Celebrations for a year of Pickleball at Totally Tennis

Last weekend twenty-six Pickleball players got together to play in a club tournament in celebration of a year of Pickleball at Tennis Totally. The event also celebrated the ‘Totally Pickled’ team who represent the club in the monthly South East England Pickleball League (SEPL) events.

Debbie and Daryl were crowned the overall winners with Simon and Simon as runners-up. Joint third place went to Michelle and Matthew & Napalai & Robert. 

Pickleball coordinator and player Jill Gibson said. “It was great fun, with nibbles, drinks and a cake afterwards to celebrate.“

Pickleball sessions at Totally Tennis started last October and have been an overwhelming success with some players now competing at national level and in overseas competitions. It’s a social game that’s suitable for players of all ages and abilities. The smaller court mean there’s less ground to cover than regular tennis and although it’s considered slower paced more experienced players still find Pickleball an exciting and challenging game.

If you would like to try playing Pickleball at Totally Tennis our coaching sessions are on Monday evenings 7.30pm – 9.30pm and Saturday afternoons from 2pm – 4pm. The cost of a two hour session is £6 per person. To find out more information and to book visit our website www.totallytennis.co.uk/about-3 or telephone 01256 358816. 

Pickleball at Totally Tennis is registered on the Pickleball England website.

Tennis For Health | Totally Tennis

Totally Tennis is introducing a new ‘Tennis for Health’ session at the indoor centre in the War Memorial Park starting from Monday 25^th April 2022.

The new session, that will take place every Monday from 2pm – 3pm, is designed for people suffering with Parkinson’s disease. It has been recognised that a Parkinson’s sufferer can improve their quality of life and alleviate some symptoms with appropriate regular exercise and tennis is ideally placed to fulfil that need.

The sessions will focus on areas particularly helpful to those who are living with Parkinson’s, including balance and simple hand eye-to-coordination exercises that will help to maintain and improve these vital skills. The fundamental movement patterns in tennis challenge change of direction, weight transference and posture. Our goal is to provide a meaningful and fun tennis session which brings new skills that can be transferred to everyday life.

The sessions will be with coach Jenny who has a special interest in Parkinson’s and ‘Tennis for Health’.  The cost is £6 per player. For more information and to book, please telephone 01256 358816 to book or online at www.totallytennis.co.uk    

No equipment is needed but rackets are available if required. For any additional information please email jenny.simmance@totallytennis.co.uk

Don’t take our word for it, have a look at some of the articles below that outline the benefits of tennis for Parkinson’s sufferers.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-nottinghamshire-58091757

www.briangrant.org

www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/tennis-health-benefits.html

For more information about Parkinson’s disease visit www.parkinsons.org.uk

LTA Youth Start Courses | Stratton Park

Totally Tennis will be running the LTA Youth Start starter courses for juniors next month at our Stratton Park courts in Kempshott. Coach Ben Haley will be running the 6 week sessions that are designed to introduce children to tennis in a fun and relaxed environment. Sessions cater to all abilities, so no one gets left behind. 

The weekly courses are available for different age groups as follows:

4 – 5 year olds – Sunday 4th July until Sunday 8th August 2021 from 9:30 – 10:30am

Sign up here: clubspark.lta.org.uk/TennisForKids/Course/5b74aabc-2c0f-46e6-bbd0-c7d5d90bbfe1

6 – 8 year olds – Sunday 4th July until Sunday 8th August 2021 from 10:30 – 11:30am

Sign up here: clubspark.lta.org.uk/TennisForKids/Course/b0c844e4-2a8a-48d7-a538-40438f7d0d3b

9 – 10 year olds – Sunday 4th July until Sunday 8th August 2021 from 11:30am – 12:30pm

Sign up here: clubspark.lta.org.uk/TennisForKids/Course/aaf6a8d0-676b-4fa8-a4ec-5f2550e3e87f

Cost: £34.99 for 6 sessions and kit bundle (see below)

Haley, who has specific LTA Youth Start course training, will deliver six fun sessions and players who signed up will received an LTA Youth Start kit bundle that includes a racket, balls, wristbands and a branded t-shirt all delivered prior to the course start date. Parents will be invited to be involved and all players will offered follow-on opportunities at the club to encourage them to keep playing at the venue after the course is finished.

For more information telephone 01256 358816 or email: tt@totallytennis.co.uk

Read more about the LTA Youth Programme HERE

Covid-19 information: Your child’s safety at LTA Youth Start courses is our priority. Coaches will be delivering sessions in accordance with the Government and LTA’s COVID-19 guidelines for England, Scotland and Wales, which can be found here.

Tennis is a naturally socially distant sport, and with these measures in place is widely considered to be a safe, low-risk activity. However, to support coaches in keeping sessions as safe as possible, parents are encouraged to:

• Ensure kids bring their own racket and wristbands supplied in the participant pack. In the event your pack has not yet arrived, the coach will provide an appropriately cleaned racket and alternative solution for wristbands
• Maintain physical distancing with other adults whilst watching sessions
• Follow any additional guidance provided by coaches or the venue where sessions are taking place

Should you have any questions or concerns, we would encourage you to speak to your coach

May Half Term Tennis Camps | 2021

Looking for a healthy alternative for your children in the upcoming Half Term break? Want your children to have fun and learn a new sport in school holidays? Children can keep active whilst having lots of fun and learn a new sport in the school holidays with the popular Tennis Camps that will be running at Totally Tennis’ in the War Memorial Park.

This half term we will be running sessions for children aged 5-8 years and 9-14 years old. Sessions can be booked on a daily or weekly basis (3 days). Session numbers are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment. 

The current restrictions mean that our sessions will take place outdoors. We will continue to follow all guidelines to ensure the safety of players and coaches. The scheme has received Ofsted accreditation and the sessions are run by experienced LTA accredited checked and DBS checked coaches. 

​Click on the links below to make your booking:

5 – 8 Years

Tuesday 1st June – Friday 4th June (excluding Wednesday 2nd )

Time: 9:30 – 10:30am

1 Day – £10

Full Week – 3 Days £27

​clubspark.lta.org.uk/TotallyTennisBasingstoke/Coaching/Camp?courseID=55331f33-7085-4991-b31f-65574b0cc0db

9 – 14 Years

Tuesday 1st June – Friday 4th June (excluding Wednesday 2nd)

Time: 11:00am – 12:30pm

1 Day – £15

Full Week – 3 Days £40

clubspark.lta.org.uk/TotallyTennisBasingstoke/Coaching/Camp?courseID=3053dc03-e90d-4271-87d4-cef0e327f53f

Each child should dress appropriately for tennis activities and need to bring drinks and wear sunscreen if the weather is good. Rackets will be provided for those who need one. In the event that restrictions change and the sessions have to be cancelled a refund will be issued.For more information about the Tennis Camps please telephone Totally Tennis on 01256 358816, email tt@totallytennis.co.uk or visit the website www.totallytennis.co.uk

WE ARE BACK!

After three long months of lockdown we are open today! We can’t wait to welcome everyone back on court for a really great summer of tennis. We are following Government and LTA guidelines (see below) and initially (from 29th March) it’s just our outdoors courts that will be open. We will ease back into the programme with limited sessions and private lessons as well as court bookings.

Things kick off today will our popular Adult Mixed Morning at 10:30am and our coaches are available for individual lessons. Adult Drills will be back tomorrow evening as well as Match Practice on Wednesday. Adults Courses will resume from 12th April – click HERE to book outdoor courts and sessions.

Next week will see our junior Easter Tennis Camps start – read more about that HERE and click HERE to book. Junior Squads will restart from 19th April.

Book early for all sessions as numbers are limited. Social distancing rules apply.

Tennis Director Nigel said ‘I can’t wait to welcome everyone back after such a long time! Seeing people so excited to be back on court is amazing. We’re looking forward to a great summer ahead.’

Telephone 01256 358816 if you require any further information. Keep up-to-date with everything that is happening via our website, Facebook page and Instagram

Guidelines – All courts are bookable via the Court Booking section on our website. Payments can only be made online.  Please ensure you read our T&C’s and our Covid guidance below. Court Bookings are bookable for 60 minutes (court time 55 Minutes and 5 Minutes to leave).

​The pavilion and toilet facilities are accessible during our opening hours.  Hand sanitiser is available at the entry and exits and we ask customers to use a one way system.  Face coverings should be worn on entry. Equipment is now be available to hire from the club and will be sprayed with antibacterial spray.​

Please do not arrive too early for your court booking. This is to minimise the amount of players congregating on or around the courts. Please leave on time to allow safe access and departure from courts and to respect the 2 meter distancing rules.

To avoid gathering of people in or around the tennis courts, spectators are discouraged. This does not apply to a parent/guardian/carer, (non participant). This should be limited to one per player and social distancing should be strictly followed at all times.

​Bring hand sanitiser with you. Bring a full water bottle and do not share food or drink with others and remember to take all rubbish away with you. ​IMPORTANT: Do not leave your home to play tennis if Government advice means you should stay at home because you or someone you live with has or has had symptoms of COVID-19, or you are in the most vulnerable category and have been advised to shield from the coronavirus.

For more information visit the Covid-19 section of our website www.totallytennis.co.uk/covid-19 and the LTA website www.lta.org.uk/globalassets/news/2020/lta-guidance-for-tennis-players—covid-19.pdf

December in Pictures | 2020

We re-opened at the beginning of December ready for the festive season after the November lockdown

The courts got a festive makeover

50+ was our first session back on the outdoor courts

Squad players Olivia and Eloise got into the festive spirit

Players wrapped up warm for sessions on the outdoor courts

UCoach coaching courses were (briefly) resumed

Coach Nari conducting a private lesson with Jasmin, Shauna and Anya

We welcomed coach Sam to the team

Hampshire went into tier 4 lockdown on Boxing Day but our younger players made use of our outdoor courts for their daily exercise with their parents

Outdoor private lessons are still permitted in tier 4

Keep up-to-date with everything happening at the club on our website www.totallytennis.co.uk and our social media via our Facebook and Instagram

Meet Our Assistant Coaches: Andrew Dingwall

Coach Profile: Andrew Dingwall

Coaching Qualification: Level 2

How old were you when you first started playing tennis?
Four years old

How were you introduced to the sport?
My family all played and were passionate about tennis

What made you come to work at Totally Tennis?
The friendly atmosphere of the team

Who is your favourite professional tennis player?
Rafael Nadal

What do you like most about coaching tennis?
The players looking forward to tennis each work and having fun whilst improving at the sport

How often do you coach?
One day a week

Do you play any other sport?
Only skiing once a year

What is your greatest achievement in tennis so far?
Getting to the sixth form national finals

Read more about the Totally Tennis coaching team on the COACHING TEAM tab or click totallytennis.wordpress.com/meet-the-team/

Hignett invited to play at British Tour Masters 2019

Performance player and coach Liam Hignett has been invited by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to play at the British Tour Masters 2019 to be held the National Tennis Centre (NTC) in Roehampton, London next month.

Hignett has qualified for the two-day event, which will take place on 19th and 20th December, due to his final position on this year’s British Tour leaderboard. His invitation comes after his quarter final finish at LTA British Tour Edgbaston 2 earlier this month where he beat Philip Sikman 6-1, 6-1 in round one, Finley Cook in the second 6-3, 3-6, 6-0 but lost in the quarters in three sets to Harry Skinner 6-4, 5-7, 6-4.

Last month Hignett won the LTA British Tour Exeter Open Mens Singles title at the Exeter Tennis Centre, lost in the quarters in Glasgow and had a second round finish in Taunton.

The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) British Tour 2019* provides a circuit of tournaments designed to give up and coming players the opportunity to gain experience in their quest to become professional tennis players, to provide competition for professional players in between competing in professional events at home and abroad, as well as providing a national level open competition circuit.

Read more about Liam’s previous British Tour events HERE

*British Tour information used with courtesy of www.lta.org.uk/britishtour

Christmas Jumper Week 2019

The Totally Tennis festive charity event this year will be Christmas Jumper day to raise funds for Save The Children.  To coincide with the official ‘Christmas Jumper Day’ on Friday 13th December, players and coaches are encouraged to wear their festive jumpers in squads all week long from Monday 9th December onwards to give all squad players the chance to join in.

Donations can be made via the Totally Tennis Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day Just Giving page – click www.justgiving.com/fundraising/CJD190038133 to donate £2 (or more if you’re feeling generous) to help us reach our team target. Save the Children have also given us a personal QR code (see below)  – anyone who scans the code and then donates will contribute to our fundraising total. (Not sure how it works? Here’s a link to the handy guide on using QR codes claim.savethechildren.org.uk/guide. You will be billed £2 plus standard rate text message). Save the Children receive 100% of your donation.

Read the Privacy Policy  www.savethechildren.org.uk/privacy

On Friday 13th December thousands of people up and down the UK will start their day by pulling on a Christmas jumper for a great cause – to help create a brighter future for children. Find out more about the Save The Children Christmas Jumper Day by clicking HERE

Every pound donated will give children in the UK and around the world the chance to grow up healthy and happy, so they can become who they want to be! Just £2 could pay for antibiotics for eight children suffering from pneumonia, one of the biggest killers of children, whilst £5 could provide a winter jacket for a child in Syria. Read more about Save The Children and how their annual Christmas Jumper Day campaign helps children HERE

Official photos and additional info used with courtesy of savethechildren.org.uk/christmas-jumper-day

September In Pictures

50+ players enjoying the September sun on the outdoor courts

Coach Dominic Mitchell joined the coaching team on a full time basis

The 50+ players enjoying their regular Wednesday morning session with Head Coach James

Coach Steph Catlin and former coach Ben Jubin successfully defended their Basingstoke Open Mixed Doubles title to win again this year

Coaches James and Liam held an Under 9 Boys County Training session (above and below)

Performance player and coaching assistant Harry Feast won the 18 & under Boys singles title at the East Winter County Tour Oxford Sports tournament

Coaches Loic and Andrew held the latest TT Tour event

Meet our homegrown coaches in our latest interviews

Head coach James Mcintosh delivered Tennis Assemblies at local schools 

The club held its annual World’s Biggest Coffee Morning event in support of Macmillan Cancer Support

Local school children attended the Free Big Weekend Open Day event

Totally Tennis 50+ player Elvira Olbrich competed for her native Poland in the Women’s 65 category of the Kitty Godfree Cup at the 39th ITF Super-Seniors championships