; they are common to each and every American. The USA Today ranked hitting a baseball the hardest thing to do in all sports. But Tom Hanks said it best in A League of Their Own when he said, “It's supposed to be hard! If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great!” This hard keeps me coming back day after day and year after year. 162 games are played every year by every Major League team, and I can honestly say that I enjoy every single one of them.
Going global with basketball!
Basketball is considered by most to be a sport. However, in my family basketball is almost a religion. It was not simply passed down through generations as a favorite pastime, it’s in my genes.
Basketball, which was invented in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith, is the third most popular sport in the United States behind baseball and football.
In the United States, baseball is considered the national pastime, yet basketball is making a run for top billing. However, basketball is taking a different route that baseball.
In the past few years the NBA has gone global. This has caused the fan base of basketball to rise at a considerably fast pace. Not only are other countries tuning in to watch Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, but they are now watching players who are representing their country.
According to NBA.com, in the 2007 playoffs there were 60 International players representing 28 different countries and territories. This diversity has extremely helped the overall popularity of basketball.
Although most people seem to think that basketball, especially the NBA, is down in popularity, it isn’t. According to ESPN.com, the NBA broke its attendance record for the third straight year, drawing more than 21.8 million fans and averaging 17,757 fans during the 2006-07 season.
Who can forget the magic of college basketballs March Madness, the single elimination tournament for the best 65 teams in the country? This is arguably one of the most exciting championship tournaments in all of sports. It provides action, energy, enthusiasm, skill, upsets, glory, and heartache.
Basketball has come a long way since its creation in 1891. It has since become an international language that communicates through competition. Since basketballs globalization it is clear to see that we not only have to practice to keep up with the best players in the United States, but to keep up with the best players in the world.
Basketball, which was invented in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith, is the third most popular sport in the United States behind baseball and football.
In the United States, baseball is considered the national pastime, yet basketball is making a run for top billing. However, basketball is taking a different route that baseball.
In the past few years the NBA has gone global. This has caused the fan base of basketball to rise at a considerably fast pace. Not only are other countries tuning in to watch Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, but they are now watching players who are representing their country.
According to NBA.com, in the 2007 playoffs there were 60 International players representing 28 different countries and territories. This diversity has extremely helped the overall popularity of basketball.
Although most people seem to think that basketball, especially the NBA, is down in popularity, it isn’t. According to ESPN.com, the NBA broke its attendance record for the third straight year, drawing more than 21.8 million fans and averaging 17,757 fans during the 2006-07 season.
Who can forget the magic of college basketballs March Madness, the single elimination tournament for the best 65 teams in the country? This is arguably one of the most exciting championship tournaments in all of sports. It provides action, energy, enthusiasm, skill, upsets, glory, and heartache.
Basketball has come a long way since its creation in 1891. It has since become an international language that communicates through competition. Since basketballs globalization it is clear to see that we not only have to practice to keep up with the best players in the United States, but to keep up with the best players in the world.
Boxing Deserves Popularity
Nearly four decades ago, boxers such as Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier attracted thousands of fans worldwide. "Anyone could have told you who the heavyweight champion was back in the day, but nowadays I can't even name three boxers," says Tommy Floyd, a male from Griffin, Georgia.
"Everyone knows who Ali is," says Sandra Campus, a female from Winder, Georgia.
Many years ago, boxing aired on CBS, NBC, and ABC, which were the three major network stations at that time. Now, though, boxing is barely even mentioned on these stations. The reason for this is because of the Nielson Ratings. According to the Nielson Ratings, Americans do not watch boxing as much as they use to.
According to posters on Yahoo! Answers, a public message board, there are several reasons for this. A few reasons why people are not attracted to boxing include the brain damage that boxing can create, the lack of sportsmanship in the past two decades, and even the fact that now there are several different divisions, each of which claims to have the champion.
I believe that boxing is still a sport worth viewing, and it has potential to gain back a lot of the popularity it has lost.
Boxing is an easy sport to follow and keep up with. The rules are extremely straight-forward, and this could make the sport more fun to watch. Also, the sport is very fast-paced. There are up to fifteen three minute rounds, and the fighters have to stay on their guard at all times. Boxers are some of the most physically fit athletes in the world, and it can be stunning to watch their techniques. Lastly, there are new programs that twist boxing into reality television shows.
The Contender, which airs on ESPN, is a reality television show in which several people compete in a tournament to decide which person is the best boxer. Reality shows like have been popular throughout the past decade, and I believe many people would enjoy The Contender if they tuned in on ESPN.
According to Yahoo! Answers, boxing can once again reign as a popular sport among Americans. One poster on the website says, "Get rid of the notion that boxing is fueled by the heavyweight division." There are talented athletes who would be fun to watch, but the higher-ups in the boxing world place heavy-weights in the spotlight.
Also, one obvious way to regain popularity would be to receive attention on national television again. If boxing events were shown on CBS, NBC, and ABC, more people would watch, because these stations are cheaper to watch than ESPN and HBO.
Although boxing has lost its popularity over the years, it is still an exciting sport and may hopefully regain its fame in the future.
"Everyone knows who Ali is," says Sandra Campus, a female from Winder, Georgia.
Many years ago, boxing aired on CBS, NBC, and ABC, which were the three major network stations at that time. Now, though, boxing is barely even mentioned on these stations. The reason for this is because of the Nielson Ratings. According to the Nielson Ratings, Americans do not watch boxing as much as they use to.
According to posters on Yahoo! Answers, a public message board, there are several reasons for this. A few reasons why people are not attracted to boxing include the brain damage that boxing can create, the lack of sportsmanship in the past two decades, and even the fact that now there are several different divisions, each of which claims to have the champion.
I believe that boxing is still a sport worth viewing, and it has potential to gain back a lot of the popularity it has lost.
Boxing is an easy sport to follow and keep up with. The rules are extremely straight-forward, and this could make the sport more fun to watch. Also, the sport is very fast-paced. There are up to fifteen three minute rounds, and the fighters have to stay on their guard at all times. Boxers are some of the most physically fit athletes in the world, and it can be stunning to watch their techniques. Lastly, there are new programs that twist boxing into reality television shows.
The Contender, which airs on ESPN, is a reality television show in which several people compete in a tournament to decide which person is the best boxer. Reality shows like have been popular throughout the past decade, and I believe many people would enjoy The Contender if they tuned in on ESPN.
According to Yahoo! Answers, boxing can once again reign as a popular sport among Americans. One poster on the website says, "Get rid of the notion that boxing is fueled by the heavyweight division." There are talented athletes who would be fun to watch, but the higher-ups in the boxing world place heavy-weights in the spotlight.
Also, one obvious way to regain popularity would be to receive attention on national television again. If boxing events were shown on CBS, NBC, and ABC, more people would watch, because these stations are cheaper to watch than ESPN and HBO.
Although boxing has lost its popularity over the years, it is still an exciting sport and may hopefully regain its fame in the future.
Football is my religion
| The National Football League is the best thing that ever happened to the United States. Since I was born, I was raised in a family of football maniacs. Monday Night Football is more like a sacred day in my household. The Philadelphia Eagles have been more of a religion to me. My family and I breathe and speak about the Eagles. No matter who plays, we stand by the TV and cheer on any team that looks hungry for a win. According to many sports fanatics in America, the NFL is the largest and most prestigious professional sport. Football is a sport that involves many large and fast men that play vigorously through four quarters. Each quarter is 15 minutes in length and every minute of it is intense. The United States is not the only country that enjoys this prestigious sport. Canada and Australia collectively have their own football leagues that derive from the same structure of American Football. Football is a great sport to cheer on because of the high intensity that is involved. Football is a sport that is played through out most schools in the United States and on many different levels. Professional football is not classified alone in the spectrum of football. College football has grown to be an addictive sport that brings forth many rivalries. Television has a great deal to do with the popularity of football. Monday Night Football, originally airing in 1970 has been more of a tradition for football fans every season. Hall of Famer John Madden is one of football’s popularly known names. He was the famous personality on Monday Night football. The NFL celebrates “Turkey Day” with two of the same teams playing every year. It is tradition for the Dallas Cowboys and the Detroit Lions to have games on Thanksgiving. Football attracts people of all ages around the world. For children, it is not enough to go to a ball game, or watch it on TV; they must somehow be in the game. Electronic Arts, an American developer and publisher of video games, publishes a football game every year intended for the younger generations. John Madden has a contract with Electronic Arts and “Madden NFL” is published to many video game platforms. Football is a fun sport to play on video games when football season is over. I have played every Madden NFL game since 1999, and every year it gets better with new ways to view the game. There is no argument that Football is one of America’s greatest pastimes and will continue to always be my favorite sport and can considerably be my religion. This sport will continue to flourish and fanatics will continue to support their teams. The NFL alone draws over 67,000 spectators per game and it continues to rise as team and talent get better. |
The Greatest Sport Ever Played
The sport of baseball is a passion shared among many Americans today. It is a recreational activity that involves skill, decision making and teamwork that make it an admirable sport. It has been watched and played for generations and continues to thrive as a popular sport.
Baseball has expanded internationally since it was first formed in New York in the late 1830’s. According to the International Baseball Federation, baseball is a global sport and is played by millions of children and adults in 100 different countries and has been played at the Olympics since 1904.
With baseball being created in the United States, it would evolve and change with its country.
Mark Twain would write that, "Baseball, is the very symbol, the outward and visible expression of the drive and push and rush and struggle of the raging, tearing, booming nineteenth century.”
The sport of baseball has evolved overtime, but its history is not forgotten in the faces of its heroes such as Babe Ruth, CY Young and Jackie Robinson who influenced the sport and were shinning examples of how it was meant to be played.
Baseball shows teamwork, as all players rely on each other when fielding so they each will succeed in their position when defending
Baseball is a mental and physical game. It is fast passed and requires concentration to be a successful player. One must possess hand-eye coordination, precise timing, and accuracy in hitting as well in fielding.
As a player as well as fan, baseball is a very emotional game. There is emotion in the hopes and dream that their team will make it to and win the World Series championship. That the glories and celebration of winning will be theirs and that their team is the greatest in the land.
This is why I feel baseball is one of America’s greatest pastimes and sports.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Assignment Due Wednesday, November 7
What is your favorite sport (or sports) and why? (Or, if you don't like any sport, explain why.)
To get a good grade on this assignment, you must reference lots of research about the topic, for example, what sports are popular in the United States and other countries, what is appealing about them and how have these findings changed over time.
To get a good grade on this assignment, you must reference lots of research about the topic, for example, what sports are popular in the United States and other countries, what is appealing about them and how have these findings changed over time.
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