Dakete

Dakete is a quickfire version of tennis.
Introduction
Dakete was created by David Kemp in 1988. He wanted a training game that could be played by anyone and used as a vehicle to motivate players. The game is very much like regular tennis except it is played at a quicker tempo - wasting time is not allowed. Because less time is wasted, lots of rallies can be had in just three minutes - the normal duration of a match.
It has been commented, “…all you do when you play Dakete is play tennis better than you’ve played before”. This is probably down to the fact that you have no time to argue, worry, or reflect about the game. Players tend not to think about the last point because another is already underway.
To play Dakete
The game gets off to an energetic start with opposing players touching the net with rackets. On the call of “GO!” the players race to the opposite ends of the court to win the right to serve. The first ball to land anywhere in court is used to play out the first of many rallies.
Serving is the main difference of Dakete, as all services must be underarm deliveries below the height of the net. There are three service positions - firstly standing on the baseline, secondly standing on the service line, and thirdly standing close to the net. This is known as serving from the “back, middle and front” of the court. The aim of the game is to win as many “Daketes” (the equivalent of a game in tennis) as humanly possible in the allotted time. If you win a rally - you get to serve the next point. When you have served three times consecutively from the back, then the middle, and finally the front you have the chance to win a “Dakete”! If you are lucky enough to win the rally served from the third service position you have won a “Dakete” and to claim it the players must be bold and shout “DAKETE!” This call of “Dakete” starts the whole process again with players racing for the right to serve.
The Annual Dakete Championships
Every year since 1994, a Dakete Championship is held at locations around England, UK. Players compete in doubles format in round robin draws. The Dakete Champions are honoured with the presentation of Trophies - a hand holding a tennis ball.
Dakete Champions
*1994 Jonathon Kemp & Laura Taylor (Bruton)
*1995 Andrew Kemp & Simon Toms (Glastonbury)
*1996 Tim Brennan & Sara Williams (Norton Fitzwarren)
*1997 Victor Mayhew & Mida Meyburg (Street)
*1998 Jullian Thomas & Sally Thomas (Wells)
*1999 Jane Johnson & Matthew Johnson (Marlow)
*2000 Andrew Johnson & Matthew Johnson (Marlow)
*2001 Jonathon Smith & James Kitchen (Clenchwarton)
*2002 Christopher Davey & Peter Davey (Clenchwarton)
*2003 Peter King & Carole Millet (Somerton)
*2004 Jo Lous & Rob Palmer (Taunton)
*2005 Tim Brennan & Sarah Augustin (Marlow)
Dakete as a practice game
Played in the singles format, Dakete provides an intensive cardiovascular workout. Players must move all over the court non-stop to stay in the game. This exercise has been carried out without breaks as a marathon lasting for up to 120 minutes with scores reaching 42 Daketes all. In some instances Dakete can be played as a three aside game.

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