RACKETS
REAL TENNIS
RACKETS
Background
Rackets is the fastest, most exhilarating and most exciting indoor ball
game played in the UK. The court is approximately 3 times larger
than a squash court and the ball is hard. Each game is scored up
to 15 and matches are the best of 5 or 7 games.
History
Rackets originated in the Fleet and King's Bench debtors' prisons.
The game expanded rapidly when the Services and some leading Public Schools
adopted it. There are courts today at Sandhurst, Dartmouth, 4 clubs
and 14 Public Schools. None of the 70 Rackets courts built in India is
now in active use. There are approximately 15 National Championships
for all age groups and standards, the majority of which are played at
The Queen's Club in West Kensington, London.
Facilities and Equipment Required
A standard court has floor dimensions of 60 feet (18.288m) x 30 feet (9.144m),
a front wall height of 32 feet (9.7536m) and a back wall of 12½ feet (3.81m),
the walls having a surface of hard black plaster. The ball has a
polythene core and is covered with white surgical plaster. The racquet
is longer and stronger than a squash racquet. There is a Rackets
professional at every public school and club. He sells the racquets,
provides the balls and teaches beginners. Most school professionals
encourage the use of their courts in the evenings by local adults.
Benefits of Participating
Anyone lucky enough to have played Rackets will have enjoyed an unforgettable
experience owing to the sheer speed of the ball. It appeals to all
talented ball game players.
Variations
Singles and doubles are played as in Lawn Tennis and there is a handicap
system.
Contact Details
The Tennis and Rackets Association
The Queen's Club
Palliser Road
West Kensington
London
W14 9EG
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REAL TENNIS
Background
Real Tennis is played indoors. The Rules appear more complex than
they are. The general aim, as in lawn tennis, is to return the ball
over the net; but there are walls to play off, galleries to aim for and
spins to contend with. Serving is similar to Lawn Tennis.
History
Real Tennis is the oldest of all court games and the forerunner of Lawn
Tennis. It started in the 11th century as hand ball played by monks
around the cloisters of monasteries in Italy and France. Between
the 12th and 16th centuries the game evolved into the game played today
on a unique court with an asymmetric racquet and solid felt covered balls.
The game is undergoing a major revival. There are 26 courts in the
UK, 9 of which have been built or restored in the last 10 years.
Facilities and Equipment Required
A court is approximately 110 feet (33.528m) long, 40 feet (12.192m) wide
and 30 feet (9.144m) high. There is a net across the centre which
is 5 feet (1.524m) high at the sides and 3 feet (0.91m) high in the middle.
Around 3 sides of the court is a lean-to called the Penthouse, which is
about 7 feet (2.1336m) wide. Each court has a professional who makes
the solid balls, sells the racquets made by Gray's and teaches beginners.
Benefits of Participating
By participating you will play one of the fastest growing sports in the
UK. There is a national handicapping system which allows players
of varying abilities to compete on equal terms. Leading players
require the skill and athleticism of a lawn tennis player and the guile
of a chess player.
Variations
Real Tennis is played by men and women as singles or doubles. There
are national championships for all ages and standards from the Under 11s
to the Over 70s.
Contact Details
The Tennis and Rackets Association
The Queen's Club
Palliser Road
West Kensington
London
W14 9EG
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