What is Rackets (the Sport)
The game of rackets is one of Britain’s oldest and most exhilarating sports: fast-paced, fiercely competitive, and steeped in history. Originating in the prison yards of the 18th century, the sport was first formalised at Harrow School, where in 1822 the court was enclosed by four walls, creating the modern game we know today. Played at speeds reaching up to 180mph, rackets is often described as the fastest (second only to Formula One) and most dangerous ball sport in the world. The small, hard ball, roughly the size of a golf ball, demands lightning reflexes, precision, and supreme hand-eye coordination.
Where is the Game of Rackets Played Today?
Today, only a handful of the country’s most prestigious schools play the game of rackets competitively, including Charterhouse, Eton, Harrow, Haileybury, Marlborough, Rugby, St Paul’s, Tonbridge, Winchester and Malvern College. Together, these schools share a proud tradition of excellence, meeting regularly at the Queen’s Club, the historic home of the game, for national competitions.
Rackets at Malvern College
At Malvern, rackets is thriving under the leadership of Mark Hubbard, our Head of Rackets and an Old Malvernian himself. Mark joined Malvern as a 12-year-old tennis player before falling in love with rackets – a sport in which he quickly excelled, reaching the semi-finals of the Foster Cup at Queen’s Club and becoming one of the Top 16 players in the UK. His remarkable career includes titles as U21, U24 Singles and Doubles Champion, World Doubles Champion (New York, 2007), and six-time Professional Singles Champion.
Since returning to Malvern in 2020, Mark has transformed rackets into a booming sport within the College. Every Foundation Year pupil experiences the game through the FY Carousel, ensuring that all pupils can appreciate its speed, skill, and thrill. It’s a sport that, as Mark says, “sharpens your reactions, focus, and agility like no other.”
Developing Sporting Talent Through Rackets
Many of our pupils who have gone on to play and study sport at a professional level first discovered their talents on the Malvern rackets courts. These include county cricketers and national league hockey players, who credit the sport with sharpening their reactions, coordination, and tactical awareness. Current Sports Scholars and role models Toby C (who represented Canada at the Cricket World Cup Qualifiers), Charlie T (a Warwickshire fast bowler and England U19 call-up) and Flynn G (Chapel Prefect, footballer and cricketer) are dazzling on the courts, as are Georgia C and Henry H, Maddie W both of whom are set to be competitive at upcoming Queen’s Club tournaments.
Women’s Rackets at Malvern – Breaking New Ground
A true home-grown success story is Chey Hooper-West, House Mistress (No. 6), a former Rackets Champion, and Director of Sport at Malvern. A gifted athlete and former Zimbabwean hockey international, Chey has been instrumental in promoting rackets, particularly among women. In 2010, Malvern College hosted the first ever women’s challenge match, paving the way for the British Women’s Doubles Tournament in 2013, and inspiring the launch of the National Senior Singles and Schoolgirls’ Championships the following year. What was once considered too fast and dangerous for women is now one of the most exciting and inclusive sports at Malvern – a testament to the College’s pioneering spirit.
Rackets at Malvern College – Excellence on and off the Court
From nurturing future England cricketers to breaking barriers in women’s sport, rackets at Malvern College continues to exemplify excellence, opportunity, and innovation – proving that with the right coaching, facilities, and passion, champions are made right here on our courts.
