In collaboration with BritMums & The Lawn Tennis Association.
“The tennis finale is next weekend, isn’t it?” I asked.
The Husband blinks at me.
“It’s not a cabaret, you know.” Then he breaks into the most animated, theatrical tennis pantomime he can. It was really quite the sight to behold.
“It’s the tennis FINAL!” he exclaims, exasperated. You see, he’s a tennis fan.
I burst into laughter. I confess, I know nothing of tennis. Nothing.
This all changed after we booked a court in our local leisure centre. Would you believe I had never played tennis before? I’d never even watched a Wimbledon match before, despite my husband being a tennis fan.
I do like keeping active, but other than bouncing a tennis ball off the side of a building and pinging it back with a racket when I was in my youth, I’ve never played tennis before, until recently.
This weekend we hired a court at our local leisure centre and had a go at playing short tennis. With its smaller court, foam ball and lower net its a great introduction to the sport, especially for children.
I was really rather surprised at how our youngest took to the game, trying and trying to perfect his serve over the course of the hour. He reluctantly spent about fifteen minutes as ball boy, letting me have a go at the game.
I too found myself getting into it! This is something we could do as a family on a regular basis.
My husband has a bit more of a tennis story than I do. His father was a tennis coach and when he was a child living in Norway he was a keen table tennis player, reaching the National Finals when he was twelve or so. I think he’s still really rather proud of that achievement!
Last weekend I also watched my very first ever Wimbledon match. Milos Raonic vs Andy Murray. Canada vs Scotland. As an expat Canadian living in Scotland I was torn between which player to support, but I found myself rooting for Murray. There was some rather good sportsing going on in that game.
My husband explained to me how the points system worked and I found myself getting into the game. As someone who would rather get outide and play sport instead of watching it indoors on the telly I was rather surprised just how tense a tennis match can be to watch!
SIGN UP FOR A FREE FAMILY TENNIS EVENT NEAR YOU
This coming weekend, from the 16-17th of July, 2016, is the Great British Tennis Weekend event where thousands of free events will be taking place in tennis courts all across the country. There are sessions to suit the whole family: Highland Spring mini tennis sessions, family time, free play, cardio tennis and numerous other kinds of activities to get involved in.
Rackets and balls are provided, so whether you’ve never picked up a racket before or you’re a seasoned regular – there is fun to be had for the whole family.
If you’d like to try playing tennis this coming Great British Tennis Weekend you can sign up for a FREE Club Spark tennis activity here.
Elizabeth’s Kitchen Diary is working with the Lawn Tennis Association on their #GBTW campaign. Sign up to your FREE tennis activity here. This is a paid post. All tennis photos from Shutterstock (I did take pictures of my youngest playing tennis in our local court but he is refusing to let me put them on the internet!)
Mum of three, daydream adventurer, OU Life Sciences graduate, occasional crafter, ex-pat Canadian & quite possibly Britain's most northerly food blogger.
Cecilia Keinapel says
I have never played Tennis before either, but I like the sound of this!
Ana De- Jesus says
I had no idea that you were a Canadian, I watched the tennis too and was lucky enough to attend two of the dates. I did not see you sadly but wasn’t the game great?
Laura H says
Wow I can’t believe you’d never played tennis before! It’s a great sport during the summer months and one where you can have fun with all family 🙂
Hayley McLean says
Lol.that sounds like something i’d say re: the finale!!! Glad you’ve been getting into it though 🙂 x
Madeline (This Glorious Life) says
I’m the other way round to you, I used to spend time as a youngster hitting balls off walls, but haven’t played tennis at all as a grown up! I love that you enjoyed it though, especially the fact that you enjoyed watching it on the tv, it really can be tense can’t it! x
Candice Nikeia says
I ove tennis! It’s such a great sport to start in shape!
xoxo, Candice
http://www.candicenikeia.com
Jessica says
Looks like tennis blood runs heavily in the family. 🙂 I tried playing tennis four years ago and probably one of the sports I will definitely try to explore more.
Hannah says
I used to love playing tennis when I was younger – I wish I could get back into it x
Kerry Norris says
My daughter is only 3 but she loves to try and play tennis. We’ve never hired a court or anything though. Perhaps we will when she’s a bit older x
Helen says
It sounds like it’s going to be a fun weekend and hopefully lots of families will have a go like yours did. I have to admit I’m not a tennis fan so don’t watch it, I wouldn’t mind having a go though!
Helen at 2 Adults 3 Children says
I love that you have only just started watching tennis – hope you have got the bug! Great story about your husband’s history with tennis. We are huge Wimbledon fans here – I went 3 times as a teen and would love to go back again one day.
Susanna says
I really should get back to tennis.. It’s such a good workout AND fun at the same time!
Sarah Bailey says
I used to enjoy playing tennis as a child – it was actually one of the few sports I did enjoy playing – this sounds like a fun weekend of events. x
Harriet from Toby & Roo says
I have been putting off the kids having a tennis lesson until I can guarantee they won’t bludgeon each other with the rackets… it’s going to be a while! Great post for a wonderful weekend of tennis 🙂
Anosa says
I used to love pretending I was serena williams as a kid playing tennis with my friends. I would love to start playing again
Silly Mummy says
Tennis is the one & only sport I like, understand & don’t get bored watching. I haven’t been following it in recent years, though. I’m useless at playing it, which always annoyed me, as it was the only sport I would have liked to be good at. I forgot about short tennis – will have to try that with my kids when they’re older. The events this weekend sound lots of fun, but I suspect that I can’t handle two toddlers together, on my own, playing tennis! (Lucy/R is for Hoppit)
Jess says
I had tennis lessons as a child but never really got into it, but I imagine it’s a lovely way to spend some family time!
LaaLaa says
I watch Serena or Venus play and thats about all lol. I use to love playing tennis when younger.
samantha rickelton says
Tennis Fever has certainly sweeped the nation, esp after Andy Murray’s epic win at the weekend x
Claire says
What fun! I’d love to take tennis lessons at some point – perhaps not in the weather we are currently having, though!
Mini Travellers says
Love that you called it the finale! It was an amazing final this weekend though wasn’t it! Pretty amazing and should make more of us into tennis players.
Californian Mum in London says
I have never watched a Wimbledon match either. And it’s only 10 minutes away from where I live, so I know lots of people who go watch it live. Maybe once I’m more into tennis. 🙂
Kate Sutton says
It’s funny how tennis is played by more of us when it’s such a fantastic sport! Glad you got to pick up a racquet (and that you enjoyed it lol!)
Whitney Harries says
I only ever played tennis in school, which was only a brief introduction to it. But I would love to start getting into it as it sounds like such an interesting sport. Also I haven’t really watched any tennis matches until the Canada vs Scotland match either! xoxo
JuggleMum, Nadine Hill says
I love your story Elizabeth, how your husband was a table tennis champ and his father was a tennis coach! How interesting – plus your kids seemed to enjoy the game – it’s a nice sport to play a s a family. #GBTW
Elanor says
I keep meaning to get into a sport at some point, but I never seem to have the time. I’m pretty sure tennis would be the one I’d choose when I eventually get a spare moment! 🙂
Stella says
I have been following the Wimbledon news. So happy for Serena.
Stephen says
I have no hand to eye coordination when it comes to Tennis, crazy golf is more my thing 😉
CHARLOTTE EVANS says
every year I see the tennis and think ‘oh I should so start playing’ but I never do, it’s so good for you though- think my fitness levels are a little off for it though lol love watching it though! charlotte xx
Toni @ Gym Bunny Mummy says
I’m not really a sports fan at all, I love the gym but not sports. However I’m the only female in the house so end up watching more than my fair share!