With the tennis season upon us, it feels very strange not to be playing in the sun, watching the french open, queens, wimbledon and enjoying our strawberries and cream. But health is the most important thing and hopefully it won't be long now until we can get back on court and hit some balls.
Tennis Angels has a 4 stage provisional plan of getting back into action once lock down starts to release. Starting with home coaching progressing to club coaching and holidays (see below).
Plus in this mail I have outlined some of the great tennis resources I have found over the last few weeks to keep you fit and ready to hit balls when we can!
Sending you and your families best wishes to stay fit & well.
Kate x
Getting Back into Action: The Plan
Based on the current information and advice from colleagues ... we are hoping to be able to resume our Tennis Angels services in the following order (this is not based on any science!). When we do go back we will have NEW GUIDELINES for safety e.g. new balls each session, gloves, social distancing etc.
Stage 1. Home Court Coachingone on one or very small groups (this can be kids or adults). We have grown our team to accommodate this demand. Hopefully we can start this as soon as the first level of lock down is lifted.
Stage 2. Club Coaching - individuals or very small groups at Marlow & Hambleden Tennis Clubs. This can happen when the government allows sports clubs to reopen.
Stage 3. Workshops/Larger Club Group Coaching - when again government allows larger group activities and clubs are open
Stage 4. Holidays/Breaks: Once hotels open we can do UK one Night Breaks and then finally (in 2021) Tennis Holidays abroad.
Kate's Tips on How to Stay Fit & "Play Tennis" in lock down
The key is to keep your body healthy & fit during the lock down so that when we get back on court you can just focus on hitting balls and not worry about having to get "fit" again.
I have done a lot of research and come up with the following recommendations!
General Fitness For Tennis
To stay fit ready for getting back on court, I recommend combining cardio & strength training: (that's what i am doing!)
1. 3 times a week: Cardio training e.g. running, cycling, skipping, power walking for minimum 30mins
2. 2 times a week: Strength/Hit Training ideally involving weights
I have been using classes from the following sites which i highly recommend:
Lee Mills www.lesmills.com/uk/
Pop Sugar On You Tube
FIIT www.fiit.tv
Tennis Specific Workouts and Drills
See Essential Tennis www.essentialtennis.com This is for the tennis fan who wants to learn whilst they are on lock down. With over 150,000 followers this is the best site for drills, learning and home tennis fitness. It even has its own academy you can join in lock down.
Best for kids
LTAwww.lta.org.uk Join their "Tennis At Home" program which has lots of great practises to do at home.... particularly good for kids.
There is even a "100 volley" challenge with Andy Murray.
If you have your own court...
Kate's Home Court Drills If you are lucky enough to have your own court here are some drills i have put together for you to practise.
Please do contact us if you have any questions or just want to stay in touch!
