Hoover Ball Players Pose in front of the South Portico

In this photograph, President Herbert Hoover poses alongside a group of Hoover Ball participants in front of the South Portico. The president is pictured standing, sixth from left. Hoover Ball was invented following a recommendation by White House physician Dr. Joel Thompson Boone that President Hoover improve his health by increasing his outdoor physical activity. Incorporating aspects of tennis, volleyball, and medicine ball, the team sport involved passing a six-pound ball over a highly-raised net.