The Classic game is a direct descendant of Longue Paume, the outdoor version of Real (or Royal) Tennis.  Longue Paume dates from the 16th Century.  Tamburello (as it is known in Italy) or Tambourin (as it is known in France) dates from 1859 in Italy and 1861 in France.  International rules were agreed in 1920.

It is played on a rectangular, outdoor field 80m x 20m.  There is a centre line between the two ends with two lines 5m on either side of this that are used only during service.  There is no net.

Tamburello Classic is played by two teams of five players, each equipped with a Tambourin / Tambourelli Bat.  Two of the players stand forward, guarding the centre line;  a central player – the strategist – guards and co-ordinates the middle;  while the two rear players provide continuity and consistency ensuring that long balls are returned.

The ball for the Classic game is made of hollow india rubber.  It is 78mm in diameter and weighs 61 grams.  Service is made from behind the back line of one half into the other team’s half of the court – but beyond the ‘dead zone’ delimited by the lines 5m on either side of the centre line.  Once service has been taken, the whole court becomes ‘live.’

Scoring is similar to lawn tennis, with 4 points constituting a game (counted as 15, 30, 40 or 45 and game). A match consists of one set with up to 13 or 16 games depending on the occasion.  Players change ends every three games to compensate for variations in environmental conditions.

The Classic version is mainly played in summer when the weather is more clement.  Matches are attractive to watch, combining ball control with chess-like manoeuvres.  While the ball can travel at speeds up to 200 mph, rhythm and timbre are still essential elements of the game.  Although it may appear a simple sport, Classic Tambourin requires strength, skill, teamwork as well as tactical ability to be successful.  Good manners combined with a certain etiquette and respect for the opposition are characteristics that have been passed on from the game’s roots in the courtly games of Royal Tennis in the Middle Ages.