Improve your game
So, you’ve had your first taste of tennis action but now you want to take your game to the next level – but where to start?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a whole host of different ways that you can master your skills and have fun out on court.
Find a coaching course
One of the best ways to improve your game is to get involved in a tennis coaching course with one of our LTA Accredited coaches.
If you want to power up your skills by practicing in a group, we have a range of coaching programmes, that cater to players of all ages and abilities. Build your skills and learn from top coaches, while meeting and socialising with new players on court – what’s not to love?
Whether you want to get your fitness fix or take a more laidback approach to the game – you’ll be sure to find the right programme for you:
- Tennis Xpress – Introduction course for beginners
- Pair & Play – Social women’s doubles
- Cardio Tennis – Fitness fans
- Walking Tennis – Tennis at a slower pace
Find a coach
One-to-one sessions with an LTA Accredited coach are a brilliant way to take your game to a whole new level.
You’ll get in depth feedback and guidance on how to progress your game, whilst hitting plenty of balls along the way!
If you don’t know who your coach at your local venue is or maybe you want to try somewhere new – you can search for a coach using our handy Find a Coach tool.
They always say, practice makes perfect and the truth is... they’re right.
There’s no substitute to booking a local court, hitting lots of balls and practicing with your friends or family. Not only is it a great way to socialise, but you’ll also improve your skills along the way – win, win.
Booking a tennis court has never been easier with our online tennis court booking system – just click on the link below, search your location and book a court at a local park, club, school or even leisure centre.
No partner? No problem
Barclays Free Park Tennis is a free group session that gives you a chance to meet new people while enjoying free exercise and practicing your tennis skills, all in just a one-hour session every weekend.
So, you’re feeling a bit more experienced now and want to test yourself against other players – time to start competing.
We run thousands of competitions every year for players of all ages and abilities, all year around and at venues across the nation. Playing matches is one of the best ways to boost your skills and we have competitions to suit all types of players.
From competing at the park with Barclays Local Tennis Leagues to team tennis with our County and District Leagues, check out our range of Adult competitions.
Want some tips on getting started? Take a look at our hand ‘How to start competing’ guide.
Barclays Local Tennis League
The easiest way to find tennis players play more matches to compete with in your local area is by entering a Barclays Local Tennis League.
There are leagues available for beginners all the way through to more advanced players – so we’ll match you with players of a similar ability.
Through the Barclays Local Tennis League app, you can join a league and chat to nearby players to organise your next match on court.
Find out more & download the app
Play Tennis app
Our Play Tennis app allows you to book tennis courts, join classes and connect with local players in your local area.
The new Communities function allows you to join community groups of other players who play at your nearest courts so you can connect, arrange hitting sessions, organise events and find new partners to compete with and against.
Away from practicing and playing on court, upgrading your equipment can also be an effective way of getting that extra edge.
Starting with your racket, it’s worth having a look at what head size is best for you. A larger racket head will give you a bigger sweet spot and can help generate more power, while a smaller racket head size can offer more control.
Alternatively, a new set of strings can make your racket feel brand new. The big thing to consider here is your string tension – the looser your strings the more you’ll be able to hit those powerful shots, but tighter strings will help you keep control of the ball and keep your consistency!
Wearing a comfortable pair of trainers will make a big difference to your game. Tennis is all about short, fast movement and a good pair of trainers will have you zooming around the court in no time.
We all know that in tennis you can end up playing long rallies and matches, where your fitness can often win or lose you a game.
If you can maintain a good fitness level, you’re always going to have an advantage against any opponent. Doing exercises can be great fun – especially if they’ve got a tennis twist...
That’s why we’ve created a number of tennis workouts that you can do from your living room (yes, really).
Check them out along with a bunch of other tennis-themed exercises, including Yoga, on our Tennis at Home hub.