The first true piece of sports equipment that man invented was the ball. In ancient Egypt, pitching stones was children’s favorite game, but a badly thrown rock could hurt a child. Egyptians were therefore looking for something less dangerous to throw. And ①they developed what were probably the first balls. ②They were first made of grass or leaves held together by strings, and later of pieces of animal skin sewn together and stuffed with feathers or hay. Even though the Egyptians were warlike, ③they found time for peaceful games. Before long ④they devised a number of ball games. Perhaps ⑤they played ball more for instruction than for fun. Ball playing was thought of mainly as a way to teach young men the speed and skill they would need for war.

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