Net and Wall Sports | Traditional Summary
Contextualization
Net and wall sports are very popular and practiced all over the world. These sports are characterized by the presence of a net or wall that divides the playing space, establishing a defined area where the activity takes place. Examples of these sports include tennis, volleyball, badminton, squash, and table tennis. They are known not only for promoting physical activity but also for developing essential skills such as motor coordination, agility, quick reflexes, and teamwork.
In addition to their contributions to health and well-being, these sports have a rich history and a variety of specific rules and objectives. For example, tennis has its origins in 12th century France and has evolved significantly over the centuries, while volleyball was invented in 1895 in the United States as a less intense alternative to basketball. Each sport has its own particularities in terms of court, equipment, and scoring system, making them unique and challenging. Understanding these differences is fundamental for anyone interested in practicing them or enjoying them as a spectator.
Tennis
Tennis is a net sport played on a rectangular court divided by a net. Each player uses a racket to hit the ball back and forth, trying to make it so the opponent cannot return the ball. The game can be played in singles or doubles. Tennis has a unique scoring system where points are counted as 15, 30, 40, and game. To win a set, a player must win at least six games with a two-game lead over the opponent. If both players win six games, a tie-break is played to decide the set winner. Additionally, players must follow specific rules such as alternating serves and service areas, making the game strategic and technical.
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Rectangular court divided by a net.
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Scoring system: 15, 30, 40, game.
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Sets won with at least a two-game advantage.
Volleyball
Volleyball is played on a court divided by a high net, with two teams of six players each. Each team must send the ball over the net using a maximum of three touches, trying to make it touch the ground on the opponent's side. The rotation of players is an important feature of the game, where players switch positions after each point won by the team that did not serve. Scoring in volleyball is done in sets of 25 points, and the team must win at least three sets to win the match. Besides physical skills, volleyball requires a high level of coordination and teamwork, as players need to constantly communicate and execute attack and defense strategies.
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Court divided by a high net.
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Teams of six players.
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Scoring in sets of 25 points.
Badminton
Badminton is played on a court divided by a net, using rackets and a shuttlecock. Players hit the shuttlecock so that it passes over the net and lands in the opponent's court. The game can be played in singles (one-on-one) or doubles (two-on-two). The scoring system in badminton is based on sets of 21 points, and a player or team must win by a minimum of two points. There are specific serving and service areas on the court, and the game rules include details like the height of the net and service areas. Badminton is a sport that demands great agility, quick reflexes, and precision in hits.
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Court divided by a net.
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Use of rackets and shuttlecock.
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Scoring in sets of 21 points.
Squash
Squash is played in an enclosed court with four walls. Players use rackets to hit the ball against the front wall, trying to make it so the opponent cannot return the ball. The squash court is small, and players need to be quick and agile to cover the entire space. The scoring system of squash is based on sets of 11 points, and a player must win by at least two points. The serving areas are defined on the court, and the ball must hit the front wall before any other surface. Squash is an intensive sport that requires physical endurance, speed, and good strategic skills.
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Enclosed court with four walls.
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Scoring in sets of 11 points.
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Ball must hit the front wall.
Table Tennis
Table tennis, also known as ping pong, is played on a table divided by a net. Players use small rackets to hit the ball over the net, trying to make it so the opponent cannot return the ball. The scoring system for table tennis is based on sets of 11 points, and a player must win by a minimum of two points. The game can be played in singles or doubles. The rules include details about serving, changing sides, and the playing area, which is the table itself. Table tennis is a sport that demands quick reflexes, precision, and strategy.
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Table divided by a net.
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Scoring in sets of 11 points.
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Use of small rackets and ball.
To Remember
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Tennis: Net sport played on a rectangular court with rackets and ball, scoring: 15, 30, 40, game.
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Volleyball: Net sport played on a court with two teams of six players, scoring in sets of 25 points.
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Badminton: Net sport played with rackets and shuttlecock, scoring in sets of 21 points.
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Squash: Wall sport played in an enclosed court with rackets and ball, scoring in sets of 11 points.
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Table Tennis: Net sport played on a table with small rackets and ball, scoring in sets of 11 points.
Conclusion
Net and wall sports, such as tennis, volleyball, badminton, squash, and table tennis, are widely practiced modalities that offer significant benefits for health and the development of motor and strategic skills. Each sport has specific rules, its own equipment, and distinct scoring systems, which were thoroughly discussed in class. Understanding these characteristics allows students to engage more informatively and effectively in these activities.
In addition to the rules and objectives, net and wall sports have a rich history that contributes to their popularity and relevance in today's sports context. Knowing the origin and evolution of these sports helps further appreciate the practice and enjoyment of these modalities. The class also highlighted the importance of skills such as motor coordination, agility, and teamwork, which are developed through practicing these sports.
We encourage students to continue exploring these sports, both in practice and in theory, to deepen their knowledge and skills. Learning about these sports not only contributes to physical health but also to personal and social development, promoting values such as discipline, cooperation, and respect for rules.
Study Tips
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Review the rules and scoring systems of each sport presented, comparing the differences and similarities between them.
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Watch videos of matches from net and wall sports to visualize the practical application of the rules and strategies discussed in class.
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Participate in practical activities or games that involve these sports to develop motor skills and strategies in a real environment.
