Indoor game played on an enclosed court. It
is regarded as the forerunner of many racket
and ball games. Although first played in the
Middle Ages, rackets developed in the 18th
century and was played against the walls of
London buildings. See squash.
The Fleet Prison was a popular venue. It is
played on a court usually 18.3 m/60 ft long
by 9.1 m/30 ft wide, by two or four persons
each with a racket about 75 cm/2.5 ft long,
weighing 255 g/9 oz. The ball is 25 mm/1 in
in diameter and weighs 28 g/1 oz. Play begins
from a service box -- one is marked at each
side of mid-court -- and the ball must hit
above a 2.75 m/9 ft line on the end wall.
After service it may be played anywhere above
a line 68.5 cm/27 in high on the end wall,
the general rules of tennis applying
thereafter.