Real tennis is the original racquet sport from which the modern game of lawn tennis is descended and there are only a small number of active courts still remaining in the United Kingdom, France, USA and Australia. The court in Newcastle was built in 1894 and is widely thought of as one of the best courts in the world.

Real Tennis is a great game for players of any age, standard or fitness level. A unique handicapping system can be applied to matches, allowing all players to compete on virtually equal terms.

The game combines elements of Lawn Tennis and Squash, but in addition the court has various target areas such as the sloping roof sections along three of its walls (called penthouses), and some unusual features within the scoring system such as chases. These elements combine to ensure both a physical and intellectual challenge quite unlike that of any other racquet game.

The racquets and balls are very different from those used in lawn tennis.

Jesmond Real Tennis Club are running a series of Real tennis lessons for juniors and young people between the ages of 12 & 21.  These will take place throughout the summer holidays.

There will be a series of 5 introductory lessons (Mon - Fri) which will be either 2 or 3 hours depending on numbers and will start at 2pm each day.

We will supply racquets and balls.  All you need is a clean pair of non-marking trainers.  We sway towards whites generally but will waive this.  However, football shirts are not allowed.  The court is warm in the summer so rugby tops are probably a little too thick.

In the week we will teach technique, tactics, rules, scoring and etiquette.  Singles & doubles will be played but there will be an emphasis on doubles, teamwork, positional play and having fun.

Places are limited each week so booking is essential.  If demand is high I may add another session in the morning.  Please email club@jdrtc.co.uk to book or phone Paul Hetherington on 0191 2816854.  Please let us know which week you would like to book, name, age, contact no and racquet sport level and experience.

The cost will be £40 to cover coaching, court costs, racquet hire etc.  Cheques payable to JDRTC or contact us for bank details for transfers.

Week 1 - Monday July 11th - Friday 15th
Week 2 - Monday July 18th - Friday 22nd
Week 3 - Monday July 25th - Friday 29th
Week 4 - Monday August 1st - Friday 5th
Week 5 - Monday August 8th - Friday 12th
Week 6 - unavailable
Week 7 - unavailable
Week 8 - Monday August 29th - Friday September 2nd

Coaching

Paul Hetherington is the head professional at Jesmond Dene Real Tennis Club. 

Real tennis coaching is quite classical and it can be beneficial for other sports.

Benefits

• Real tennis fosters integrity, honesty and fair play.  Some juniors are not used to this and it's interesting how they react so positively to such values.
• Some of the top Universities have real tennis courts so knowledge of the game could be useful when choosing University.
• Real Tennis coaching concentrates on balance and movement which can be integrated into other sports.
• There are some magnificent Real tennis clubs around the world including Lords Cricket Ground, Hampton Court Palace, New York, Washington and Melbourne to name a few.  All members (with handicaps) are welcomed and are able to play at any of the courts.
• Junior members are offered free membership and subsidised court fees.
• All players immediately have a world ranking when they are given a handicap.  Two ex-RGS players, who have both been UK Amateur Champions, are currently 16th & 25th in the world.
  

If you would like to come and see the court please let us know and someone will be here to show you round and answer any questions.

All people involved in coaching are fully CRB checked.