SPORTS NEWS

Tennis is a really fun and exciting sport that people play all over the world, whether just for fun or in big tournaments. It’s played on a court with a net in the middle, and players use rackets to hit a small rubber ball back and forth. The goal is to hit the ball over the net and try to make it land in the other person’s side so you can score points. 

There are two main kinds of matches: singles, which is one player against another, and doubles, where two people team up and play against another team. Tennis takes a lot of skill, quick thinking, and fast reflexes, because the ball moves super fast. You also need a lot of energy since matches can go on for a long time. The biggest tournaments in tennis are called the Grand Slams, and they are the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. The best players in the world compete in these, and winning one is a really big deal. Some of the greatest tennis players ever are Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. 

What makes tennis so cool is that it’s not just about being strong or fast—you also have to be smart and stay calm under pressure. You have to think about how to beat your opponent, not just hit the ball hard. I play tennis myself and I love it! My favorite players are Emma Raducanu, Serena Williams, and Novak Djokovic. Tennis is awesome because it’s fun to play, fun to watch, and it teaches you how to never give up and always play fair! 

Feeling like playing some tennis? Check out our local Roe Green Park which features tennis courts! https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/RoeGreenPark 

Cricket is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of eleven players. The objective is to score more runs than the opposing team. The game involves batting, bowling, and fielding, with players taking turns in each role. A cricket field is typically oval-shaped, with a rectangular pitch in the centre where the main action takes place. 

Fun facts:

•  The first game of cricket ever recorded took place in 1646. The game proved to be so popular that eventually fines had to be given to those who missed church in order to play.

• A cricket bat usually weighs between 2 and 3 pounds and is made traditionally from willow wood which is prized for its lightness and toughness.

• Cricket bats are made up of three parts: the grip, the handle and the blade, which is the part used to strike the ball.

FAMOUS PLAYERS:

Some famous cricket players include Sir Don Bradman, Sachin Tendulkar, Sir Garfield Sobers, Shane Warne, and Sir Viv Richards. Other notable players include Brian Lara, Jacques Kallis, Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, and Muttiah Muralitharan. These players are renowned for their exceptional skills, records, and impact on the sport.