By Contributor Isaac Seelochan
Nottingham Tennis Centre’s unique ‘Tennis Experience’ gives you a FREE 1 hour session to try out Cardio Tennis, Tennis Coaching and ‘Touchtennis’
Nottingham Tennis Centre’s ‘Tennis Experience’ is a fun, FREE 1 hour session which is suitable for anyone – whether you have never played tennis before or you are looking to return to tennis and you are not sure where to start. The Tennis Experience is run by a qualified coach and is split into 3 x 15 minute sessions of Cardio Tennis, Tennis Coaching and Touchtennis. It then concludes with a match, for you to show off what you have learnt!
The Tennis Experience takes place at Nottingham’s Tennis Centre on University Boulevard, opposite Nottingham University. There are several transport routes with Nottingham’s tram network stopping close to the Tennis Centre, as well as ample free parking on site. As well as 27 tennis courts (outdoor, indoor, bubble and grass courts!) the centre also boasts it’s own gym, fitness studio, sauna and steam room.
When you arrive at the Tennis Centre, report to the reception where your Tennis coach will meet with you. Your tennis coach will then ask you a few questions, including if you have played tennis before and if you have a racquet. Don’t worry, as no previous experience is needed and a racquet will be provided for the session if you don’t already have one. Wear your tennis gear and bring some water ready for an active hour!
Having taken part in the Tennis Experience myself, I will explain below each individual session and how it can benefit you.
CARDIO TENNIS
This is a form of tennis which focuses on you getting fit, by using several drills to get you moving across the court. Whilst you can practice your forehand and backhand, the main aim is to get you moving and to have fun!
Cardio tennis involves your coach hitting tennis balls at a quick pace in time with the music, giving you a great workout whilst also repeating your strokes.
I found it to be very quick and physical, but it gave you everything that you could possibly want if you want to become fit whilst playing tennis.
TENNIS COACHING
This session will mainly appeal to those who want to develop their technique and will primarily involve you practicing your forehand and backhand, whilst your coach will offer their input into how you can improve.
The repetition of this drill will give you plenty of practice to fine tune two of the most important shots needed in tennis, whilst also allowing you to improve you footwork for when you receive and hit your shots.
I enjoyed this session the most as it gave me a chance to focus on improving my groundstrokes, by receiving useful advice from the tennis coach.
TOUCHTENNIS
This involves using a smaller court and softer balls. The rallies are often long and you have less time to think, compared to when you play on a bigger tennis court.
The idea is to hit your shots with less power and more spin and control in order to keep the rallies going, whilst quick reactions are needed as thinking time is often limited.
I found this session to be very fun and exciting, whilst also allowing you to practice your technique. If you simply want to have fun whilst playing and learning about tennis, then touchtennis is perfect for you!
- To book a FREE 1 hour Tennis Experience simply email Charlie Pick on charlie.pick@nottinghamcity.gov.uk or call 0115 876 1600
So in conclusion Nottingham Tennis Centre’s ‘Tennis Experience’, offers everything that you could want when you go to play tennis and gives you a taste of what you can expect, if you sign up to one of the sessions. If you are interested in playing tennis, then the Tennis Experience can offer you a great idea on where to start.