Tennis
What is Tennis?
Tennis is a racket sport that can be played individually against a single opponent (singles) or between two teams of two players each (doubles). Each player uses a tennis racket that is strung with cord to strike a hollow rubber ball covered with felt over or around a net and into the opponent's court. The object of the game is to manoeuvre the ball in such a way that the opponent is not able to play a valid return.
You can play tennis anywhere... honestly!
There are tens of thousands of tennis courts in Great Britain – stretching from parks to clubs, leisure centres and schools – and it’s super simple to book a court near you.
Away from the court there is still plenty of opportunity to pick up a racket and get involved. Anything can be used as a net – a bench, a table or even your bags!
All you need is a racket and a ball. If you are new to tennis try using a different coloured ball (red, orange or green) - they are softer and lighter and therefore easier to hit!
The LTA, (Lawn Tennis Association) is the governing body of tennis in Britain, providing the necessary governance, events and competitive structure for the game.
They work with partners across the whole of the country to provide support, practical help and innovative ideas to keep tennis moving forward.
How can Colleges get involved?
The LTA's offer to Further Education Colleges is free to all colleges. The flexible and inclusive programme has been designed specifically to support wider college outcomes. It brings together qualification resources, enrichment activities, competitions and modified accessible formats of the game. They also offer support to colleges to develop community links, whether that be through building relationships with tennis coaches and venues, and / or through supporting colleges to open their facilities to the community.
Tennis is a great form of exercise. Anyone can play; whatever their motivation or ability, from all communities and backgrounds. At any age and for a whole lifetime, tennis provides physical, social and mental rewards both on and off the court.
How can students get involved?
There are different ways to play whether you want to learn the basics, improve your fitness or try something new: Tennis Xpress, Cardio Tennis, Padel, Pair & Play. Play the game your way!
To find out about your local courts and community tennis sessions visit
The LTA's Open Court programme provides disability specific and inclusive sessions, focusing on learning disability tennis, wheelchair tennis, visually impaired tennis and deaf tennis. Visit the LTA website to find out more about our Open Court programme and venues.