What is Real Tennis?
Real Tennis is an ancient sport, also known as Royal Tennis, Court Tennis and Jeu de Paume. It is one of the oldest racquet sports in the world and has a long history of being played in royal courts and palaces. The game is still played today, although it is much less popular than it once was.
Real Tennis is played on an enclosed court with walls, similar to a squash court. The court is divided into two halves by a net and each player has a racquet and the aim of the game is to hit the ball over the net and into the opponent’s court. The ball must bounce once in the opponent’s court before it can be hit back. The first player to score eight points wins the game.
Where Does Real Tennis Originate From?
Real Tennis is believed to have originated in 11th century France as a form of handball called Jeu de Paume. It was a popular pastime amongst the French nobility and is thought to have been introduced to England by French prisoners of war during the Hundred Years War in the 14th century.
The Development of Real Tennis
The game was adapted and developed in England and by the 16th century the court had changed to its current enclosed shape and racquets were introduced. The first court was built in 1499 for King Henry VII at Hampton Court Palace and this is still the oldest surviving court in the world today.
In the 17th century, the game became popular amongst monarchs and aristocrats and by the 18th century there were over 300 courts across the country.
The Decline of Real Tennis
By the 19th century, the game had become less popular and the number of courts had dwindled to around 30. This was mainly due to the invention of lawn tennis in the 1870s which quickly became more popular than Real Tennis.
The game experienced a revival in the early 20th century and new courts were built, but it was not until the 1990s that the game began to experience a resurgence in popularity.
Real Tennis Today
Today there are approximately 50 Real Tennis courts in England and Wales and the game is played by a small, but dedicated community of players.
The game is governed by the Real Tennis Association (RTA) and championships and tournaments are held throughout the year. The World Championships are held annually at The Queen’s Club in London and the World Professional Championships are held at various courts across the world.
Real Tennis Rules
The rules of Real Tennis are similar to those of lawn tennis, but there are some important differences. The court is divided into four sections, known as chases, and the ball must bounce in each chase before it can be returned.
The racquet can be used to hit the ball into the air, or bounce it off the walls and ceiling, and the ball can be hit after it has bounced in the opponent’s court. Scoring is similar to that of lawn tennis and the first player to score eight points wins the game.
Real Tennis Equipment
Real Tennis requires specific equipment to play, including a racquet, balls, a net and a court. The racquet is larger and heavier than a lawn tennis racquet and is made from wood or composite materials. The balls are heavier than those used in lawn tennis and are made from rubber and cork.
The court is usually made from wood and has walls, a ceiling and a floor. The court is divided into two halves by a net and there are also a number of other features, such as posts and galleries, which are used to help return the ball.
Real Tennis Strategies
Real Tennis is a very tactical game and players must use a variety of strategies to win. Players must be able to read their opponent’s shots and anticipate where the ball is going to land.
Players must also be able to hit the ball off the walls and ceiling, as well as use spin to control the direction and speed of the ball. Players must also be aware of the court’s features, such as the posts and galleries, as they can be used to return difficult shots.
Real Tennis Pros
Real Tennis is a difficult game to master and professional players must be highly skilled and experienced in order to compete at the highest level. The top players in the world are able to combine power, accuracy and strategy to win games.
Real Tennis Clubs
Real Tennis clubs can be found in the UK, US, Australia and New Zealand, as well as other countries around the world. The clubs offer a range of facilities, including courts, coaching and tournaments.
Clubs are a great way to learn the game and meet other players. They are also a great way to keep up to date with the latest developments in the sport.
Conclusion
Real Tennis is an ancient sport with a long and rich history. It is still played today, although much less popular than its modern counterpart, lawn tennis.
The game is played on an enclosed court and requires specific equipment, including a racquet, balls and a net. The rules are similar to those of lawn tennis, but there are some important differences.
Real Tennis is a difficult game to master and professional players must be highly skilled and experienced in order to compete at the highest level. The game is governed by the Real Tennis Association and championships and tournaments are held throughout the year.
Real Tennis clubs can be found around the world and they are a great way to learn the game and meet other players. For those looking to try something new, or to experience a piece of history, Real Tennis is a great option.