The Tennis & Racquet Club features a court tennis court, the only one of its kind in the region. The game features handmade balls, slate walls, a court layout reminiscent of a palace courtyard, and requires the ability to hit off side, roof, and back surfaces. The T&R provides court tennis programs at all levels, from junior to expert, with both private and group lessons, as well as organized clinics.
Director of Athletics Leon Smart:
Leon has been a Court Tennis, Racquets and Squash Professional at the T&R since October 2015. He first came across court tennis while studying at Middlesex University. With his background originally being in lawn tennis, he had a natural desire to learn about the sport. He was soon offered an internship which allowed him to be a court tennis professional. Upon graduating from Middlesex, he was offered a full scholarship to play Lawn Tennis at Delta State University, where he also earned his M.S. Sports Law and Facilities Management. He later returned to London where he worked as a court tennis professional for one year before joining the T&R professional team. His highest official world ranking in court tennis is 14.
Court Tennis Professional Neil Smith:
Neil has been deeply involved in Racquets and Court Tennis for over forty years. In that time, he has competed at the highest level winning multiple opens in the U.K. and North America. Highlights of his playing career include becoming World Champion in both Singles & Doubles Racquets.
He has coached players from juniors just starting the sports to elite players training and competing for the World Championships. His most rewarding time on court is spent helping his pupils learn new skills, be that mastering a new technique such as a serve, or thinking of different ways of constructing a rally.
For information on lessons and events Email Leon at Leon@TandR.org .
Links for more information on Court Tennis:
US Court Tennis Preservation Foundation and US Court Tennis Association
History of the game, upcoming events, rankings, and recent event photos.
International Real Tennis Professionals Association
Information on professionals, upper level tournaments, world singles and doubles championships, and world rankings.
Tennis & Rackets Association
Website for the British Real Tennis Association
For the current Court Tennis Handicap List please follow this link handicap-list
