A GREAT RETURN: Tennis is Back – Here’s how to play safely

Tennis has seen a spike in popularity in recent weeks, thanks to the easing of the lockdown rules allowing people to safely play this hugely sociable sport.

Tennis clubs are not only seeing regular tennis players, but also people who have never played before and those who haven’t played for years, flocking to the courts. Why is this? Because tennis is played outdoors, you can always stay over 2 metres apart, you use your own racquets and you can enjoy meeting up with friends again.

Both singles and doubles play are now permitted with people from outside of your household, as long as you remain 2 metres apart. Four people from different households can now play doubles.

The LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) has set out clear guidance on how to play tennis safely during the current Covid-19 concerns. Here’s what you need to know:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before leaving home to go to the court (or use an alcohol gel if washing hands is not possible)

• Play should only take place on outdoor courts (indoor courts and bubble courts remain closed)

• Try to use your own racquet where possible. Racquets can be shared, but where this happens ensure thorough cleaning before and after use.

• Players should not share items such as towels

• Bring a full water bottle, and do not share food or drink with others

• Ensure you take all your belongings with you at the end of the session and do not leave anything on court

• Use alcohol gel after touching any court gates, fences, benches, etc, and avoid doing so where possible

• Allow others to leave before you enter the court – if you need to wait then do so away from the courts and clear of the gates

• Ensure you leave the court before the end of your allotted time so that it is empty for the next players

• Arrive changed and ready to play

• Shower at home, and do not use the venue’s changing area

• Avoid congregating on or around the court after playing to allow access for others

• Other than where players are from the same household – stay at least two metres away from other players (including during play, when taking breaks and before and after play)

• Do not make physical contact with other players (such as shaking hands or high five) – you can tap racquets instead

• Avoid chasing the ball down to another court if other players are using it

• For doubles, consider agreeing in advance which player will take the shot if a ball travels to the centre of the court

• Players should use their own clearly marked tennis balls wherever possible – however, if you choose to use shared balls then extra care must be taken to ensure you do not touch your face during play, and you should clean your hands before play and immediately after finishing (use alcohol gel if required)

• Players should still avoid using their hands to pick up tennis balls from other courts where possible – use your racquet/foot to return the ball

• Avoid using other equipment such as courtside benches, net handles or court sweepers where possible

• Be aware that onsite toilet facilities may not be open

• Where toilets are open, players are advised to take particular care when using them and clean hands thoroughly after use

• Keep up to date with very latest guidelines for playing tennis here 

So, remember these straight-forward rules and you can play tennis and socialise with your friends and other households to make the most of the glorious and warm Summer weather – ENJOY!

Need a tennis lesson or two to get you going or refresh your skills? We are busy but still have spaces, so please contact Andrew Griffiths at Tennis Hereford CONTACT US