Is it time to try tennis?

Wimbledon has many of us glued to the TV screen. If you find yourself itching to be out there on the court, why not make 2022 the year you take up tennis? As well as helping you to keep fit and healthy, tennis is a good way to meet new people and it can really help to lift your mood.

The benefits of tennis

Tennis is a great all-round exercise. For a start, it’s cardiovascular as it increases your heart rate and breathing, which helps to keep your heart strong. You’ll burn around 400 to 600 calories an hour and work several different muscle groups. Tennis is also a weight-bearing exercise, so helps to strengthen your bones and reduce your risk of osteoporosis. Plus, it’s good for improving flexibility, balance and coordination.

Who can play

Most people can learn tennis as it can be adapted for different needs. Around 500 tennis venues across the UK deliver sessions for people with a disability or long-term health issue. Wheelchair Tennis is becoming increasingly popular and many clubs have sports wheelchairs available to hire. Visually Impaired Tennis is also growing in popularity. It uses a different court and a special ball that makes a louder noise on impact. For more details, email disabilitytennis@lta.org.uk.

What you’ll need

Some tennis clubs will let you hire a racket. If you need to buy your own, look for one that’s suitable for beginners and has a larger head to make it easier to hit the ball. Rackets have different size handles, so you’ll probably want to try a few out in person rather than buying online. When you grip the handle, there should be around a 1cm gap between your thumb and first finger. Tennis balls can be picked up pretty cheaply. If you’re a complete beginner, look for ones with red markings. These are slower and lighter than standard tennis balls. The next level up is orange and then green, which is around 25% slower than standard.

What to wear

Dress in comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely. Layers are a good idea, especially if you’re playing outdoors. And, of course, you’ll need a decent pair of trainers.

How to learn tennis

Whether you have an old racket lurking in a cupboard or you’re a complete beginner, you’re likely to find a suitable class at your local leisure centre or tennis club. If you’d rather have one-to-one coaching, search for an accredited coach at www.lta.org.uk.