touchtennis is a new sport created by Rashid Ahmad in 2003.  

Inspired by tennis, it follows the same basic rules as mini tennis red, using small rackets and sponge balls.  The game is a real leveller and players of all abilities can take part in this fun format of tennis. The ingenious design of the interaction between racket-ball-surface-court dimensions allows for longer rallies and putting the ball away sometimes seems impossible!  Speed of mind, understanding of the rival’s weakness and exquisite touch count far more than physical strength and power.  Outmanoeuvring your opponent is far more effective than trying to out-hit them.

Currently, touchtennis has a huge following amongst experienced tennis players, some of whom have played professional tennis on the senior tour.  However, the skill level required combined with the simplicity of the various formats of play, make it great fun to play at any age and brilliant for beginners and less experienced tennis players.  The short history of the sport is proving very successful.

The game can be played with a mix adults and juniors, beginners and top club level players, as the small court, mini rackets and sponge balls eliminate the need for power and often smaller people find it easier to move around the court.

HOW do you score in a touchtennis tournament?

A match is normally scored first to 10 points, like football scoring, with each person having 2 service points each.  You can also play short sets or full sets, first to 4 games and 6 games respectively, with full service games.

·            Only ONE serve is permitted

·            No Let Rule – if the ball clips the net and then lands in the correct service box (diagonal to the server) then that ball is considered "in play"

·            Ball toss – once the server tosses the ball upward to serve then that player is obliged to hit it.  You throw it, HIT IT!  Or you lose that point.

·            If your serve hits your opponent without bouncing then it is a fault UNLESS they are touching the service line or are inside the service box when the ball hits them in which case the server wins the point

·            A serve may not be volleyed back by the returner

·            If the racquet leaves your hand in order to make a shot, then that shot will still count so long as your racquet does not fly over the net on to your opponents side of the court

·            Grunting – it is recommended that you grunt during play as it is known to distract your opponent!