The History and development of Tennis.

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SYNOPTIC ASSIGNMENT

ON VENUS WILLIAMS

KATE MANN

Contents Page

Introduction                                                                        3

The History and Development of Tennis - MODULE 2                4

Personality – MODULE 1                                                        5

Media – MODULE 5                                                        6

Levers – MODULE 1                                                        7

Energy Systems – MODULE 4                                                8

Physical Education – MODULE 2                                                9

Physical Education – Synoptic Assignment

Kate Mann

Name: Venus Williams

Sex: Female

Age: 22

Height: 6ft. 1in.

Weight: 168 Pounds

Nationality: North American

Current Rank (Singles): 2

Highest Rank (Singles): 1 (25th Feb, 2002)

Venus was introduced to tennis when she was just 4 years old, playing on public courts in Crompton, California, coached by her father, Richard.  She played in Southern California, one of the toughest breeding grounds for tennis players in the country.

  John McEnroe and Pete Sampras spotted Venus when she was hitting with Paul Cohen, a teaching pro who specialised in junior players.  He advised Venus’ father on coaching strategies.  Venus was also spotted at a charity tournament for underprivileged children.  An agent at Advantage International was told she was extremely talented, and passed the word on.  She was contacted by IMG and Pro-serve.

  Under women’s tennis association rules, Venus turned professional on her 14th birthday. 

The match that I am observing Venus in is the Australian Open Finals, 2003, where she plays her sister Serena.  The match was an important one to both of them as neither of them had won this title before.

Venus’ strengths are her powerful first serve (she had the fastest serve in the game and the highest average first serve speed (see below)), her ability to hit the ball with much power and speed, her strong personality which keeps her motivation and concentration high, and her supportive father.

  Her weaknesses are the fact that she is playing her sister who will know her strengths and weaknesses inside out, her US ‘Lombardian’ ethic (win at all costs), and her weak second serve which is a very cautious one.

The History and development of Tennis – MODULE 2

Real Tennis – This game originated in France sometime in the 12th century.  It was an activity of the French Royal court, and was made popular in England by the Tudors.  One of the most famous courts is still in use at Hampton Court.  This was the sport of the noblemen and royalty and in 1536 there were restrictive acts which forbade servants and labourers to play, which helped to retain the privileged status of the elite.  The game was originally played with the hand, until the sixteenth century when rackets were used.  

  This was a very sophisticated, exclusive game requiring expensive facilities, equipment and an understanding of the complex rules and social etiquette of the game.  The emphasis was on the individual’s skill and tactical and strategic awareness; as ever, wagering was evident.  It was the epitome of rational sport.

Students of Leyden University playing tennis (1610).

Rackets – This game began in fairly humble circumstances in England.  Open courts existed in the back yards of taverns and inns, and in many towns.  They were social meeting places and there was always a wall to be used.  Equipment could also be hired from publicans wishing to make the most of their business opportunities.  They had all the requirements – willing opponents, alcohol and wagering.

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  Rackets was taken up by the public schools for its simple qualities and the possibilities of using architectural features within the school grounds.  It was a game which suited the cult of athleticism, containing rules, etiquette and sportsmanship.

Fives – This was played with the palm of the hand, wearing a glove, and the ball was hit against the wall.  It was played in inns and other public places, and was a much more individual game than rackets.  In the public schools it tended to be played more in the boys’ recreation time and consequently did not establish ...

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