still a fair shot. Later illustrations of pallacorda and tennis show tassels hung from the cord to indicate if a ball went below the cord. The net was merely an enhancement on the tassels, and it now serves three functions: marking territory, controlling player movement, and restricting the flight of the ball. When modern lawn tennis adopted real tennis' net, it also brought with it these three functions. The fact that variants of palla are all street games, and that they are clearly related to real tennis suggests something of the development of the latter sport's court. It had been assumed that a real tennis court developed from the layout of monastery cloisters. This is mainly due to the early popularity of the game among clerics, and similarities of some court features to a cloister. However, this theory has two problems. Cloisters are usually square, while a tennis court is much longer than it is wide. Secondly, some of the similar features of tennis courts were actually introduced in the 16th century, and earlier layouts were less similar to cloisters. The study of palla has led many to suggest that the first tennis courts were made by those who wanted to play the street game, but could afford a more private and much cleaner setting. Similarities to cloisters in later court designs could either be coincidence, or intentional innovations. The proportions of the court and features such as penthouses and windows could easily relate to medieval streets. Locations currently hosting the game The game is still practiced today in six villages in Southern Tuscany. Normally the game is played from Spring through Summer. Tournaments are held in each village between July and August. The actual schedule of the tournaments is confirmed each year a few weeks before its start. Ciciano, in the Municipality of Chiusdino (SI), the first week-end of August. Piloni, in the Municipality of Roccastrada (GR), the second or third week-end of August (depending on agreements with Torniella) Scalvaia, in the Municipality of Monticiano (SI), the last week-end of July Torniella, in the Municipality of Roccastrada (GR), the second or third week end of August (depending on agreements with Piloni) Vetulonia, in the Municipality of Castiglione della Pescaia (GR), usually the last week-end of August Tirli, in the Municipality of Castiglione della Pescaia (GR), either around mid-July or after Vetulonia. See also Pallone Puellad Dutch Kaatsen Valencian pilota