From the physical standpoint, any exercise under favorable circumstances is beneficial in that it develops and brings into play the muscles of the body and stimulates the whole system. But all forms of athletics should be carefully supervised, particularly for growing girls. Every participant should have a thorough physical examination and if any limitations are placed upon her athletics, the reasons for such restrictions should be carefully explained. It is natural that some people are more delicate than others--absolutely unfit for some of the more strenuous games--but there are always less strenuous exercises which may be indulged in. The physical condition being assured, the girl should be watched so that she does not enter into the sports or games with too much intensity. It is a common tendency of the average American girl to throw her whole soul into the particular matter at hand. If it happens to be athletics, often her enthusiasm helped out by a thoroughly admirable spirit and by quite a lot of “grit”--as her brothers term it--keeps her playing when she is really tired out physically. This is the time where a coach--or if there is no coach, friendly advice--will show the girl that she is not getting any benefit out of the exercise, and she is running the risk of injuring herself. This excess is as wrong in athletics as it is in anything else. Be temperate. My advice to every girl is: Know your physical condition; use common sense and gauge the amount of exercise you take by your physical condition and stamina. Athletics as a builder of character _are_ just as important as a builder of physical strength. _Fair play_ and _good sportsmanship_ are the two maxims kept constantly before the eye. A girl who has won the reputation of being a clean, square player is happy herself and is admired by all with whom she comes in contact. There is no higher compliment than to be called a “good sportswoman.” A girl who can lose and smile, or win and not exult over her opponent’s defeat, is quite apt to get something bigger than mere physical development out of her athletics. Training A few girls have asked me, “How can I learn to play this or that game well?” Athletics are just like almost every phase of life; it requires practice and experience before one becomes skilled. If, then, a girl wishes to be successful it is best to make a thorough study of the branch of sport she is going to take up and practice, assimilating each detail carefully. The amount of time it takes to become proficient depends upon the natural ability of the person--some people are much more talented in athletics than others.