Get Inspired: How to get into Tennis
Get Inspired: How to get into Tennis
Get Inspired: How to get into Tennis
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| Fast Answers | |
|---|---|
| Why get into tennis? | The simple pleasures of whacking a yellow ball over a net are not to be underestimated! It's addictive. |
| Who is it for? | 'Anyone for tennis?' goes the famous phrase. And yes, anyone capable of holding a racquet can play. |
| Is there a cheap option? | Schemes such as 'Tennis for Free' have made it much more affordable. |
| What if I want a proper workout? | The top players in the world really revel in the frenetic, stop-start exertion - and so can you. |
| Can I take it to another level? | If you have real talent, you will get noticed - top-class Brits have been hard to come by (bar Andy Murray). |
| Is there a disability option? | Tennis can be adapted to suit any ability with smaller courts, tennis chairs or sound balls! |
| Is there a family option? | Doubles matches (two versus two) are a good way for families to play together at the same time. |
| So where can I start? | Head over to our Activity Finder for tennis events near you. |
When Wimbledon arrives each summer, tennis captivates the nation for two weeks.
But that's not the full story - Brits of all ages are switched on all year round, with nearly a million swishing their racquet once a month. It's not hard to see why.
It's fun and accessible across a vast range of fitness levels and abilities.
Aspire to be like: Jordanne Whiley
Tennis
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Have you been inspired to play tennis after watching Wimbledon, or one of the other three Grand Slams, or perhaps the Olympics and Paralympic Games?
There are over 20,000 tennis courts in the UK where you can go and play the game, thousands of clubs who can provide racquets and balls and many clubs enter local leagues where you can play in a friendly-but-competitive environment.
The British weather can be notoriously unkind, but there are many options to play indoors: this is how the tennis season keeps going throughout the year.
The Lawn Tennis Association have a number of different schemes such as Go Hit It, Tennis Tuesdays and Advantage tennis training, so while you might not have a backhand like Andy Murray to start with, you'll soon see your game improve.
Cardio tennis
Competition is totally redundant in cardio tennis - it's all about the camaraderie to be found in exercising while having a good time, and bringing a big smile to your face.
The main aim of these light-hearted, sociable group fitness classes is to get your heart pumping and your wellbeing soaring.
You may have a racket in your hand, but you'll all be on the same side of the net, cheering each other on as the calories burn away.
Tennis for women and girls
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Tennis Tuesdays is a great way for women to get back on court and progress their tennis skills game forward with like-minded people.
The sessions offer fun and informal sessions focussing on a different skill each week with a mixture of fun match play and relaxed coaching.
For girls aged five to eight-years-old, Miss Hits is the way to go. The initiative was designed by Judy Murray and focuses on fun, friendship and enjoyment. It even has its own animated characters who take the girls through the basic elements of tennis.
Mini tennis for juniors
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The adult world of tennis must be daunting if you can hardly see over the net!
For kids, mini tennis is the answer. Children between three and 10 years old can now get stuck in with the aid of smaller courts, smaller nets, smaller rackets and lower bouncing balls.
Everybody in this age range is catered for - there are four 'stages' of LTA Mini Tennis: Tots, Red, Orange and Green, each with their own court size and type of ball. This tailored approach enables players to develop vital skills and techniques at an early age.
Disability tennis
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An impressive range of adaptations are on offer for disabled people to play tennis, which can help build social skills, self-esteem and independence, as well as boosting fitness and coordination.
Wheelchair tennis integrates easily with the non-disabled game since it can be played on any regular tennis court, with no modifications to racquets or balls.
The Tennis Foundation is the place to start: they cater for and champion wheelchair tennis, and also offer subsidised camps featuring learning disability, deaf, andvisually-impaired tennis.
Touchtennis
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Touchtennis is easy to pick up but virtually impossible to put down.
It is the closest thing to five-a-side for tennis, played on a smaller court, with 21" racquets, foam balls and can be played on any flat space, indoors or outside. The ball is specifically designed along with the Touchtennis rules, creating a level playing field and allowing players to play on their terms.
Touchtennis is intended for 16+ though its versatility means everyone can have a go.
Players use carefully placed serves, volleys and delicate touches to catch out their opponent. There is a Touchtennis tour, where players play for rankings and prize money and this has grown from eight players in 2007, to 10,000. The game is also now played recreationally in 21 countries.
Click here for more information on Touchtennis.
Coaching and volunteering
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Coaches and volunteers are vital for every sport, and tennis is no real difference. Coaches are particularly important in taking tennis into more deprived areas.
You can coach tennis sessions yourself by taking a a simple half-day workshop where you can learn basic organisation and delivery skills. Email for more details. You can also try Sports Coach UK for coaching opportunities.
Volunteers provide a huge contribution to British tennis every single day, and there are a wealth of opportunities with the LTA.
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