This compact book offers information about diverse ball sports, including basketball, soccer, tennis, volleyball (indoor and beach), softball, baseball, handball, badminton, table tennis, and hockey (non-ice). Historical facts refer to ancient ball games and names founders of modern versions. Photographs and drawings show playing fields and equipment. A chart lists diameters of balls for five sports. Measurements for courts and nets are provided in appropriate sections. This book explains fundamental rules, scoring criteria, and penalties for fouls and infractions. The text tells at which Olympics each sport was initially played and when women were permitted to compete, noting in 1900 tennis player Charlotte Cooper became the first female Olympic gold medalist. Footers identify individual and team medalists at the 2004 Athens Olympics.