If you\u2019ve ever thought about picking up a racket and strutting your stuff on the court, there\u2019s no time like the present. Here\u2019s how an expert coach recommends getting into the sport, no experience necessary.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n There is no better time of year for Australian tennis than right now. Whether you\u2019re a die-hard fan or simply enjoy watching some of the world\u2019s best athletes rally for hours on end, it\u2019s hard not to feel completely inspired by the sport.\u00a0<\/p>\n But watching a match and playing a match are two entirely different things. While getting into a new sport as an adult comes with its challenges (tight hamstrings, we\u2019re looking at you), mastering a skill like tennis feels almost out of reach for those of us with no experience whatsoever.\u00a0<\/p>\n The sheer athletic prowess of professional tennis players is enough to deter the average person from ever picking up a racket. But contrary to popular belief, you don\u2019t need a Nike sponsorship or professional support crew to reap the benefits of the game.<\/p>\n Like what you see? Sign up to our\u00a0<\/i>bodyandsoul.com.au newsletter\u00a0<\/i>for more stories like this.<\/i><\/p>\n According to Jennifer Parish, owner of the tennis coaching business Love and Deuce, the joy of the centuries-old sport can be found at any age. Having first stepped onto the court at the age of four, and spending nearly a decade playing at an elite level, Parish is now dedicated to coaching individuals of all levels.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Taking a holistic approach to her coaching style, Parish is passionate about overturning some of the sport\u2019s biggest misconceptions, opening up the world of tennis to absolutely everyone.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s how Parish suggests approaching the game for any tennis newbies out there.<\/p>\n Perpetuated through popular culture, the reputation of tennis has been crafted over centuries as a snooty, elitist sport reserved for those with memberships to a country club. It\u2019s this wrongful elitist and exclusive branding that so often deters people from trying the sport, says Parish.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cContrary to this belief, tennis is inclusive and suitable for all ages and skill levels,\u201d she says. \u201cFinding the right club and people is key to breaking down this barrier.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n In addition, many people feel intimidated by the sheer skill and athleticism portrayed on their TV screens, immediately writing the game off as too difficult. But, it\u2019s important to remember not every tennis aficionado can serve a ball like Tsitsipas or Djokovic, with the players on our screens representing a tiny (and unreasonably talented) fraction of the community.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWhile challenging, tennis is immensely enjoyable and, like any sport, requires practice and repetition for progress,\u201d adds Parish. \u201cI consistently emphasise the importance of embracing discomfort, asserting that becoming proficient in an unfamiliar situation presents an opportunity to grow, learn and improve new skills.\u201d<\/p>\n Though lots of children find themselves enrolled in tennis camps and after-school programs, not everyone has exposure to the sport at a young age.\u00a0<\/p>\n If you\u2019re like me, and instead spent your school holidays donning ballet shoes and a pair of tights, while your classmates were hitting backhands over the school net, jumping into the sport as an adult may feel like a recipe for rolled ankles and a flushed face.\u00a0<\/p>\n And while there\u2019s no such thing as too much practice, Parish says your ability to master the sport won\u2019t be determined by whether or not you had a childhood career.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cPlaying tennis during childhood does contribute to muscle memory, court familiarity, and awareness, but it’s by no means a prerequisite,\u201d she says. \u201cTennis is a versatile and social sport suitable for all ages. My advice is to approach it with a light-hearted attitude, be patient, and confident, and most importantly, have fun throughout your tennis journey.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you\u2019re just starting in the sport, don\u2019t expect to be rallying back and forth during your first session. Instead, Parish says it\u2019s important to focus on exercises designed to build up your technique and agility, such as footwork drills and cardiovascular activities.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cFundamental elements like footwork and hand-eye coordination, which involve tasks like tossing and catching a ball, are crucial for establishing a strong foundation and enhancing overall coordination on the court,\u201d adds the coach.<\/p>\n Anyone who\u2019s jumped headfirst into a new hobby or sport will also agree that a supportive community is the key to developing passion and skill. So, how should someone seek out a good quality tennis club or coaching service if they don\u2019t know where to start?<\/p>\n If your neighbourhood is lacking a tennis club, Parish suggests heading online to explore coaching and training opportunities that are right for you.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cConducting a straightforward Google search using keywords like \u2018tennis lesson\u2019, \u2018tennis coach\u2019, or \u2018tennis club near me\u2019, coupled with reading reviews, can steer you in the right direction,\u201d she explains. \u201cSocial media proves to be a valuable resource as well. Explore relevant hashtags and Facebook groups in your city to uncover additional coaching options.\u201d<\/p>\n While no one would dare argue the physical benefits of regularly playing a game like tennis, the sport has so much more to offer than a toned physique.\u00a0<\/p>\n As Parish explains, casual tennis offers opportunities to meet new people, build a sense of community, and refine a sharp new skillset.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cFrom cardio and agility to enjoying the outdoors and enhancing overall fitness and well-being, tennis also boosts hand-eye coordination, keeping your brain active,\u201d she adds. \u201cRemarkably, research indicates an increase in life expectancy by 9.7 years for tennis enthusiasts.\u201d<\/p>\n Plus, the sport\u2019s fashion scene\u2013 both on and off the court\u2013 is enough to convince anyone to invest in an all-white athleisure set.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
You don\u2019t need a country club membership or a perfect serve<\/h3>\n
Experience isn\u2019t necessary<\/h3>\n
What a new player should focus on<\/h3>\n
The unsung benefits of tennis<\/h3>\n