Women's basketball began in 1892 at Smith College. They started playing less than one year after it was invented in 1891. Senda Berenson, a teacher from Smith College modified the rules to the game of basketball started by James Naismith and taught it in her classes. Basketball's early adherents were affiliated with YMCAs and colleges throughout the United States, and the game quickly spread through the country.

However, Berenson was taking risks simply in teaching the game to women. She worried a little about the women suffering from "nervous fatigue" if games were too strenuous for them. And, in order to keep it "acceptable" for women to play at all, she taught modified rules. These included a court divided into three areas and nine players per team. Three players were assigned to each area (guard, center, forward) and could not cross the line into another area. The ball was moved from section to section by passing or dribbling. Players were limited to three dribbles and could hold the ball for three seconds. Peach baskets and the soccer ball were the equipment. Variations of Berenson’s rules spread across the country via YMCAs and colleges.



We present this fine collection of twelve {12} Spalding's Official Womens Basketball Guides.

:: Spalding's Official Womens Basketball Guide (1908) - 116 pages.

:: Spalding's Official Womens Basketball Guide (1911) - 142 pages.

:: Spalding's Official Womens Basketball Guide (1912) - 148 pages.

:: Spalding's Official Womens Basketball Guide (1914) - 140 pages.

:: Spalding's Official Womens Basketball Guide (1915) - 116 pages.

:: Spalding's Official Womens Basketball Guide (1916) - 142 pages.

:: Spalding's Official Womens Basketball Guide (1917) - 148 pages.

:: Spalding's Official Womens Basketball Guide (1918) - 140 pages.

:: Spalding's Official Womens Basketball Guide (1919) - 116 pages.

:: Spalding's Official Womens Basketball Guide (1920) - 142 pages.

:: Spalding's Official Womens Basketball Guide (1921) - 148 pages.

:: Spalding's Official Womens Basketball Guide (1922) - 140 pages.