Seeing as you’ve made it this far, why not sit back, relax and learn a little about the origins of a game which could just shape the future of your leisure-time forever...
The brainchild of Rashid Ahmad, touchtennis began life in the outskirts of London in the balmy summer of 2002. Initially devised as a means of entertaining his young daughter in the back garden, the opportunity to dish out dail
y thrashings at her expense eventually led Ahmad to label himself the ‘G.O.A.T’ (the Greatest of All Time). It was a title which he felt he had earned and one which simultaneously fed his ego while ignoring years of torrid defeats at his local tennis club. Alas, as is so often the way of the vainglorious, the need to further bolster his sense of importance and reinforce his status as ‘the G.O.A.T’ eventually saw him challenge more appropriate rivals; many of whom were over the age of 5.
238 weeks and 20 Grand Slam victories later, Ahmad finally saw his domination challenged by a new generation of players ready to test his superiority. Like a Brit' in a Wimbledon semi-final he wilted; he has never recovered. While ‘the G.O.A.T’s’ reputation may lie in tatters, the standing of touchtennis has gone from strength to strength expanding across the globe to be played by a cult of racquet wielding brothers and sisters bound by the game’s addictive simplicity. An attractive alternative to the mainstream game, the key to touchtennis lies not in manipulating the ball with raw power but rather with deft stroke-play and chess-like manoeuvres. Played on a reduced size court with foam balls and 21 inch kids racquets, its carefully calibrated regulations aim to level the playing field for competitors by fostering long, intense rallies and clever angle play. It doesn’t matter whether you’re young or old, male or female; the key to the game’s addictiveness is the enjoyment that comes from repeatedly and intelligently outwitting opponents. Believe us when we say that once you’ve experienced the joy that comes with pulling off a forehand winner after an energetic 60 stroke rally you’ll be dying to repeat the feat over and over! Seen Federer hit a shot and want to copy it? You'll be able to. Like that backhand by Becker? No problem. If you’re particularly eager to test your competitive spirit you might well be interested in joining the burgeoning touchtennis circuit. Replete with Grand Slams and Masters Tournaments, the tour has already attracted the attention of former Wimbledon winners, well-known commentators and noteworthy young talents who compete feverishly for ranking points and cash prizes. Brilliant fun for all ages, the game is particularly attractive to beginners and less experienced tennis players looking to improve their hand-eye coordination. Moreover, with swearing, on-court tantrums and racquet-abuse all punished by the game’s unique rules and regulations, the sport also aspires to foster sportsmanship at the expense of aggression. After all, as with all great sports, the key to touchtennis is not the winning, it’s in annoying your opponent to make defeat hurt more, and victory feel shallow. www.touchtennis.com
The touchtennis website is packed with further information including on where you can give it a go and how you can set up your own court, but if you want to know more or to get involved don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing [email protected]
