YOU don’t need to have a ticket for Centre Court to get into the Wimbledon spirit.
It’s easy to serve up your own smashing fun at home.
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Five cash-saving tips to play tennis on a budget if you’re in the Wimbledon spirit Credit: Getty
If you can’t find free lessons, you can pick up many of the skills through handy online tutorials Credit: Getty
Here’s some ideas . . .
WHAT A MATCH: The whole family can lob and smash during the Barclays Big Tennis weekends, and free park tennis sessions.
They’re free events held throughout the year, with equipment usually provided.
Beginners are welcome, and organisers can often match you with a partner too.
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Find out more at lta.org.uk.
WATCH AND LEARN: If you can’t find free lessons, you can pick up many of the skills through handy online tutorials. YouTube channels Intuitive Tennis, Essential Tennis and Feel Tennis provide excellent free beginner lessons.
FREE COURTS: Many local parks hire out tennis courts for free or small fees — typically £3 to £5 for half an hour — although you will usually have to book ahead. If you take to it, an annual pass for £30 to £40 could save you money.
GET A GRIP: Tennis kit doesn’t come cheap, but kids can pick up a new racket from just £9.99 at Decathlon. Adult ones start at £14.99.
The Second Life section of decathlon.co.uk has pre-loved equipment in great condition, but you’re more likely to find a bargain on a site like Gumtree where you can pick up big brands like Slazenger, Donnay and Wilson for just a few pounds.
SWING WHEN YOU’RE WINNING: Even if you can’t get to a tennis court, you can easily practise hitting a ball against a wall, building up the hand-eye coordination essential you need for this sport.
Simply hitting like this, on your own, can be a great first step toward building your forehand and backhand strokes.
Swingball is also a fun activity for kids, where you bat a ball that is suspended on a string.
The Range has a Garden Swing Set for £9.99.
All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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