Love tennis but looking for a gentler pace of play? Walking Tennis is safe, fun and inclusive and a fantastic way to stay active!
Join us on Mondays between 11.30am - 1pm on courts 1 - 4, playing with different people in each of three, 20-minute rounds, followed by tea/coffee in the clubhouse
Top Tip: bring sunglasses, a hat/cap, water bottle and please wear trainers or flat soled (non-slip) shoes and comfortable clothing.
Tennis can be played at any age and Walking Tennis offers an easy way for people to keep their body and mind active – while also enjoying the social side of being part of a tennis community. It's also a great way to get back into tennis if you're recovering from an injury or haven't played for a while.
Walking Tennis is real tennis, just a slower version of the game. It began in Bristol in 2018 and now comes under the umbrella of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA). At Hythe LTC we play on our hard courts as this helps increase the bounce height of the ball.
Key Rules:
- No running or jumping: Fast walking is allowed but players must always keep one foot on the ground
- Tennis balls: Walking Tennis is played using low pressurised, orange balls, which are provided
- Second bounce option: Players have the option to allow the ball to bounce twice before hitting it, giving them more time to react. NOTE: if the second bounce lands outside the court, the point is lost
- Singles and doubles: Both games are played on a full-size tennis court, with no difference in court dimensions and markings
- Serving: Doubles - the second bounce can land in the tram lines. Singles - the second bounce can land outside the service box as long as it is still in the singles court. Underarm serves are permitted
- Scoring: Other than sudden death point at deuce conventional tennis scoring applies. Alternatively, Fast 4 Tennis can be played (see below)
In a recent study, tennis tops the list of activities scientifically proven to increase life expectancy. It is thought that the physical activity and mental stimulation, combined with the social interaction creates the perfect 'wellbeing' environment.
If you'd like to play, please register in advance below as space is limited to 16 players per session.
Membership is required and existing Adult (Joint and Single) members are eligible to play. We also have an Adult (Walking Tennis) membership available.
Not sure if this is for you? Join us for a trial session before committing to a membership. £5 per session, maximum of 4 trials
For all enquiries and to book a trial session please email: membership@hythetennis.com
FAST 4 TENNIS RULES
- First to 4 games wins. It doesn't matter how you get there, just make sure you do before your opponent does!
- Tiebreak at 3 games all. At 3 games all a tiebreaker is played to 5 points. A deciding point will be played at 4 points all.
- No Ad Scoring. "Sudden Death" at deuce. If playing doubles, either player may choose to receive the serve.
- Play Lets. If the serve clips the net and lands in the service box, there's no let and the ball is in play.