Tennis

What’s not to ‘love’ about tennis?

Charlotte Corrigan talks to Blackburn Northern Tennis Coach, Jamie Hutchings, about why tennis is a great sport to try.

What is it about the thwack of a ball when it makes contact with the racquet that is so incredibly satisfying? That sound generated by the ball hitting the sweet spot seems to have the same equivalent effect of popping a sheet of bubble wrap. Is it the dopamine released by the brain or just the stress release from whacking a ball from one side of the court to another?

But what is clear is that tennis is a great sport to try. And if you don’t agree with me and my limited tennis knowledge, see what Tennis Coach, Jamie Hutchings, has to say. It’s probably time to dust off your trainers, reach for your racquet and locate your Wimbledon whites.

Who is your favourite tennis player?

Roger Federer.

Why take up tennis?

It’s a fun sport; it keeps you active; it helps you meet to people and find friends. It’s just generally a really good sport to play.

How is tennis beneficial for your health?

It’s beneficial because you run around a lot in tennis, mentally stimulating to play the game, it also keeps you mentally engaged. Also, again the social aspects so you can meet friends, so you tend to be happy as well as being physically healthy.

What advice would you give to a girl who wants to start tennis?

First of all, try and contact a local club or a coach and they’ll be able to point you in the right direction at kind of like meeting up with other girls of your own age and get them on the right path playing tennis.

What has been your defining moment in your tennis career? 

Probably, maybe selected for my county to play tennis for my county team. My personal favourite was when I played for Lancashire down at Wimbledon at the All England Tennis Club. So, we went down with the team to play at the All England Club which was fantastic.

For more information, get in touch with Jamie Hutchings, at Blackburn Northern. The ball is in your court.