BIGMAN tennis began in Hampton Roads, Virginia in the late 80’s. Some of the regular players included Danny Bryant, Roy Loehr, Dave Kendall, and Jack Jenkins. It began as a week night event at Bayville Park Courts and at some point a Sunday 7:00 am session was added. The weather was never too cold to play. BIGMAN has been played in the low teens. Also, BIGMAN players do not use tennis gloves; however, it is acceptable to cut the end out of an old sock so that it could be slid over the player’s hand and racket. During the 90’s Roy Loehr kept stats and a web site was used along with having an annual awards dinner/party.

BASIC RULES OF BIGMAN TENNIS

• Play 3 sets of doubles
• Play 1 set with each person in your foursome
• 1st set lineup could be determined by mutual agreement or by “destiny” which involves the spinning of rackets to match the pairs.
• After 3 sets, one of two things always occurs – Either someone has won all 3 sets making them the BIGMAN or someone loses all 3 sets making them the NOMAN. If no BIGMAN or NOMAN occurs then a BIGMAN may be determined by fewest games lost. A one point singles tournament may be used to break any ties.

RULES AND MODES

MAMA RULE: This was implemented to encourage boastful play.  A player can shout “MAMA” prior to any shot.  If the opposing team returns that shot in play, they win the point automatically.  A “MAMA” is typically used when a player has an easy put away or an overhead they are going to spike out of play.  The only benefit to the player calling the MAMA is pride.  During a BIGMAN session players will keep track of how many MAMAS then can hit.

13 POINT RULE: If at any time a team wins 13 consecutive points in a row the set is declared over and the team winning 13 consecutive points is declared the winner.

A.D.S: Stands for the ALL DAY SUCKER SERVE. It is a serve that is very soft and gives the returner time to choke.

MODES: This is a form of legal distraction.  For example, the returner’s partner may stand completely still in a pose while the server is preparing to serve – “statue” mode. There are a variety of creative modes in BIGMAN Tennis. Laughing uncontrollable and other loud talking is allowed during the point.

BIGMAN AT THE CAPE: Call/Text Beth Gregory 757.681.2519 to organize a BIGMAN at The Cape for you. Players who become BIGMAN at The Cape will have the opportunity to get their picture taken with the Championship Belt. 

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