Tennis

Rowing is eagerly participated in by the girls at Wellesley College. The formation of the star shows how proficient they have become in handling the oars.

The tennis enthusiast will not admit there is a more fascinating, healthful or elevating sport in the whole world. Wellesley College provides plenty of tennis courts and the setting is ideal.

The Indians of the Canadian backwoods usually delegate the responsibility of steering to the bow man because of rough water or the danger from submerged rocks in swift running streams. Usually, in more civilized waters, the steering is done by the paddler in the stern, who, by a twist of the wrists, turns the blade of the paddle toward the canoe or away, according to the direction desired. The paddle is held in both hands; the near hand is held pretty far down the blade, more than shoulder’s width from far hand, which is held over the top of the paddle. There are many forms of paddling; some prefer straight, others bent arms. The reach with the paddle should not be so far ahead of the paddler that she is forced to lean forward. The paddle is brought out of the water when both arms are straight back, body in a normal position. It is carried forward but a few inches above the water with blade flat.

An Indian custom that has come down to us is the double paddle. The paddle is fashioned with a handle in the middle and paddles at either end. The paddler sits in the center of the canoe. First the paddle is dipped in the water at the left and then to the right. Steering is done by turning the paddle, in or out, as you would go, left or right. The double paddle is fascinating, but hardly so safe for the novice as the single.

Practice and experience are the two best teachers.

Tennis scarcely needs an introduction. It is one of the finest games—for girls or men—we have, and it has proved its worth through years and years of play.

Tennis is played on a rectangular court, either of turf, clay or cement, provided that it is level. The dimensions of the court for doubles are 36 by 78 feet. The 78-foot lines are known as the side lines; the others as the end or base lines. Parallel to each base line and 18 feet distant from are two service lines, drawn from side service line to side service line. Parallel to each side line and 4½ feet distant from them is a side service line, drawn from end line to end line. A line exactly in center joins the two service lines, thus making four service courts. The net is stretched exactly across the center of the court, and should be 3 feet high in the middle. It is desirable that there be no obstructions within 3 feet of the court on the side and 12 feet at ends, and that there should be backstops of considerable height. The posts to which net is attached should be 3 feet away from the court.

The game may be played by two, three or four players, who bat a ball across the net with a racket until one or the other fails to return the ball. If only two play (or, as it is termed, “singles”), the side lines are dispensed with and the side service lines are the boundary lines (27 × 78 feet).

The ball is put in play by the server. The courts and service are determined by a toss; the winner may choose either the end of court or the serve, but not both. Theserver, standing on the right-hand side of her base line, with feet behind the line, sends the ball into her opponent’s right-hand court. The player receiving ball after it has bounced must return it over the net so that it touches inside the court; then the server returns, etc., until there is a failure to return the ball. This counts a point for opposing player of the one who makes the fault. Then the ball is again served, this time from the left-hand side, next from the right, continuing to alternate until the game is finished. A game is always begun by serving from the right-hand court.

The game is won when a player has scored four points, except in the case of deuce, when more are necessary. The first point is “15;” the second, “30;” the third, “40;” the fourth, “game.” If both players have “15,” it is “15-all;” if one, “15-love (or naught).” The server’s score is always called first. If both have 30, 30-all; if one has 30, the other none or 15, it is 30-love, or 30-15. If both have 40, it is “deuce.” In deuce it is necessary to play extra points. The first point won is “advantage in” (server) or “out” (striker), as may be the case; the next point if won by the same player is game, but if won by the other player it is deuce again, and so on until one player wins two points in succession.

The server, after the first game, becomes the receiver, and the serve is alternated with each game until the end of the set. A set consists of six games won by one player, unless the opposing player is less than two games behind, that is, a set cannot end at 6/5, but must be played until one or the other obtains a two-game lead. Ends of thecourt are exchanged after each set. The server should always keep the score.

It is the aim of the players to return as many good balls as possible. A ball is “good” when it is sent within the court. It is a “fault” when it hits outside the boundary lines, or does not clear the net—a ball, however, which touches net but still falls on the right side (a “let ball”) is “good.” Faults count one point for opponent or opponents. Other faults that count for opponent are: Server serves two faults in succession; volleying the ball before it has touched the net; volleying a served ball before it bounds (any other ball may be volleyed); failure to return a ball. It is a fault to touch net while ball is in play, or to touch the ball with any part of person except the racket, or to touch ball with racket twice.

The receiver may hit the ball in the air (except serve) or after the first bounce, but may never hit after the second bounce.

A player in tennis must never be caught napping. Tennis calls for wide awake, quick playing. It is best to stand either near the net or back farther toward the service line. For most girls I would recommend the base line game. Never stand where your opponent can drop a ball directly at your feet; always be ready for her. You must always watch where she is and try to place the ball in the spot most difficult for her to reach.

In order to be ready the racket should be held firmly and easily so that it may be prepared for any stroke. Above all, keep your eye on the ball; if you look at theplace you want to hit the ball and not at the ball, you do not hit it squarely and you give your play away. When you receive, do not stand too far away or too near. If you are too far away, you are apt to tip it; if too near, you bend your arm and do not get a good stroke.

The game of tennis is divided into two main divisions, serving and receiving. First, let us take up serving. This is the method of putting the ball in play. The server must stand behind the base line of the court. She must serve her ball into the diagonally opposite service court. She is allowed two balls; if the first is a fault she is allowed to serve the second. To be a good ball it must touch the ground in the service court, fairly clearing the net. A double fault on the part of the server counts a point for the opposing side, that is, it is a fault to serve two balls which do not clear the net, or do not touch inside the service court. When the ball touches the net but goes into the proper service court, it is called a “let ball” and does not count, but is served over again. Failure to return the ball after it is served counts one point for the server. The server must not step across the base line while serving, nor must she step, hop, walk or run.

In serving it is important to study the grip of the racket, the method of hitting the ball, and the way to toss the ball into the air. The racket is held tightly in the hand by what is known as the long grip, hand at the end of the racket—usually the right hand. There are many different swings and twists used. It is best to adopt one that brings into play the full strength of the arm and shoulder, thus an overhead swing of the racket ismost often used. The ball is tossed into the air and the racket, in its exact center, should hit the ball directly over the net into the opposite service court. Before a cut or a speedier serve is developed, the player should make sure of a steady ball that as a rule is good. After that is acquired, practice the cuts and put as much speed as possible into the serve. It is very important that the ball and the racket should meet at the psychological moment. If the ball is hit too low, it does not clear the net; if it is hit while too high in the air, it goes out of the service court. The follow through of the stroke should be natural and never chopped.

In receiving and returning the ball there are many different strokes to use. It is advisable for the beginner to perfect both forehand and backhand strokes. For these strokes, the racket should be held in the short grip, that is, the end of the racket is at the wrist, hand reaching up the handle; the forearm should be in a line with the racket.

One stroke, the drop stroke, the arm is back of the body, extended to full length; then move—rather sweep—forward to meet the ball as it is about waist high, giving a little upward turn to your racket. Always follow through. The arm should be straight in this stroke.

Besides a forehand stroke, a backhand stroke is also necessary to learn. In the forehand, the weight is on the right foot, but in the backhand it is on the left foot. There are many different kinds, but the most natural is the best for the beginner to use. The arm and racket, of course, are across the body. Swing back and meet theball squarely, with body turned greatly to that side. Be careful to follow through.

A great many people spoil their game of tennis by wild playing and smashes. It is much better to be deliberate and calculating, carefully placing your shots out of reach of your opponent. Try to make every play count. In other words, use your head rather than brute strength.

A good racket—carefully chosen for weight and balance and to which you have become accustomed—practice, a deliberate study of the game and your playing—these will help the average player.

The most suitable dress for tennis is a light weight waist or a middy blouse; a short, wide skirt, and rubber or felt-soled flat-heeled shoes.

For a tennis match there should be an official referee, who determines questions concerning the rules; an umpire, who judges all balls except those on the lines, which are judged by the linesmen; a linesman for each of the seven lines, whose duty it is to judge the ball near her line. There may be a scorer, but this duty is generally assumed by the umpire, who announces each point, the score of each game, and how the sets stand.

Each player should enter her name in advance; then each draws for opponent, the winner of one match meeting the winner of another, etc., until the final match is played. This is an elimination tournament. In doubles, the pair may be entered or the partner may be drawn for.

A favorite form of tournament where the number of entrants is small is the round robin tournament, where each contestant meets every other, irrespective of victories. The championship with its trophy is given to the girl winning the greatest number of matches.

Tournament play is greatly to be recommended, especially for schools or clubs. Match play adds considerably to the pleasure of the sport and usually has beneficial results, both physical and physiological. I have seen diffident girls taught to gain self control and composure at all times by competitive athletics. A tennis tournament can be made a gala social event as well as one of keen and interesting sport.

Cricket is not widely played by girls, but there is no game which might be adopted to better advantage. It may be played without any danger of over-exertion. A cricket crease may be placed on any level grassy field, usually a ground 100 yards square, although a smaller field may be utilized. The equipment required includes two sets of wickets, a cricket ball, at least two bats, the wicket-keeper gloves and leg guards, and a leg guard for each of two batsmen who are in. There are eleven players on each team and the game is divided into innings; that is, a side has its inning when it is at the bat. Two batsmen are “in” at a time.

The wickets are set in the middle of the field, opposite, parallel and 22 yards apart. On a line with the wicket is the bowling crease, 8 feet 8 inches in length. Four feet in front and parallel to it is the popping crease, of unlimited length.

The batsman who is first striker takes her position with bat on the popping crease, the bowler at the opposite wicket, well behind bowling crease; also the second batsman, bat in hand, ready to run when hit is made. The bowler delivers the ball. It must be bowled, not thrown, tossed, or jerked. The bowler is allowed a run in her delivery, but she must keep one foot on the ground behind the bowling crease and within the return crease, otherwise it is no ball.

The bowler must deliver the ball so that it shall cometo the batsman on the ground. If it is delivered high or wide, the umpire shall call “wide ball.” Six good balls make an “over;” the bowler shall be allowed to change ends when she pleases, provided she has not bowled two “overs” consecutively in one inning. The captain of the outs places the field as she deems wise, depending upon the skill of the batsman.

DIAGRAM OF FIELD OF PLAY.

SAMPLE SCORING SHEET.

The striker hits the ball; if it is caught before it touches the ground she is out; if the wicket is knocked down by a bowled ball she is out. If she hits it safe she runs to the return crease and the other batsman runs to the opposite popping crease and a run is scored. If the hit is long enough the batsmen continue to run, and each time they exchange creases a run is counted. The fielders endeavor to get the ball and throw in to the wicket-keeper in order to knock off the bails before the batsman touches her bat to the ground within the crease. When the bail is knocked off in this manner the batsman is out. When a batsman is out for any cause she is retired for the inning, and the side is retired when ten of the eleven strikers are declared out.

Usually in the matches for girls only one inning for each team is played, although the rules call for two and three-day matches. The game affords ample opportunity for outdoor exercise and muscular activity. For a full description, see Spalding’s “How to Play Cricket.”

Cricket has been successfully played by girls. Miss Dorothy Wooster writes the following short article and gives a diagram and score card showing how the game is played at Smith College.

In order to adapt cricket for practical use, the following additions and changes have been made in the official rules, as published in the Spalding Athletic Library.

A. Additions:

1. Diagram of Field: Use center line, “x,” drawn between wickets. Cross this line by another line, “y,” drawn parallel to the popping crease.

2. There shall be 3 innings to a game, each inning consisting of 3 “outs” on a side.

3. There shall be a definite batting order.

4. If a batter touches the ball with the bat she must run, or take her “out.”

B. Changes in Rules:

10. ... and to be a good ball, the ball must hit the ground on or across the center line “y.”

13. A “Bowling Over” shall consist of six “good balls,” or four “wide balls,” or four “no balls.”

33A. ... except in case of a “Caught Ball.” The ball is then in play until it is settled in bowler’s or wicket-keeper’s hand. This change gives an opportunity to put two runners out on one play; i. e., “Caught Out” and “Run Out.”

The scoring has been simplified. For practice games, when full teams are not present, an individual score is kept. Using these changes the game progresses rapidly and holds the interest of both players and spectators.

Soccer or association football is a particularly suitable game for girls and women, since it furnishes splendid outdoor exercise without unnecessary roughness. It resembles field hockey in that it is mainly a running game, although there are many essential differences. The popularity of the game is rapidly increasing and it is played by many schools and colleges.

The game is primarily a running and kicking game. No player but the goal keeper in her own goal area is permitted to touch the ball with the hands. Two teams of eleven players each line up in their half of the field. The captains toss for the choice of end or for the choice of the kick-off. In making the choice, the wind and the position of the sun should be considered. The ball is put in play by a kick-off. To advance the ball to the opponents’ goal and to kick the ball between the goal posts and under the bar is the object of the game. Each goal counts one. The team having the highest score at the end of the two halves—time of which is determined by the captains—is the winner. Thus the two opposing teams are either attacking or defending. If one side has possession of the ball it should advance toward the opponents’ goal, thus attacking; if the ball is not in their possession they are checking their opponents’ advance, thus defending. The players who do most of the attacking are the five forwards, assisted by the halfbacks. It is their duty to advance the ball by short and long passes, by dribbling, by a volley, i. e., hitting the ball with heador chest, or kicking it before it has touched the ground. The fullbacks and goal keeper, assisted by the halfbacks, do the defensive work.

The positions are: center forward, inside right and inside left, outer right and outer left; left, center, and right halfbacks; right and left fullbacks; goal keeper.

The beginner in soccer should pay particular attention to the following: kicking, tackling, heading, and dribbling. The ball is not kicked with the end of toe, but rather the toe is inserted under the ball, the instep bearing the brunt of the work. The leg should be drawn back to get a good drive. Kicking is not merely sending the ball as far and hard as possible, but kicking as accurately as possible so that each shot tells. Therefore, particular attention and practice should be given to kicking until the proper amount of control can be exercised over the ball. Every kick should be gotten off quickly and cleanly, toe well under the ball so that it is raised.

In shooting for the goal the kick should be hard, with all the force of the toe behind it. In all defensive work the kicks should be carefully sent to the forwards; not too hard, since the ball then may go too far.

The player should learn to kick with either foot so that the ball does not have to be maneuvered into a suitable position for kicking.

Every player—the forwards in particular—should know how to dribble, since it is frequently a handy art. Often, if a player wishes to get in a better position for a kick, a few dribbles will put her there. To dribble successfully, the ball is moved forward, just touching thetoe, thus insuring complete control. For the inexperienced player, control in dribbling and speed seem a hard combination to achieve; but by practice, dribbling slowly at first, control is acquired and speed soon follows.

A common fault sometimes due to dribbling is the monopoly of the ball by one player. Any individual should be self-sacrificing for the good of the team.

Stopping the progress of an opponent, or “tackling” as it is termed, should be carefully practised, particularly by the defense. The best policy seems—to run directly toward the player with the ball, thus making her pass hurriedly or fumble. Never give up if your opponent gets away, dodges or slips past you.

Many times it is an advantage to “head” the ball, that is, hit it with the head before it touches the ground. When the players are massed together, a jump in the air and good “heading” may save the day. Remember that the ball ought to be hit with the forehead, not the top of the head. This makes for accuracy.

There should be, as in all other team games, team work. The forwards should bear the responsibility of the attack. They should carry the ball down the field by passing, dribbling and volleying, i. e., hitting the ball in the air before it has touched the ground. Forwards should know how to shoot hard and accurately. It is well for a forward to know how to shoot and pass with the inside of the foot. In dribbling and in passing, the forward must remember to pass quickly to some one of her team who is unguarded. You should always be waiting to receive a pass.

The outsides are generally fast players with great skill in the dribble; the insides, like the center, are fine offensive players, fast and capable of shooting goals.

The halfbacks feed and help the forwards attack, shooting for the goal if the opportunity arises. The attack should be constantly varied by these players. The halfbacks are also the first line of defense, necessarily they have a great deal of running to do. These three positions are generally filled then by players physically fit, with speed and with stamina for endurance. Center half is a particularly strenuous position. The halves should always try to keep the ball in the opponents’ territory; when on the defense, they should be quick to tackle, to intercept passes and to guard their opponents.

The fullbacks are the mainstay of the defense. They are cool-headed players who use great judgment. It is up to them to block any opponent who has gotten by a halfback. Often the fullbacks have so carefully studied their opponents’ play that they know exactly what the forward will do under certain circumstances. Above all, the fullbacks should never give up.

The goal is a very vital point. To be a goal keeper, you must think quickly, keep your nerve, be cool and act instantly according to your judgment. In fact, a goal keeper should be able to cover every inch of the goal in an instant; she must be able to move rapidly, jump, and reach into the air. Two points a goal keeper should remember: Never kick when you can use your hands—you can get rid of the ball quicker and for better distance. Get the ball out of dangerous territory as soon as possible.

Cricket—Well hit! A good free swing with the ball well met often means a “boundary.”

Soccer is a splendid action game. The forward is well up on the ball while the fullback is coming up fast.

Dress is an important consideration. The essentials are a middy blouse, a short, wide skirt or bloomers, with heavy enough shoes to allow for kicking and yet light enough to permit of speed in covering ground.

[From Spalding’s Athletic Library No. 358—Official College Soccer Guide.]

I. There are eleven players on a team.

II. The field of play is a quadrangle. Its dimensions vary from 130 to 100 yards in length and from 100 to 50 yards in breadth. A smaller field, as near these dimensions as possible, may be used. The lines, areas, etc., do not vary with any change in size of the field, however. Flags on five-foot staffs are placed at each of the four corners. The lines are distinctly marked with whitewash if possible. The quadrangle is bounded by two end or “goal” lines and two side or “touch” lines which are at right angles with the goal lines. The field is exactly halved by a cross line. In the center of the field of play is a circle with a ten-yard radius. The goals are marked by goal posts, eight feet apart, in the middle of the goal line, equidistant from the side lines. The posts are joined by a cross-bar eight feet from the ground, and neither the posts nor cross-bar are more than five inches in width. At each end of the field in front of the goal is a goal area. Lines are marked six yards from each goal post at right angles to the goal line, extending in field for six yards. These two lines are connected by a line parallel to the goal line. The enclosed space is a goal area.

There is also a penalty area in front of each goal. Lines are marked 18 yards from each goal post at right angles to the goal lines, extending in field for a distance of 18 yards. These two lines are joined by a line parallel to the goal lines.

A mark 12 yards distant from and opposite the exact center of each goal designates the penalty kick mark.

The ball should be a regulation association football.

III. The game is divided into two halves, each 45 minutes long, with an interval of five minutes between the halves unless a different length of time is agreed upon by the captains. Ends are changed at half time.

IV. The choice of end or kick-off is decided by the toss of a coin. The game is started by a place-kick, i. e., the ball is placed on the ground and kicked from this position in the center of the field. All opponents are more than ten yards away; no player may cross center of the ground until the ball is kicked. After a goal is scored the ball is kicked off by the team which did not score the goal. At the beginning of the second half the ball is kicked by the opposing side from the side that kicked first.

V. A goal is scored when the ball passes between the goal posts under the bar, provided that it has not been thrown, knocked, or carried.

VI. When the ball goes out of bounds over the touch line, a player of the opposite side from that playing it out, throws it in. She must stand on the touch line facing the field of play; the ball may be thrown in any direction, provided it is thrown over the head with both hands. A goal may not be scored from a throw-in. The thrower-in may not touch the ball until it has been touched by another player.

When the ball goes out of bounds over the goal line, played over by an attacker, it is kicked off by a defender, within the half of the goal area nearest the point where the ball went out. If it was sent out by a defender, it is kicked by an attacker from a point within one yard of nearest corner flag. No player in either case may be within 10 yards of the ball until the kick-off is taken.

VII. If, after the ball has been played or thrown in, it is touched by a player on the same side as the person last touching it, who at the moment of playing is nearer her opponents’ goal than the person last playing the ball, she is off-side and may not interfere with the ball or opponent.She is not offside, however, if at the time of play there are at least three of her opponents between her and the goal, or if she is within her own half of thefield, or in a corner kick, or if the ball was last touched by an opponent.

VIII. The goal keeper may use her hands to catch or to throw the ball if she is within her own penalty area.

IX. There should be no tripping, kicking, striking, jumping at, handling (except in Rule VI), holding, pushing, obstructing, or charging from behind. The goal keeper may be charged if she is holding the ball, or obstructing or outside her own goal area. The penalty for a foul is a free kick.

X. A free kick is taken for any infringement of a rule. The ball must roll over—travel the distance of its circumference—to be considered played. No opponent may stand within 10 yards unless standing on own goal line. The kicker may not touch the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player. A goal may be scored from a free kick if it is granted for any breaking of Rule VII.

XI. Any intentional infringement by either the attackers or defenders outside the penalty area, a free kick is awarded to opposing side.

If, however, there is an intentional foul by the defenders within the penalty area, a penalty kick is granted to the opposing side. All players except the goal keeper and a player from the opposing side who is to take the kick remain outside the penalty area. The goal keeper must not advance beyond the goal line. The ball is kicked forward and a goal may be scored from a penalty kick. The ball must be kicked and may not be touched again by the kicker until it has been touched by another player.

XII. There is a referee who controls the game and enforces the rules. Her power in the game is supreme. The ball is in play until the decision is given.

There are two linesmen who decide when the ball is out of play, what player has the corner kick, goal kick, or throw-in.

The referee acts as timekeeper.

To restart the game stopped temporarily, the referee drops the ball to the ground on the spot where it was when play was suspended. The ball is in play when it touches the ground.

Archery might be classed as a pioneer sport for women. The art of the bow and arrow has been exploited ever since the written records of man. At the present time, when such sports as basket ball, field hockey, track athletics, etc., are the popular games, archery has been less in favor. There is no reason why any athletic girl who can run the hundred in good time, and acquit herself creditably in any of the more strenuous sports, should smile a supercilious smile atArchery—mere child’s play in her mind. In fact, it is far from child’s play, and it has all the advantages of wholesome outdoor competition.

In order to be successful at archery two things are necessary—perseverance and a trained eye. Any girl without particular athletic ability can learn how to hold the bow and take aim. Both requisites may be acquired through practice. There is no need for great strength or for any violent exertion. It is particularly good for growing girls where more violent exercise might be harmful.

The archer should look first to her bow, which should be neither too heavy nor too strong. A beginner should not use a bow that is heavy. The bow together with the arrow should be tested and if it can be raised and drawn without strain it has the proper weight. Another point to be considered is steadiness; no bow should kick or jar after the string is released.

The arrows should also be chosen carefully according to weight and length. An arrow that is too heavy will weaken the bow; an arrow that is too light will not flytruly. Arrows vary in length and should be chosen according to length of arm, so that when the arrow is drawn the proper form can be maintained. A right-handed archer extends the left arm full length holding the bow, while the right hand (grasping the string with the notch of the arrow adjusted) should be at the right cheek; therefore the length of the arrow should be governed by the length of the left arm.

Bows vary from three feet to five feet six inches and arrows from fifteen inches to twenty-five inches. The arrows should be carefully kept when not in use. A quiver and belt is a desirable added equipment. Some archers find a bracer or arm guard necessary.

In shooting the arrow the first consideration is the position of standing. The side of body should be directly toward the target (or the point aimed at), the head turned toward the target, looking over the shoulder. The feet—heels slightly apart—should be at right angles to an imaginary line drawn directly from target.

Next to be considered is nocking the arrow. The bow should be held in a horizontal position, the arrow is laid across the bow and the nock or notch of the arrow is fitted on the string by the right hand.

The position of the hand is important. The string is held by three fingers, the string resting near the tips of the fingers above the first joint; the arrow rests between the first and second fingers; the thumb and little finger should not touch the arrow or the string.

Next comes the draw. Raise the bow hand, drawing on the string slightly; take a preliminary sight; thenthe draw is taken almost the full distance, the full aim is caught, and the arrow is released when drawn to the fullest extent. Another way is to raise the bow, draw to the fullest extent, take aim by moving the hand on the bow handle up or down as the need dictates; loose the string by straightening the fingers while the hand is drawn entirely back.

The archer should never shoot more than three arrows in succession without resting. The fourth and succeeding flights are apt to be inaccurate if the arms are the least bit tired. Always be sure to shoot every arrow carefully—never hurry.

The bows and arrows should be well taken care of. They should be cleaned and wiped thoroughly after each use. Never use a blunt arrow; it will not hold in the target. The bow should always be unstrung after it is used and strung before using again.

The arrow should be uniformly nocked at the same point upon the string in order to insure accuracy. Thus, it is desirable to wrap the string at the proper point with a different colored thread.

The most ancient form of archery is the so-called roving game, which consists of roving about and shooting at marks from various distances. Another form is flight shooting—seeking to cast an arrow the greatest possible distance.

Modern archery, however, is practically confined to target shooting. A target is a flat disc, varying fromeighteen inches to forty-eight inches in diameter. It is marked by concentric rings or bands of different colors. From center to the outer ring the colors are gold, red, blue, black, and white; the latter is usually banded by a narrow strip of green. The dimensions are: gold nine and six-tenths inches, and the width of each of the other rings is exactly half that amount.

The archer standing at a prescribed distance shoots at the target, trying to make as many hits as possible and to place the arrows in the gold. Three arrows are usually shot at a time, then three more. The six arrows form an end. A given number of ends form a range, while two or three ranges form a round.

A hit is counted if the arrow pierces the target. The values of the different bands are: gold, 9; red, 7; blue, 5; black, 3; white, 1. An arrow cutting or touching the line between rings counts for the higher value. Also one hit is counted if the arrow rebounds from face of or if it passes through the body of the target; this adds one point to the score.

The Rounds for Ladies are:

I.—National Round.

48 arrows at 60 yards.24 arrows at 50 yards.

At the double of this the National Championship is decided.

II.—Columbia Round.

24 arrows at 50 yards.24 arrows at 40 yards.24 arrows at 30 yards.

The Ladies’ Interclub team and mid-range matches are contested with 96 arrows at 50 yards.

The sport of archery gives a splendid opportunity for the formation of clubs with weekly or bi-weekly tournaments. Groups of girls can adopt a color designating teams where there are no other means of rivalry; thus, team and individual trophies may be contested for.

The grounds for archery should be carefully chosen. The most suitable ground is a level, grassy space with a uniform background. It is well to see that no danger can come to anyone through a flying arrow.

Soccer at Wellesley College before a large gallery. Soccer is a growing sport in America and an exceedingly healthful one.

Archery: 1, A target match at 50 yards. 2, The firing line, showing “nocked” arrows and drawn bows. 3, Retrieving arrows and counting scores. 4, A close up showing good form in “nocking” the arrow and drawing the bow.

Indoor base ball, like basket ball, is a game that may be played in the winter months in the gymnasium and it may also be played outdoors in a comparatively small space. When well played, it may become as exciting as the outdoor game. Its similarity to the outdoor game makes it easier for a majority of the players to understand it quickly. The ball is pitched by a pitcher to a batter who tries to hit it, in order to run to first base. Each batter in turn tries to advance her teammates and herself so that they each may touch each of the four bases in turn, thus making a run. There are nine innings. In each inning each team has a turn at bat, or an opportunity to bring in runs. The three main points are batting, pitching and fielding.

The pitcher throws the ball with a straight arm and with an underarm throw. Of course, she endeavors to find the batter’s weak spots and pitch accordingly. The fewer hits made by the batter, the greater the glory of the pitcher.

The batter must use common sense, and not let the pitcher fool her. To make every hit count is the rule for the batter; thus she must judge the ball, hit to a favorable spot in the field, working with the object of advancing such of her teammates already on the bases. The base runner should always be wideawake, ready to take advantage of any opportunities offered to her.

The fielders must be quick to judge a ball, quick tocatch it, and throw immediately to the necessary spot to head off any incipient scoring by a base runner.

A quick, well-played game of indoor base ball is lots of fun.

The game is played on an indoor floor. The diamond or infield is marked out at one end, the remaining floor is the outfield. At each of the four corners of the diamond is a base, usually made of canvas and half filled with sand. The distance along the sides is 27 feet if possible. There should be a box for the pitcher, 7 by 3 feet, and 23 feet distant from center of home base. A batsman’s box, one on each side of the home base, six inches distant from the base. The boxes are each 4 by 3 and extend a foot in front of a line drawn through center of the base and 3 feet behind. Foul lines should be drawn from the home base to first and from third to home, outside the side lines, so that the bases are inside the foul lines.

The regulation indoor base ball and bat are used.

There may be seven to nine players on a side, placed in position by the captain. There must be one player who stands within the pitcher’s box and pitches the ball according to rule. A substitute may be put in to run for a player by consent of both captains.

The game has nine innings for each side. If there is a tie the game is continued by innings until one side has won, or game is discontinued. Choice of innings is decided by the toss of a coin.

One run, i. e., one point to the side making the run, is scored when a base runner runs to and touches each of the three bases and touches home base before three players of her side are out.

The pitcher delivers the ball with the arm parallel to the body. The pitcher may not take more than one step.

The ball is good if it passes over any portion of the home plate no lower than the batsman’s knee and no higher than her shoulder.

It is counted a balk by the pitcher if she makes any motion to deliver the ball without doing so or holds the ball so long as to delay the game.

An illegal ball is delivered by the pitcher if she steps out of box or takes more than one step while pitching that ball.

A dead ball is a pitched ball which strikes the batter.

A batted ball is fair unless it strikes outside the foul line first.

A blocked ball is a ball batted or thrown that is stopped or handled by a person not playing. The ball is returned to the pitcher and runners remain on the same bases.

A strike is:

1. A ball struck at by the batter without her touching it.

2. A foul tip caught.

3. A good ball, legally delivered by the pitcher, not struck at by the batter.

4. A good ball which the batter deliberately interferes with.

A foul strike is a ball batted when the batter is out of her position.

The batsman is out:

1. If she bats out of turn.

2. If she fails to take her position one minute after umpire calls for batter.

3. If a foul hit made by her is caught by the catcher before the ball touches the floor or the wall.

4. If she makes a foul strike.

5. If any attempt be made to hinder the catcher or if the ball is intentionally fouled.

6. If, first base being occupied by a base runner, the batter has three strikes, except when two players are already out.

7. If, on the third strike, she is hit by the ball. The base runner must touch in regular order first, second, third and home bases.

The batter is a base runner immediately after:

1. A fair hit.

2. Four balls.

3. Three strikes.

4. Illegal delivery by pitcher.

The player is granted one base for the above, also the player may advance one base if:

1. Succeeding player is granted a base.

2. If umpire is struck by a batted or thrown ball.

3. If she is prevented from making a base by an adversary.

If the ball is fumbled on the third strike or fourth ball the base runner may take as many bases as she can get.

The base runner may only leave her base when the ball has been struck, or, if it is not struck, it has reached the catcher.

The base runner is brought back if:

1. She starts too soon.

2. For a foul strike.

3. A dead ball.

4. A foul hit not legally fielded. The pitcher must wait for her to return.

The base runner is out:

1. If having made a fair hit, this is fielded before it touches the wall or floor.

2. If there is any intentional interference with the ball just batted.

3. If the third strike is caught before touching the ground.

4. If, after three strikes or a fair hit, the base runner before touching first base is touched by a fielder with the ball in herhands, or if the ball is securely held by fielder touching first base before the base runner touches first base.

5. If she does not run directly.

6. If she obstructs the fielder.

7. If she fails to touch the bases in regular order.

The base runners may be coached from the coacher’s box.

There are two umpires who control the game. One judges all balls, strikes, blocks, dead balls, balks, illegal deliveries, fair and foul hits, ground hits, foul strikes. All decisions at the home plate are made by her. Time and play are called. She stands in a position behind the catcher.

The other judges the base plays. She stands near base line where she can best see field of play.

The two change positions at the end of each inning.

A regulation score card should be used.

Hand ball is a game suitable for either indoor or outdoor playing, in which two or four persons may participate. The game is divided into two parts—offensive and defensive. The server, or, if there are four playing, the server and her partner, constitute the offensive; the receiver or the receiving side, the defensive. The score is made by the serving side upon an error by the receiving side; if the server makes an error she loses the serve, thus also the chance to score. The ball is batted with the cupped hand against a wall or back board so that it bounds within a given territory.

The server drops or bounces the ball and then hits it on the rebound with the palm of hand against the wall, so that it rebounds as far from the receiver as possible. Control and speed are two important factors. In order to obtain good control, the player should practice and endeavor to place the ball where her opponent isn’t. This requires careful observation of your opponent’s tactics. After control comes speed; a speedy ball is always hard to return.

For the defensive, the player should always try to be in a good position to return any ball; thus, it is imperative to be able to play the ball with either hand. It is safer for the defensive player to play a conservative game rather than a speedy one, for any error counts for the other side.

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