Real Tennis Rules Explained

Real Tennis, also known as "court tennis" or "jeu de paume," is a racquet sport that was popularized in medieval France and England. It is considered the ancestor of modern tennis, and it is still played today by enthusiasts around the world.

Real Tennis is played on an indoor court that is much smaller and more complex than a modern tennis court. The court is enclosed by walls, and it features a variety of sloping roofs, galleries, and openings through which the ball can pass. The walls and roof can be used to play various shots, and the game involves a number of unique rules and strategies.

The racquets used in Real Tennis are much smaller and heavier than those used in modern tennis, and the balls are hand-made and filled with cork. The scoring system is also different, with games consisting of several "sets" rather than just one.

Real Tennis is a challenging and highly skilled sport that requires excellent hand-eye coordination, speed, and agility. It is popular with players of all ages and abilities, and it is a fascinating glimpse into the history of racquet sports.

The Rules of Real Tennis

The rules of Real Tennis can be quite complex, but here is a basic overview:

• Scoring: Real Tennis is played in sets, with each set consisting of up to eight games. To win a game, a player must win four points (15, 30, 40, and game point). If the game is tied at 40-40, it is known as "deuce," and a player must win two consecutive points to win the game.
• Serve: The serve must be delivered from the service end of the court and must land in the service court on the opposite side of the net. If the ball hits the net and lands in the correct service court, it is called a "let" and the serve is retaken.
• Return: The opponent must return the serve before the ball bounces twice. The ball must be returned to the front wall, and it must land in the service court or the main part of the court on the opposite side of the net.
• Points: Points can be won by hitting the ball so that it bounces twice before the opponent can return it, hitting the ball out of bounds, or if the opponent fails to return the ball to the front wall before it bounces twice.
• Walls and galleries: The walls and galleries can be used to play shots, and the ball can bounce off them before it hits the front wall. However, the ball must hit the front wall before it bounces twice, or the opponent will win the point.
• Let: If a player is hindered in their attempt to play a shot, such as by interference from another player or a ball from another court, a let can be called, and the point is replayed.
• Game and set: The first player to win six games wins the set, but if the score is tied at 5-5, the set continues until one player wins by two games. A match can consist of up to five sets.

These are just the basic rules of Real Tennis, and there are many other nuances and complexities to the game. However, this should give you a general idea of how the game is played.

Famous Players

Real Tennis is a niche sport that is played by a relatively small number of people, but there have been many accomplished players throughout history. Here are a few examples of famous male and female Real Tennis players:

Male Players:

• Robert Fahey - Considered by many to be the greatest Real Tennis player of all time, Fahey has won 16 World Championships and 30 British Open Championships.
• Camden Riviere - Another dominant player, Riviere has won six World Championships and 12 British Open Championships.
• Steve Virgona - A legend of the sport, Virgona has won 10 World Championships and 12 British Open Championships.

Female Players:

• Charlotte Cornwallis - One of the earliest female Real Tennis players, Cornwallis was a skilled player who competed against men in the 18th century.
• Penny Lumley - A contemporary player, Lumley has won seven World Championships and 12 British Open Championships.
• Claire Fahey - The daughter of Robert Fahey, Claire is also a talented player who has won multiple World Championships and British Open Championships.

These are just a few examples of some of the most accomplished Real Tennis players, both past and present.

If you want to consult a specialist to help you with your Real Tennis performance we have a number of excellent sport performance specialists who list their services on our directory. You can search for the sport performance specialist you need by location or specialism. You can find someone to help with your fitness, nutrition, injury and psychological aspects.