Amateur Miniten Association of Great Britain

The Game Of Miniten

Wellington NZ 1997 championship.       Merryhill, Norwich, England.         Judith Mercer in competition.    

Miniten was devised in the 1930s by Mr R Douglas 0gden, a Manchester businessman with an interest in sporting activities, who formulated the original rules of the game.

As the name implies it is in some way akin to Lawn Tennis but offering a game which can be played in a comparatively small space. The game can be enjoyed by the less proficient, as well as those to whom practice has brought greater skill.

Miniten did not gain rapid national prominence, but it was taken up over a period of time by various sporting and outdoor organisations, not all of which had copies of the original rules.

Consequently variations in methods evolved. Also the keener and more skilful players soon realised the limitations which the original rules imposed on the pace, and on the attacking aspects of the game. Variations therefore tended, in most cases, towards a lower net and longer service court areas. Whilst facilitating a faster and infinitely more exciting game, this also meant for the beginner comparative ease in clearing the net and grounding the ball within the confines of the court.

Early Ogden bat.

At this stage Miniten bore as little resemblance in method of play to its original concept as modern Lawn Tennis does to its ancestor Real Tennis. Whilst development in the various centres had followed a general pattern, there were still variations in court size and markings, and net height, together with some difference in rules of play.

It was against this background that in 1966 a group of enthusiasts in the south of England set out to investigate the situation, and to arrive at a common formula acceptable to all parties. After much research and many meetings the aim was achieved and a controlling body. The Amateur Miniten Association of Great Britain was formally constituted with the declared objectives of fostering the game and in particular:

1990's Flipper bat

1     to promote and encourage in every way the game of Miniten
2     to interpret and administer the Rules and Regulations
3     to act as the governing body for the sport
4     to represent British Miniten interests Nationally and Internationally, especially in relation to any International Miniten organisation which may come to be set up.

The Association is served by honorary officers and administered by an Executive Committee consisting of the honorary officers, plus up to five other members elected annually.

Classes of membership are available for Clubs, Corporate Bodies and individuals.

     MINITEN may be played and enjoyed on various types of surface, asphalt, concrete, paving slabs, even grass. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Probably the ideal is a professionally laid asphalt court, which will play true, provide a good view of the ball, and not hold water.

    Concrete is a suitable "Do it Yourself" medium if sufficient care is taken in the preparation of the site. A concrete court should be laid in sections, and only the amount of material which can be comfortably handled should be ordered at any one time. In certain conditions there may be a tendency to "lose" the ball on concrete. A very slight crowning of the court would be sufficient to run off rain water, which in any case may be easily brushed away. Concrete paving slabs can also provide a perfectly satisfactory and serviceable surface providing they are laid absolutely true and level.

    Adequate clearance should always be provided behind and between courts. The lines should be clearly marked and should be as near as possibly to one and a half inches wide (40mm).

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