LTA launches free virtual live tennis coaching sessions for families

The LTA is launching free virtual coaching sessions for families throughout February and over school Half Terms (England and Wales 15-19, Scotland 8-12) via the LTA’s Facebook page. While it’s not possible to get on court due to lockdown guidelines, the sessions will take place every Saturday morning at 10am and will be hosted by LTA coach of the year, Matt Smith.

Matt will take families through a 45-minute lesson with extra time for one-to-one tuition at the end of each session. The training is free, easily accessible, suitable for all levels and can be enjoyed safely in any available space at home. It doesn’t matter if participants don’t have any tennis equipment – just pick up a frying pan, a pair of socks and anyone can get involved.

You can watch all the sessions so far here.

Tennis at Home replicates on court practice resulting in a full body workout which incorporates strength and cardio exercises, burning around 300 calories each session. Playing tennis improves your coordination, balance and fitness levels as well as helping to boost your mental wellbeing.

As well as its virtual coaching sessions on Facebook, the LTA will also host live fitness sessions over on TikTok. LTA expert coach and fitness trainer Isla Smith will lead a Tennis HIIT workout on the governing body's channel to inspire players and fans to get active and enjoy a tennis-themed workout.

“The LTA Tennis At Home coaching series is an excellent way to keep the family entertained, as well as fighting fit both physically and mentally during lockdown" says LTA coach of the year Matt Smith.

"The classes will include a host of fun tennis activities exploring technique, footwork, rallying, volleying and serving to improve your skills. Anyone can take part, either on your own or with someone in your household, and the interactive challenges and games will help players get ready for when we can eventually return to court. Tennis enables families to have fun, play and socialise, so whether you’re a seasoned veteran or want to learn a new skill, we want to get as many people involved in Tennis at Home as possible.”

The free sessions from the LTA are part of their vast array of Tennis at Home content available to all, at no cost. The Tennis at Home Hub hosts a wide range of content from LTA experts including physiotherapy and yoga from LTA Physiotherapist Anna Poyser and tennis inspired fitness workouts from Isla Smith.

Dunlop giveaway

On Saturday 20 February, during the 'Serve It Up' live coaching session, you will have the chance to win one of two incredible tennis prizes from Dunlop.

By taking part and answering a question during the session, you can enter a competition to win either a case of Dunlop's Australian Open tennis balls (18 tubes) or a Dunlop FX 500 Tennis Racket.

Click here to read the full terms and conditions.