College Tennis: Royal Origins
The Medieval form of tennis is known as real tennis. Real tennis evolved for more than three centuries from a prior ball game played during the 12th century in France. This had some similarities to palla, fives, pelota, or handball, wherein a ball is hit with a bare hand. Eventually players wore gloves to hit the ball. Based on the construction and appearance of early courts, one theory states that this game was played by cloistered monks. In the 16th century, the glove became a racquet, and the game moved to an enclosed playing area.  Rules had become more definitive as well. Real tennis throughout the royalty in Europe and reached the height of its popularity in the 16th century.FranÃýois I of France was a passionate player as well as promoter of real tennis.  He built courts and encouraged play among both his courtiers and the commoners. His successor, Henri II was also an excellent player, who continued the royal French tradition; and it was during his reign that the first known book about tennis, Trattato del Giuoco della Palla, appeared. It was written in 1555 by an Italian priest, Antonio Scaino da Salo. Two French kings are said to have died from tennis related episodes. Louis X contracted a severe chill after a match, and Charles VIII died after being struck with a ball. King Charles IX created the first pro tennis "tour" in a constitution which he granted to the Corporation of Tennis Professionals in 1571. This established three levels of professionals: apprentice, associate, and master. The first integration of the rules of royal tennis was written by a professional known as Forbet, and was published in 1599.
All the financial burdens involved in pursuing a college degree can prove daunting, especially with the current economic crisis. Thus many high school tennis athletes are hoping to get noticed during college tennis recruiting.  The Internet has proven to be a useful venue for both student tennis athletes and coaches involved in the process of college tennis recruiting. There are many websites and online forums wherein students and scouts can come together and interact. D1Athletes is an online community wherein high school tennis athletes and coaches alike can share and exchange information they need during college tennis recruiting. D1Athletes offers them a place to build an online presence and gain important public exposure.