‘It’s time to play your way’ said the LTA campaign when it leapt out of lockdown. Playing tennis on my terms wasn’t something the world was ready to witness, but fed up of escalating Corona Curves, and desperate to get moving, I signed up to my local tennis club, Henleaze, for their ‘Back to Tennis’ Beginners sessions. I’d started to enjoy tennis in my teens, just knocking up at school, but it was rudely interrupted by scoliosis, and having to wear a back brace from age 13-16.
The first session I pitched up, and felt scared because I knew a couple of other people who had thought to try the sessions too. Luckily everyone was warm and welcoming from a Covid safe distance and, while unfit, being coached by a pro made ALL the difference to understanding tennis.
Will, Head Coach, was encouraging about my forehand, so the cynic in me, figured my back hand must be less impressive. I had to have a word with myself and think ‘I am playing my way, without judgement and what was I expecting after one session! Nobody is expecting to see you on court at Wimbledon.’
This is the whole point. The benefit from being outside in fresh air, laughing at mistakes, learning every week, progressing and meeting new people of various standards has been a total tonic.
‘All the gear and no idea’ doesn’t apply to me, I’m more of a ‘Wear some leggings and a top, grab your racket and go’ kinda gal, so hitting like no ones watching didn’t come easy, but the reality is we’re all cheering each other on.
Completing my first term, I followed on in the second term and have just signed up for the winter term.
Thank you Will, Tom and all of the team at Henleaze TC for making it happen. Tennis has been great for wellbeing in this Covid year and I hope to keep playing for many years to come.
Do you know anyone thinking about it? Tell them to do it. There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Anon