Our 12 week #Tennistime courses, designed for our Lifestyle members who are absolute beginners, offer 12 weeks of coaching, together with a free racket and complimentary court practice time.
Recent graduate, Zia Hashmi shares his experiences and ambitions…
What inspired you to sign up for #Tennistime?
I’ve been a lifestyle member for many years and was always curious about tennis activities at the club. I had never played tennis before, apart from the few times I’ve picked up someone else’s racket on holiday and very quickly lost all their balls – I decided tennis wasn’t for me!
But maybe I was missing something? I have relatives that enjoy playing tennis and certainly playing outside on a sunny day looked like a wonderful thing to be able to do. I then noticed details regarding a tennis course aimed at lifestyle members for complete beginners. The fee was nominal and included incentives such as court booking rights for a while and a discount voucher for purchase of a racket. I signed up and spent Sunday mornings learning tennis at the club’s indoor courts over winter.
Tell us about the #Tennistime course
The course ran with small groups and the coach always felt close by to advise. The drills were structured and we were able to do plenty of hitting. Each lesson presented me with an opportunity to improve and the biggest satisfaction was being guided, working things out, practising and then improving.
The courts become available for booking after you have completed half the course. I had decided after a few lessons that I needed to practice and became impatient waiting for court time so I decided to upgrade my membership. Court 9 has a practice wall which is now a good friend of mine.
The coaches advised on coaching, social tennis activities and further group courses being run at the Club. I decided to enrol in the following term’s improvers course which I look forward to each week. Despite the amount of time coaches spend on the tennis court I found them all to have an infectious enthusiasm and energy.
What got you hooked on tennis?
The sound and feel of a good shot (when it happens) was enough keep me wanting more. With progress came ambition! I decided my late tennis career goals would be to beat a shortlist of more experienced players before I retire and take up squash!
What advice would you give to other lifestyle members who would like to take up tennis but are feeling a little bit nervous?
You will be learning with others of a similar standard and the coaches are admirably patient.
Sometimes you must step out of your comfort zone to succeed.
Describe your #tennistime experience in three words?
Enjoyable, challenging and satisfying.
JOIN #TENNISTIME
For more information on joining the club as a Racquets member or to find out when the next #Tennistime courses begin contact the Membership Team or call 0121 440 2492
