REAL TENNIS
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The British Real Tennis Academy
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WHAT IS THE ACADEMY?
![The Academy Logo.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2d4458_7923c56b2f434eea8241702bae36f59e~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_307,h_193,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/The%20Academy%20Logo.png)
The British Real Tennis Academy is the UK national coaching programme for the best young players in the country. It was launched by the Dedanists’ Society in 2005. The Society is the primary funder and runs the programme day-to-day. The T&RA is the other main supporter and funder.
Sponsored by The Dedanist Society & The T&RA
About Us
Purpose of the Academy
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To improve match play performance of the best young real tennis players in the country, by bringing to bear the latest thinking and coaching in terms of tennis technique, tactics, sports psychology, biomechanics and physical training.
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To be a centre of excellence for the coaching and development of the best by applying to real tennis the same research, innovation and best practice that informs the coaching and development of elite players in the world's major sports.
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To provide a beacon of aspiration for all young players of real tennis.
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For more details of the Programme Content please scroll down to the bottom of the page
Academy Players Dominate the British Junior Championships
Queen's Club August 16th-18th 2024
Members of our British Junior Academy squads dominated this year's Junior Championships. In the Under 16 and Under 18 categories, both players in the final were Academy Squad members. In particular Max Warner at just 13 years old won the U16 & U18 categories which have never before been won by someone so young.
Results U12 Callum Matthews (Seacourt) bt Walt Laukitis (Washington) 8/7 U14 Kurt Mueller (Tuxedo) bt Ben Brown (Bristol) 6/0 6/1 U16 Max Warner bt Laszlo Garson 3/6 6/5 6/4
U18 Max Warner bt Laszlo Garson 6/4 6/2 The Under 16 and the U18 finals in particular, displayed the exceptional level attained by our Academy youngsters. So, another season starts for our Academy Squads and they are off to a flying start!
A Great Day with Ben Ronaldson to open the 2024/25 Season for the Academy Cadet Squad!
On 11th August 2024, three members of the Academy Cadet Squad were privileged to spend the day at the Queen's Club being coached by Ben Ronaldson.
This coaching day formed part of the season-long coaching plan for the squad which takes them to different clubs to be coached by some of the game's top coaches.
Alex Boulton, Robert Blizzard, and Frankie Binns were on and off the court for 5 hours and enjoyed their day despite some tough training routines! These sessions provide a great basic platform for these promising 12-15-year-olds who should go on to be the Academy Performance Squad stars of the future.
Full technical appraisals are written up by Ben and are added to each players coaching history.
Many thanks to Ben and Cadet Squad manager David Blizzard for their excellent organisation of the day.
Paul Weaver
Academy Director
![Max.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2d4458_ed051ed2f0164cf39251d6b248062a44~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_355,h_581,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Max.jpg)
2024/2025 British Academy Squad Selection
HIGH PERFORMANCE SQUAD
Squad Director: Graham Tomkinson
Levi Gale (Age 27, h/c 2.9)
Lea Van der Zwalmen (Age 27, h/c 15.4)
Robert Shenkman (Age 26, h/c +1.1)
PERFORMANCE SQUAD
Squad Director: Paul Weaver
William Flynn (Age 21, h/c 9.0)
Henry Henman (Age 17, h/c 12.1)
James Medlow (Age 19, h/c 12.6)
Bertie Vallat (Age 18, h/c 10.0)
INTERMEDIATE SQUAD
Squad Director: Nick Warner
Max Warner (Age 13, h/c 26.1)
Laszlo Garson (Age 14, h/c 31.7)
CADET SQUAD
Squad Director: David Blizzard
Frankie Binns (Age 14, h/c 51.0)
Robert Blizzard (Age 15, 41.2)
Alex Boulton (Age 14, h/c 48.9)
Darcie Blaber (Age 15, h/c 50.3)
Caspian Rugg (Age 15, h/c 50.4)
NEW SEASON........NEW SEASON........NEW SEASON..........NEW SEASON..........NEW SEASON
ACADEMY NEWS 2023/24 SEASON...
A Great Day at Wellington ends the Season for the Academy Cadet Squad!
The Academy Cadet Squad season came to a close on Thursday 4th April with the final session taking place at Wellington. Four members of the squad were privileged to spend the day being coached for the day by top junior coach, Dan Jones.
This coaching day formed part of the season-long coaching plan for the squad which takes them to different clubs to be coached by some of the game's top coaches.
Robert Blizzard, Alex Boulton, Caspian Rugg, and Laszlo Garson. These sessions provide a great basic platform for promising 12/14 year-olds who should go on to be the Academy Performance Squad stars of the future.
Paul Weaver
Academy Director
![PHOTO-2024-04-04-15-54-04.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2d4458_e521fa9b4eb24d6192ae4965ef20ffb5~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_257,h_193,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/PHOTO-2024-04-04-15-54-04.jpg)
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Cadet Squad
On February 18th the Cadet Squad met up for a full-day session at MCC working with Chris Bray. Also invited along was Stefan Antanasov the professional physical trainer that has done so much good work with the older boys in the Performance Squad.
It was a chance for Stefan to get to know the next generation of Academy stars and get involved with their fitness/diet from an early age.
A Great Day with Rob Fahey for the Academy Cadet Squad!
On Tuesday 24th October, four members of the Academy Cadet Squad were privileged to spend the day being coached by former World Champion Rob Fahey at the Oratory.
This coaching day formed part of the season-long coaching plan for the squad which takes them to different clubs to be coached by some of the game's top coaches.
Max Warner, Alex Boulton, Caspian Rugg, and Laszlo Garson really enjoyed their day despite some tough training routines! These sessions provide a great basic platform for these promising 12-14-year-olds who should go on to be the Academy Performance Squad stars of the future.
Each of the boys was presented with their new personalised Academy training tops.
Paul Weaver
Academy Director
![IMG_1802.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2d4458_57aae00c3c174e899090193f750e4c68~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_302,h_403,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/IMG_1802.jpg)
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The Cadet Squad with Rob Fahey. The new personalised Academy tops were really well received!
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Words of wisdom from Rob Fahey
to young Max.
The Academy Performance Squad meet up for this season’s first training session
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The Academy Performance Squad on their first training session of the season.
On Sunday 17th September the highly successful Academy Performance Squad regrouped at Seacourt after their summer break.
The focus for this session was on doubles play in preparation for the upcoming British U15/U19 Doubles Championships at Holyport.
Stefan Antanosov, the Academy’s preferred fitness trainer was invited down for the day. Before any tennis was played Stefan supervised a group warm-up and stressed the importance of pre-match preparation. Throughout the day he spent an hour individually with each member of the squad in the Seacourt gym. In conjunction with the players he will present each of them with a fit and diet program for the coming season and progress on this will be reviewed at the session planned for early January 2024.
Performance Squad Director was also in attendance and all agreed that “we go again” in the 2023/24 season and aim to emulate or surpass the feats of 2022/23.
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Stefen Antanosov putting the Squad through a tough warm-up before the playing session started...and it was tough!
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2023/2024 Academy Squad Players
High Performance Squad
Squad Director: Graham Tomkinson
Levi Gale (Age 27, h/c 2.9)
Lea Van der Zwalmen (Age 27, h/c 15.4)
Robert Shenkman (Age 26, h/c +1.1)
Performance Squad
Squad Director: Mike Henman
William Flynn (Age 20, h/c 9.2)
Henry Henman (Age 17, h/c 13.5)
James Medlow (Age 18, h/c 16.4)
Max Trueman (Age 18, h/c 12.5)
Bertie Vallat (Age 18, h/c 8.5)
Cadet Squad
Squad Director: Nick Warner
Max Warner (Age 12, h/c 35)
Algenon Nottingham (Age 14, h/c 42)
Laszlo Garson (Age 13, h/c 37)
Caspian Rugg (Age 14, h/c 55)
Alex Boulton (age 14, h/c 53)
A New Season Begins!
2023/24
Academy Players Triumph at The British Junior Championships!
![Champions.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2d4458_d3b99077d6f54ce5b777df33d25306ee~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_378,h_300,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Champions.jpg)
Bertie U18's Champion, Laszlo U16's & U14's Champion & Kurt U12's Champion
Queen's Club August 18th-20th 2023
Members of our British Junior Academy squads won this year's Junior Championships in the Under 14, Under 16 and Under 18 categories. All the beaten finalists in these categories were also squad members.
Results
U14 Laszlo Garson beat Max Warner 6/0 6/2
U16 Laszlo Garson beat Max Warner 2/6 6/36/5
U18 Bertie Vallat beat Henry Henman 6/4 6/0
The Under 16 final, in particular, displayed the exceptional level attained by our Academy youngsters. They played great tennis at just 12 and 13 years old.
The Under 12 section was won by Kurt Meuller (Tuxedo Club, New York) defeating Albie Tomlinson in the final.
So, another season starts for our Academy Squads and they are off to a flying start!
![Some of the Cadet Squad.JPG](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2d4458_6ee477de3f9742799a61745d995941db~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_154,w_1152,h_1766/fill/w_270,h_414,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Some%20of%20the%20Cadet%20Squad_JPG.jpg)
On Sunday 13th August the Academy 2023/24 season started with a group session for the Academy Cadet Squad at Queens Club.
This first session was based around individual coaching with Ben Ronaldson. It also gave the squad a chance to get in some precious practice on the Queens Court, just prior to the British Junior Singles Championships which takes place at Queens on the 18th -20th August.
We have a new logo for The Academy!
![The Academy Logo.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2d4458_7923c56b2f434eea8241702bae36f59e~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_307,h_193,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/The%20Academy%20Logo.png)
NEW SEASON........NEW SEASON........NEW SEASON..........NEW SEASON..........NEW SEASON
ACADEMY ARCHIVE 2022 SEASON...
The Academy had a double-page spread in the T&RA Annual Report. it relates to a full round-up of all the Academy successes over the year 2022/23.
Please click on the PDF button to read.
BRITISH ACADEMY SQUADS 2022/23
Cadet Squad
Squad Director: Nick Warner
Max Warner (Age 11, h/c 50)
Algenon Nottingham (Age 13, h/c 51)
Laszlo Garson (Age 12, h/c 48
Caspian Rugg (Age 14, h/c 62)
High Performance Squad No.1
Squad Director: Graham Tomkinson
Levi Gale (Age 26, h/c 3)
Lea Van der Zwalmen (Age 26, h/c 15)
Florent Brethon (Age 21, h/c 25)
#
High Performance Squad No.2
Squad Director: Mike Henman
William Flynn (Age 19, h/c 14)
Henry Henman (Age 15, h/c 18)
James Medlow (Age 17, h/c 17)
Max Trueman (Age 17, h/c 13)
Bertie Vallat (Age 16, h/c 13)
# Currently a professional
The Academy Club Grant Programme
The following young players are under the Academy umbrella as part of the Academy Club Grant Programme. This programme provides funds for these players to receive individual coaching at their local clubs.
James Rossiter
Albert Blackburn
Ambrose Garson
George Parsons
Willem Sweet
Cesca Sweet
Toby Barton
Coaching Sessions & Academy News
Academy Performance Squad on 03/01/23 at Seacourt
Coaching Report by Rob Fahey
Doubles
This day was devoted to doubles concepts and doubles tactics at the request of team leader Mike Henman. The day was a huge success and the candidates all agreed it was a worthwhile day and could become a regular concept.
Due to the nature of the day I have prepared one set of notes for all 5 players as they all covered the same concepts and tactics.
The day was split into ‘the service end’ and ‘the receivers end.
Key points from The Service End
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· We worked on different types of serve (railroad, bobble and Demi) to gauge what effect that particular serve had on the pressure that needed to be absorbed by the serving team. There is obviously a very strong correlation between the quality of serve and amount of pressure received as the servers. Teams in general did slightly better using the slower serves but the BIG point to come out of the session was that as a group everyone needed to serve a lot better! We avoided looking at the railroad but it will be on everyone’s list for future individual sessions. We did work on bobbles and demis. I showed the group some training exercises to achieve a better outcome and we discussed as a group what the desired outcome was. I hope it was an eye opener for the group on the advances they could make (singles and doubles) just by serving better.
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· A lot of returns in doubles tend to come with pace. Regardless of what ball you are attempting to play as the server (volley, ball off the back wall etc.) if the return has any quality to it, then a ‘dead ball’ response is a great outcome for the servers. A ‘dead ball’ is any shot that lands back on the floor in front of the receivers. From that position the receivers will either start a floor rally or be forced into taking risks, usually attacking the dedans or galleries. This is a great outcome for the servers especially considering the likely initial attack from the receivers. We focussed on both the dedans defender and the gallery defender executing this dead ball type shot by incorporating the shots into game play.
Key points from The Hazard End (THE)
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· We discussed at great length the importance of maintaining a ‘rally shape’ from THE. A great tactic/concept in doubles is to keep the ball in the servers forehand corner until such time that the receivers have a high percentage attacking option. The attacking option doesn’t necessarily come in the form of a force but could also include a cut shot, gallery shot, boast etc.. By keeping the ball in the forehand corner the ’grille player’ has a very clear look at balls coming down the wall and the receiver only ever gets square tambour shots to deal with instead of far more difficult main wall tambour angles. Two players should be able to cover their section of the court with relative ease thus putting pressure on the servers to create a winning opportunity. It was noticeable to everyone the change in difficulty level for the receivers when the ball strayed towards the backhand side or worse onto the penthouse. We witnessed some amazing doubles from all five players once they settled into their new pattern and all are to be congratulated on the standard of play.
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· The returning options were a big focus for the group. In singles there are several options even when returning simply to the forehand corner. Doubles limits some of these options because someone already has the corner covered. The best outcome, when not forcing, was to keep returns shorter and draw the severs forward and hopefully force the player into lifting the ball allowing for a more aggressive response. The drill we did showed many good examples of this happening in actual gameplay.
A thoroughly successful day and I would like to thank the players for their attentiveness and to congratulate them on the level of play we saw. Please keep up the hard work
Rob Fahey
.....Academy Performance Squad
at Seacourt with Rob Fahey
On Tuesday, the 3rd of January, Rob Fahey came to Seacourt for the day to coach the Academy Performance squad. The 5 members of our squad are currently the five best Real Tennis juniors in the world under 20 years old!
The squad includes three players from Seacourt, Will Flynn, Max Trueman, and James Medlow plus Bertie Vallat from Queens and Henry Henman from Radley. Rob focused the day on doubles coaching and doubles match play. On the same day, professional sports physiotherapist Stefan Antanasov came down from London and took each of the players into our gym for a one-hour gym coaching session.
![IMG_0091 (2).jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2d4458_346ecfac4c1948bc801fee9aba267ae5~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_43,w_579,h_361/fill/w_542,h_338,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/IMG_0091%20(2).jpg)
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The Academy Performance Squad:-
Will, James, with Rob Fahey,, Stefan Antanasov, Bertie, Henry & Max.
Showing off their new warm up tops, with their names on their backs
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On court coaching with Rob Fahey
Academy Cadet Squad Coaching Session
![The Academy Logo.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2d4458_7923c56b2f434eea8241702bae36f59e~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_132,h_83,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/The%20Academy%20Logo.png)
With Rob Fahey at The Oratory
26th October 2022
![PHOTO-2022-10-26-22-15-47.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2d4458_7d6cab5d6661414bbfc2afed46d8c97b~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_32,y_0,w_1314,h_899/fill/w_493,h_337,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/PHOTO-2022-10-26-22-15-47.jpg)
Left to Right: Caspian, Max, Rob & Laszlo
On Wednesday the 26th of October, the British Real Tennis Academy Cadet Squad, had an all-day coaching session with Rob Fahey at The Oratory. This event was funded by The Dedanists' Society.
Rob has a great reputation for being able to connect with these youngest of players and is helping to start them off on the right path. Our Cadet Squad comprises of the UK's four best players aged 13 years old or younger. We see this group as the next generation of junior stars.
![PHOTO-2022-10-26-22-15-45.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2d4458_c8c33b71dab843e09daf28cb6713b3de~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_599,h_337,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/PHOTO-2022-10-26-22-15-45.jpg)
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Listening to every word!
High Performance Squad Session
September 10th 2022
The Academy High-Performance Squad (2) met up for their first group session of the new season at Seacourt on the 10th of September. This initial session was primarily a team-building exercise but some excellent doubles play also took place under the watchful eyes of Seacourt Head Professional Andrew Lyons
It was explained to the group how the emphasis this season was on the construction of their own personal development plan, interspersed with occasional group sessions. Each member of the squad was also given access to their own personal digital tennis diary. The purpose of this is to help construct their coaching plans along with their tournament commitments. These diaries are also visible to the squad manager and directors.
The next scheduled group session is on the 3rd January 2023..
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Max, Bertie, Henry & Will pause for a moment during their hectic day
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Ready for action at Seacourt
February Half-Term has seen sessions for four of our Academy squads, all held at various clubs with different Professionals coaching them.
Academy Cadet Squad, MURTC
Sunday 20th February 2022
The boys all brought packed lunches and there was a nice atmosphere and constant activity on the court between 10 am-4 pm. to their credit, the youngsters listened attentively throughout, given that only the last 45mins was reserved for a doubles match, which the Garson's won narrowly 6-5!
![cadet academy 1.JPG](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2d4458_a7e56aba1f6a474481ae12812e7f7435~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_600,h_450,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/cadet%20academy%201_JPG.jpg)
Chris Bray with some members of the Cadet Squad, from left: Max, Ambrose, Laszlo & Algie
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This season's Academy is in full swing with recent sessions for all the squads, over the Christmas period at Queen's and The Oratory.
Academy Junior Squad v Queens Club
16th January 2022 at Queens Club
An Academy representative team played a match against the Queens Club on Sunday 16th January. In order to give our juniors a tough match, each of them was pitted against a Queens member who was roughly 5 handicaps points better but the matches were played off level.
In most cases, it proved to be a step too far even for our talented squad. Every player put up a good fight against the odds but the match was won by Queens 4-1.
Results (Academy players 1st)
Willem Sweet lost to Patrick Lawrence 6-4 3-6 4-6
Henry Henman bt James Greenley 3-6 6-5 6-5
Algernon Nottingham lost to Paul Norris 6-1 3-6 4-6
Bertie Vallat lost to Oliver Martyn Hemphill 3-6 2-6
Max Warner lost to Tony Friend 4-6 0-6
Academy Day at Queen's Club 2nd January 2022
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Academy Coaching Day with
Ben Taylor-Matthews and Dan Jones
Outstanding performance by Max Warner in the US Junior Championships
Over the weekend of October 7th-9th October, 11-year-old Max Warner, a member of the British Academy Cadet Squad has taken the US Junior Championships by storm.
Fresh from winning the British U14 singles title at Queens in late August, Max travelled to Tuxedo Park NY and won both the U15 and U17 US singles titles! An outstanding performance and the best result for someone so young at the US Junior Championships since Camden Riviere first appeared on the scene.
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(Above): Max enjoying the view and his outstanding victories at Tuxedo Park, N.Y.
At just 11 years old Max won both the U15 & U17 US Junior Championships...
Congratulations Max!
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The long-term success of the British Academy
It’s always nice to be able to pat ourselves on the back. Max’s achievement in Tuxedo is yet further evidence that the work we are doing with our juniors, and have been doing for many years, is paying big dividends. UK juniors now dominate the Junior Real Tennis world with 16 of the top 18 U19 players in the world, including the top 4!
Let’s keep up the good work!
British Junior Academy v MCC
Lords Sunday 2nd October 2022
An Academy representative team, consisting largely of members of our Cadet Squad played against a team of MCC members.
The match consisted of 5 singles matches played off handicap. The inclusion of the entire Cadet Squad (aged between 11 - 13) forms part of our plan to give them match experience against adults on an away court. It is also another opportunity to feel that they are part of a team.
The result, a 4-1 win for MCC does not tell the whole story with 4 out 5 of the matches being decided in close third sets.
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Chris Bray with Cadet Academy members, Max & Caspian
Success For Our Academy Players!
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The British U15 & U19 Doubles Tournament
24th - 25th October 2022
Holyport Real Tennis Club
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Under 19 finalists, all Academy Performance Squad members! Left to Right: Bertie Vallat, Henry Henman, James Medlow & Max Trueman
Under 19's
The four finalists in this year's Under 19 Doubles were all members of the Academy's Performance Squad. All of the boys are now well under 20 handicap and are currently ranked as the top four players Under 19 in the World.
In a thrilling final with many, many great rests, the winners were Max Trueman/James Medlow (both from Seacourt) who defeated Bertie Vallat (Queen's)/Henry Henman (Radley) 6/5 6/2.
Under 15's
In the Under 15 event three out of four of the finalists are currently members of the Academy Cadet Squad. The four boys who qualified through to the final were Academy players - Laszlo Garson (Oxford), Algie Nottingham (Wellington), Max Warner (Queen's) and Francesco Saviotti (Queen's).
A very close final ended with Laszlo/Algie defeating Max/Francesco 6/3 6/5 to retain the title that they won in 2021.
A great day for the boys and a great day for the Academy!
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British Under 19 Doubles Champions - James Medlow & Max Trueman
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left to Right: Laszlo, Max, Algie & Francesco
Academy Day at Queen's Club 26th October 2021
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The Academy Cadet Squad being put through their paces by Rob Fahey, Neil MacKenzie & in the gym with Andy Chinneck
An Academy coaching day at MURTC, for the Senior Squad, with Chris Bray.
24th October
Academy players work with the professional to improve areas where they feel they are weak. Please see example videos below of James Medlow's Railroad service before & after working on it with Chris Bray.
Railroad coaching...
BEFORE
Railroad coaching...
AFTER
Ben Yorston
BEFORE
AFTER
Max Trueman
Ivo MacDonald
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Programme Content
For coaching purposes, players are streamed into separate squads according to age and handicap. Today, there are 5 such Academy squads, namely High Performance, Senior, Development, Junior and Cadet. The coaching is delivered primarily one-on-one (i.e. one player/one coach).
Core curriculum modules are:
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Tennis technique & tactics
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Physical training
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Sports psychology
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Review of player development plans & objectives
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Biomechanics
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Other according to player need (e.g. nutrition, injury management)
Tennis coaching is delivered by leading UK coaches. All have achieved high standards of match play themselves and developed techniques for the coaching of elite players.
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Sports Psychologists
Academy sports psychologists have a minimum of a second degree and appropriate practical experience. Two of them specialise in working with under 18s in elite level sport.
Biomechanics & Physical Training
Academy trainers have both physical training and real tennis skills (single figure handicaps). They provide training specific to the demands of real tennis.
Management Review of Player Ojectives & Development
We use a modified style of industry appraisal and counselling. We examine the aims and aspirations of players and consider what may be holding them back. Aspirations may be too high or too low. Applying 10 years of Academy experience, we encourage players to re-assess objectives and barriers and to re-set their personal development plans accordingly.
Nutrition
Ten years ago, players were not very knowledgeable about what foods to eat. The Academy runs occasional modules on diet and nutrition to change this. Players are now much more aware of “good’’ and “bad” foods and when to eat when competing in events and tournaments. We have even persuaded them how good nutritional food can taste.
Microtactics
Microtactics is the art and science of accurately assessing the risk and reward associated with playing different shots and deploying different tactics during a game and match - and then selecting the ‘best’ shot and tactics for each specific point. Microtactics helps players to win points and games by tailoring their shot selection and tactics to changing
circumstances within a match. This Academy module was originally developed by Graham Tomkinson and has now been adopted by real tennis professionals. Rob Fahey was a key adviser and has used microtactics in retaining his world title for some 20 years.
Video Analysis - Stroke & Match Play
The Academy uses video analysis to help players to improve both their stroke play technique and their match play performance.
Stroke Play Technique
The Academy uses video to show players their actual stroke play technique, as opposed to what they think it is, and to show what the coach recommends. Such videos are typically shot during coaching / practice sessions. This use of video is effective, low cost and widely used.
Match Play Performance
The videoing and analysis of entire matches is more resource and skill intensive - and more expensive. The Academy uses it sparingly and for players of high potential. Match video analysis captures all aspects of a player’s performance including stroke play and consistency, shot selection and execution, physical positioning, speed and strength over three and five sets, mental strength and control on low and high-pressure points - and the tuning of strategy and tactics to changes in circumstances and opponent’s performance during the match.
Ball Machine
A number of sports, such as cricket and lawn tennis, already use ball projection machines as an aid to coaching and practice. In the case of real tennis, the benefits are: (i) Coaches, relieved of the necessity of personally feeding balls, can cross to the player’s side of the net, intervene more directly and deliver better coaching as a result. (ii) Players can practice on their own. With this in mind, The Performance Brunel Ltd and the Dedanists invested in a ball machine. They bought a cricket bowling machine and Graham Tomkinson, working with the Engineering Faculty of Brunel University, converted it to real tennis. The machine projects real tennis balls very accurately from the far end of the court. It delivers speed, spin and swerve as requested. It is ‘ball friendly’, causing minimum wear and tear. The prototype is called DART (Development Aid for Real Tennis).
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Where Are We Now?
For 2021/2, we plan to return to a full post-Covid season of activity. We have selected the best young players (25 of them), streamed them into squads of 5 according to handicap and age, recruited the best coaches and booked courts at Queen’s, Wellington, Oratory and Middlesex. We will be delivering 21 squad coaching days, 80 or so additional sessions of individual coaching and sponsoring Academy club matches, the British Under 21 / 24 Championships and the World Junior Championship in order to give the best young players high profile opportunities for competitive play.
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What Are The Results?
In the men's game, Academy alumni are currently positioned in the world rankings at number 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9 and 10.
In the women's game, Academy alumni are currently positioned in the world rankings at number 1, 2, 4 and 5. This includes the current world champion and the holders of all four national open singles titles.
In the under 19 junior game, Academy players are currently positioned in the world rankings at number 1,2 & 4.
Academy alumni have also been UK amateur champions, winners of all the age group championships from Under 14 to Under 24 and winners of many UK club tournaments. Academy players form the backbone of all UK national teams. Much to the envy of other sports, at 1st team level British junior teams have only lost once in international competition since the Academy was founded eleven years ago.
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Continuous Improvement
Over the years, the Academy has continuosly sought to innovate. Almost every year, we introduce a new approach or technique. At year end, we reference independent specialists in order to evaluate these initiatives, audit our achievements against those in other sports and check for best value.
The Future
We will continue to develop the Academy and to apply innovation in sports science that is relevant and affordable.
ACADEMY ARCHIVE
British Junior Championships 2020
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Award of The Greenwood Trophy to member of the Dedanists Society High Performance Programme
It was announced on 14th October that Will Flynn from the Dedanists Society High Programme has been awarded The Greenwood Trophy 2020 for the most improved player in British Real Tennis .
He received the unanimous nomination based on his drop of handicap from 25 to 15 and his win in the British under 18 Open. Well-deserved and congratulations to him . The trophy will be presented to him in due course.
The T&RA have three annual tennis awards :
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The Baerlein Cup awarded to the amateur who has shown most success – awarded to Tara Lumley – current World Doubles Champion
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The Greenwood Trophy awarded to the most improved British player - awarded to Will Flynn – handicap improvement and U18 Open champion
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The Warburg Salver is awarded to the best British professionals (mens or ladies) professional - awarded to Ben Taylor-Matthews - World Championship Challenge results and other results
These are all long standing awards with some previous Dedanists Society Academy programme attendees have been recognised in days gone by. All 3 of the above are current or ex Academy.
More information available from the T&RA. https://www.tennisandrackets.com/news/annual-rackets-awards-2019-20
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Advanced Competitive Play Training September 16th, 2020
On September 16th , we held a training day for the top level (i.e. High Performance Group) members of the Academy Programme. It was held at Middlesex University and the day was run by Chris Bray and Graham Tomkinson. The following attended:
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Nail Mackenzie
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Levi Gale
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William Flynn
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Ivo MacDonald (Guest)
Lea van der Zwalmen was in France and unable to travel to the UK and Robert Shenkman was not available. The day was titled Advanced Competitive Play and its content was specifically targeted at top players whose handicap was under 16. It was not a techniques workshop
As with all programmes, a significant level of pre event planning took place, this time between Chris Bray and Graham Tomkinson regarding its content but also particularly to make best use of Chris’ experience as he progressed up to No 2 position in World real tennis rankings.
We held face to face meetings and solicited input from the attendees on what they were looking for. This group were especially open about their strengths and weaknesses. Using these inputs Chris and Graham designed a day programme which met both their needs and the Dedanists Society. It was of course fully adherent with the latest Covid 19 guidelines. For example – a maximum of 6 people was present at any one time.
The programme was as follows:
“
Programme for the Day
Arrive between 10.15 – 10.30.
Normal tennis kit. Arrive in outside shoes and change into your court shoes once inside.
Hydration: We have drinks available all day but do bring your own water bottle as it could be hot on court. Note : Soft drinks are provided by the Dedanists Society to avoid any issues of hydration.
I’m sure we will go ‘off-piste’ from time to time but the general plan is as follows:
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Arrival : Covid precautions etc.
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Group discussion on match play, personal strategy, strengths and weaknesses.
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On Court – Serving and return of serve
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Mental Tennis –Truly prepare yourself to a winning game ( at all levels) !
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Lunch
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On Court – Backhands and volleys
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Healthy Goals
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A new way of winning: You can’t lose!
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Taking control in matches
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Five elements of success
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On Court – Short sessions on court to provide practical opportunities to test out other aspects of the days training
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Opportunity to watch high quality videos of the players individually and as a group. –Roundup, conclusions & feedback
“
A great strength of this group was to provide constructive feedback on each other’s play.
This is the first time we have ever run such a session. It combined both the experiences of Chris Bray and the leading-edge approaches successfully used by other UK sports. All the attendees took copious notes from the day. The day focussed on how to make competitive progress in advanced level competitions rather than on tennis shot technique.
After the day, every one of the attendees wrote in with thank you notes, saying that it was refreshing to have such a different approach and how much they appreciated it. Due to the restrictions of Covid 19, this is probably the only such event being organised by the Dedanists Society before the end of this calendar year. There will be a techniques-based event arranged for the end of October for intermediate members of the Dedanists Society programme.
Thanks to Chris Bray and Middx University Real Tennis club. Chris and Graham put in a huge amount of planning effort before the event and this paid off. Chris was very open about how he felt both at times when he was winning and at times which when he was not and how he used these occasions to enhance his progress. Thanks also to Phyllis Slack for sorting out an excellent working lunch which enabled the day to proceed without a break etc .
Overall, it was an EXCELLENT day. We are discussing with the attendees whether they might benefit from a follow up session in due course.
Graham Tomkinson
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Florent Blethon
Addition to the Dedanist Society Training Programme
Florent has very recently started playing real tennis and been working at the new Bordeaux court as an amateur. He has received some coaching from Chris Ronaldson there and been playing with some of the British players from the Dedanists Society Academy programme and achieving some excellent wins. He is 17 years old and is just starting an Engineering Course in Rouen. His background was as a very good level of lawn tennis in France. As there is no comparable real tennis performance skills development programme in France to enable him to hone his skills, Josh and I have offered to help in any way feasible in the UK, probably post skills – as we have done in the past with such overseas players as Camden Riviere, Matthieu Sarlangue, and Saskia Bollerman.
Florent recently played in the Bronze Racquet , see attached (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7L-Qe5xmHhU&list=PLChbMcJmdMO8bSTkoLNTY6E_6COKJxbpc&index=1) in Fontainebleau where he reached the final. He won this easily defeating a much more experienced opponent!!
Graham Tomkinson
Dedanists Society Performance Programme for 2020/2021.
We are pleased to announce that the following players have been selected and have accepted their invitation to be part of the Dedanists Society Performance Programme for the coming season:
High-Performance Programme
Robert Shenkman
Lea Van Der Zwalmen
Levi Gale
Will Flynn
Ned Batstone
Neil Mackenzie
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Dedanists Society Performance Programme for 2019/2020.
We are pleased to announce that the at the Selection Meeting held on August 8th, 2019 the following, after nomination by their Club Professionals, were selected for the Dedanists Society Performance Programme for the coming season:
High-Performance Programme
R Shenkman Manchester
L van Der Zwalmen Queens
W Flynn Seacourt
Development Programme
F Bristowe Wellington
L Gale Hyde
E Hyde Cambridge
B Yorston Oxford
Z Smart RTC
J Clifton MCC
H Lidington Seacourt
H Purton Queens
I McDonald Cambridge
C Elmitt RTC
Junior Programme
J Medlow Seacourt
M Jones Seacourt/ Wellington
M Dyter Jesmond Dene
M Trueman Seacourt
Cadet Programme
B Vallat Queens
H Henman Radley
G Parsons RTC
J Rossiter Queens
T Hetherington Jesmond
Development Squad &Junior Academy Report 2019-20
A Dedanists’ Society report by Josh Farrall & Graham Tomkinson
To view the full Academy Report for 2019/20 please click on the button below.
Academy Report 2019-20
The British Real Tennis Academy is the UK national coaching programme for the best young players in the country. Each year, it typically selects 30 or so young players who are a mix of amateurs and professionals, men and women and from 13 to 24 years of age. Players are selected from across all clubs on the basis of match play results, commitment, potential and the recommendation of their club head professional. They are streamed into squads according to age and proficiency. Coaching to the Senior Squad, the lowest handicap players, is delivered via individual one-on-one sessions with coaches such as Rob Fahey and Ben Taylor-Matthews and with funding from the Academy. Coaching to all other Squads is delivered via a mix of group coaching days at Queen’s with tennis, physical and sports psychology coaches, match play days at Wellington with Dan Jones and individual sessions with tennis coaches such as Rob Fahey, Ben Taylor-Matthews, Ben Ronaldson and Bryn Sayers. The Society works with the Department of Sport Sciences at Brunel University to ensure that the design and content of Academy programmes include current research and best practice from the wider world of elite sport. The Dedanists’ Society funds and runs the Academy. It is also a primary sponsor of the World Under 18 and the British Girls Under 15 & 19 Junior Championships. It receives significant funding and support from the T&RA.
During 2018-19, the Academy delivered 18 group coaching days and a further 90 sessions of individual one-on-one coaching to 30 of the best young players in the country. These individual sessions included tennis coaching, match video analysis and sport psychology.
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Programme Directors & Coaches
Programme Directors Graham Tomkinson, Stef King
Tennis Coaches Chris Bray, Chris Chapman, Rob & Claire Fahey, Dan Jones, Andrew Lyons, Ben Ronaldson, Bryn Sayers, Ben Taylor-Matthews.
Physical Training Andy Chinneck, Graham Smith
Sports Psychology Aura Goodman, Alex Lucas, Alison Maitland
Diet & Nutrition Tracy Parker
Microtactics Tennis coaches plus Graham Tomkinson.
Academy Chairman Josh Farrall
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General Comment
The handicaps of 50% of Academy players improved significantly over the last 12 months. An annual improvement of 7 points is a good performance for higher handicap players and an improvement of 4 points is good for those with lower handicaps. Handicap is not the only valid measure of a player’s performance but it is certainly clear and objective. Typically, the rate of a player’s handicap improvement is not constant. It varies from year to year depending upon practice, coaching and the adoption, or not, of fundamental changes in technique, fitness and mental strength. A player’s handicap may deteriorate in the short term while he or she is adopting new methods for longer term benefit.
We made a particular point this year of identifying those young players with the highest potential and funding as much private coaching for them as possible. We consider this to have been a success. We will continue to increase our support for the best of the best as much as we can.
We launched the Cadet Squad this year to bring players as young as 12 into the Academy. This too was a success and will continue.
The number of young professionals in the Academy, including trainees, fell from six to four - but it is encouraging that a number of Junior Squad players are interested in becoming professionals and certainly have the talent to do so.
The British Real Tennis Academy 2017-18 by Josh Farrall & Graham Tomkinson
The British Real Tennis Academy is the UK national coaching programme for the best young players in the country. Each year, it typically selects 30 or so young players who are a mix of amateurs and professionals, men and women and from 13 to 24 years of age. Players are selected from across all clubs on the basis of match play results, commitment, potential and the recommendation of their club head professional. They are streamed into squads according to age and proficiency. Coaching to the Senior Squad, the lowest handicap players, is delivered via individual one-on-one sessions with coaches such as Rob Fahey and Ben Taylor-Matthews and with funding from the Academy. Coaching to all other Squads is delivered via a mix of group coaching days at Queen’s with tennis, physical and sports psychology coaches, match play days at Wellington with Dan Jones and individual sessions with tennis coaches such as Rob Fahey, Ben Taylor-Matthews, Ben Ronaldson and Bryn Sayers. The Society works with the Department of Sport Sciences at Brunel University to ensure that the design and content of Academy programmes include current research and best practice from the wider world of elite sport. The Dedanists’ Society funds and runs the Academy with strong support from the T&RA.
During 2017-18, the Academy delivered 19 group coaching days and a further 60 sessions of individual one-on-one coaching to 34 of the best young players in the country. These individual sessions included tennis coaching, match video analysis and sport psychology.
The handicaps of a third of Academy players improved significantly over the last 12 months. An annual improvement of 7 points is a good performance for higher handicap players and an improvement of 4 points is good for those with lower handicaps. Handicap is not the only valid measure of a player’s performance but it is certainly clear and objective. Typically, the rate of a player’s handicap improvement is not constant. It varies from year to year depending upon practice, coaching and the adoption, or not, of fundamental changes in technique, fitness and mental strength. A player’s handicap may deteriorate in the short term while he or she is adopting new methods for longer term benefit.
The number of young professionals in the Academy, including trainees, rose from two to six.
• Senior Squad
The Senior Academy is typically for players of age 17 to 24 and handicaps up to 9 at season start. This year, it contained 4 players with handicaps of 2.5 to 5.3. Handicap improvements during the season were slight. Ed Kay, coached by Rob Fahey, won the British Amateur Singles. Robert Shenkman, coached by Rob Fahey and Ben Taylor-Matthews, won the British Under 24 Singles Open.
• Development Squad
The Development Squad is typically for players of age 17 to 24 and handicaps from 10 to 25 at season start. This year, the Squad contained six players and the majority achieved significant improvements in handicap. Aaron Flippence, coached by Rob Fahey and Ben Taylor-Matthews, achieved the biggest improvement. Ed Hyde won the British Under 21 Singles Open.
• Ladies Squad
The Ladies Squad is typically for players of age 17 to 24 and handicaps up to 45. This year, it contained 6 players and half achieved a significant improvement in handicap. The biggest improvements were made by Lea van der Zwalmen, supported by additional coaching from Ben Ronaldson, and by Jess Garside. The ladies appreciate and benefit from both open and ladies only coaching sessions. The Academy will optimise the mix according to player needs.
• Intermediate Squad
The Intermediate Squad is for players age 16 to 19 and year start handicaps of 26 to 40. This year, it contained 10 players of whom 2 were trainee professionals and 40% achieved significant improvements in handicap. The best of them will compete in the World Under 18 Singles Open at Seacourt in August 2018 and will be promoted to the Development Squad next season.
• Junior Squad
The Junior Squad is for players age 13 to 15 and year start handicaps of 41 to 55. This year, it contained 8 players of whom 37% achieved significant improvements in handicap. The best will compete in the World Under 18 Singles Open at Seacourt in August 2018 and have the opportunity to compete again in 2020.
• Clubs
Congratulations to Seacourt on being the home club and primary developer of 20% of the young players in the Academy.
Distribution of Academy Players by Club
Number of Academy Players Clubs
7 Seacourt
6 Radley
5 Queen’s *
4 Manchester
3 Cambridge University, Jesmond, RTC.
2 Manchester
1 Bristol, Moreton, Oxford University, Prested, Wellington.
* Many of the Queen’s players were first recruited and coached at a previous club.
The game is beholden to all clubs with the drive and capacity to recruit and develop the young players who represent the future of real tennis and from whom Academy players are selected.
• Programme Directors & Coaches
Programme Directors Graham Tomkinson, Stef King
Tennis Coaches Chris Bray, Chris Chapman, Rob Fahey, Dan Jones, Andrew Lyons, Ben Ronaldson, Bryn Sayers, Ben Taylor-Matthews.
Physical Training Andy Chinneck, Graham Smith
Sports Psychology Alex Lucas
Diet & Nutrition Tracy Parker
Microtactics Tennis coaches plus Graham Tomkinson.
Logistics & Personal Plans Josh Farrall
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