Holt Sports Court held a series of six walking tennis sessions, using funding from Wiltshire Tennis, over a period of 6 weeks from 25th May to 3rd July 2024. The course was run by Holt Sports coach, Jamie Butt.
A total of 12 players took part, in groups of 3-6 each time. All had played (non-walking) tennis at some time before, some were recovering from injury.
The course went very smoothly, with all participants very much enjoying walking tennis, and most being keen to continue. A WhatsApp group chat has been set up to coordinate future sessions and friendly play.
It did take time for some of the players to grasp the rules, especially the 2nd bounce needing to be within the parameters of the court. Weather conditions were a challenge at times (as with regular tennis in Britain) with higher winds making it difficult with the lighter orange balls. Some of the walking tennis participants may be more prone to a slip and an injury so players were reminded not to overstretch for balls affected by the wind.
We have had great feedback and good participation, with most keen to continue. Participants have enjoyed the gentle re-entry to tennis/sport and have found it relatively easy on their body. Players have enjoyed the social aspect as well as the competitive nature of match play later on in the sessions.
Since the end of the funded course, a further 3 sessions have been held with a small core of players wanting to continue to play walking tennis regularly.
Anyone interested in taking part in walking tennis in Holt can contact Jamie Butt on [email protected] or phone/message/WhatsApp on 07463 436986.
For more information on Walking Tennis or the Wiltshire Open Court Programme please contact Kath Brooks Email: [email protected]
