Come and Try ... tennis with Lutheran Tennis Club

“Come and Try” aims to promote fitness and wellbeing in the Murraylands – and it could promote your business, too. Murray Bridge News is seeking an ongoing sponsor for this regular feature. Call Peri on 0419 827 124 or email murraybridgenews@gmail.com.

A piece of paper with a QR code is stuck to the fence on a mild Wednesday evening at Christian Reserve, Murray Bridge.

It’s the first night back for Lutheran Tennis Club’s Hot Shots players, the youngsters just starting out.

A pair of coaches serve up under-arm lobs to kids in polo tops practising their forehands.

There aren’t so many this week, only a day or two after the club was able to confirm it could re-open following a two-week ban on community sport in South Australia.

But back they are, and come Friday night or Saturday morning the hard courts will be packed.

One of the coaches, Matthew Ahrens, took a few minutes to explain why.

When did you first start playing tennis?

I’ve been playing about 10 years, roughly. I think Mum and Dad pushed me into some Hot Shots coaching. The year after that I started in a team.

What do you get out of it?

On the playing side it’s the competition, that competitive drive. As a one-on-one sport you’ve got a lot of tactics – tennis is  very good for the brain. But generally (it’s about) the exercise, getting outside and not being stuck in the house all day. Coaching-wise, I was coached a lot when I was young and it’s good to give back and see people improve.

What has been the highlight of your tennis career so far?

One highlight was I was able to win the (Lower Murray Hard Court Tennis) Association most-games-won-at-number-one award, essentially the best player award. That was one of the highlights, I suppose.

How are you going this season?

I haven’t played much – I’m a musician, so (I play) a lot of Friday night gigs. But you see junior players improving, and that’s a win.

What do you hope to achieve as a tennis player?

In tennis, I’ve kind of achieved all I want to achieve, realistically. I’d like to get more students and see them improve more. And I’d like to keep going myself, to exercise and keep fit.

Why should people come and try tennis?

People should come and try tennis because, as opposed to different sports, it’s a sport where you’re put in your ability level, not your age level. Even if you’re not that sporty, you’re not getting smashed against people the same age. You can have some wins because of that. The clubs here work hard to make sure everyone can have some wins and some losses. The Hot Shots program is great for the youngsters who can come out and learn skills before they get into competition, have some fun and build their interest.

• More information: www.facebook.com/Murray-Bridge-Hard-Court-Tennis-Lutheran-Tennis-Club-548485685199421.

“Come and try” aims to promote fitness and wellbeing in the Murraylands – and it could promote your business, too. Murray Bridge News is seeking an ongoing sponsor for this regular feature. Call Peri on 0419 827 124 or email murraybridgenews@gmail.com.