Kibworth Tennis Club
🎾 Walking Tennis: Keeping Active, Connected and Having Fun in Kibworth! 🎾
Type of programme: Walking Tennis
Project Description: The Kibworth & District u3a Walking Tennis Group play weekly throughout the year on the courts at KTC. Currently the group has 18 members who very much enjoy the opportunity of playing this inclusive and accessible sport. The u3a is a UK wide organisation open to anyone no longer in full-time work or raising a family, who wants to learn new skills make friends and have fun whilst keeping active in retirement. Walking tennis has proved to be a brilliant way of achieving all these benefits. Played on tennis courts using the same balls and racquets the game is essentially tennis but at a gentler pace. The ball is allowed to bounce twice before the receiver hits it ,a decider point is played at deuce and no running or jumping is allowed. These modified rules make it possible to play an enjoyable version of the game without taking too much of a toll on the body and for older adults in particular reducing the risks of falls. Malcolm Lever-Jones, a member of u3a and KTC, saw the potential of starting a walking tennis group for u3a members. In partnership with KTC an Open Day was held in March 2021 to introduce the sport to interested u3a members , some who had played tennis before and others who were complete beginners. KTC coaches assisted the event and subsequently arranged several short courses to enable members of the group to improve their tennis skills. At this stage green spot balls were used owing to their slower speed. As a result of the KTC support ,not only did the group get off to a flying start but several younger members were inspired to join the tennis club itself! |
Example activities
Each session starts with warmup stretching exercises including walking sideways and backwards to improve reach and balance, moving on to the courts to practice shots before starting the games. Everyone mixes in to play, usually doubles so players do not have to move so far and gets equal opportunity to play.
What works
Members comment that the double bounce facility is the most important amendment to the rules giving them extra time to reach the ball. They also like the friendliness of the group who enjoy a good game and to play well but don’t take it too seriously so that the enjoyment disappears. Like KTC, the group actively encourages the social side of the sport. Events tied into the Wimbledon Tournament (Pimms party) and Christmas (Tinsel tennis) are very much enjoyed and help the group to bond well.
What we have learnt
For many of our members walking tennis has given them the opportunity to improve flexibility and fitness through a low impact and fun workout. It’s also great for mental health and overall well b being as it enables players of various abilities to play giving everyone a good feeling. Several members who enjoyed tennis in their youth have now been able to return, in retirement ,to a modified version of the game they love!
Contact Details
Celia Lever-Jones