Try racket sports

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Inside, outside, on grass, concrete, astro-turf or even mud! The places in which you can pick up a racket and a ball and have a good old game are endless.  It’s really quite simple, you find a bit of space, a couple of rackets, a net - not always necessary, a garden fence/washing line will always do - and a small object to hit over it, and you are away! Hours of fun in no time at all.

Get the Benefits


The best thing about racket sports is that whatever your age or ability it is a sport that everyone can enjoy, even if you can’t quite get the ball over the net yet!  From the very young where racket sports will help to develop motor learning and cognitive development, to the older generation who can keep active at their own pace, racket sports give people the opportunity to keep fit and socialise at the same time. There is something for everyone, the complete beginner to the soon to be pro……..

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Get Going - badminton

How to get involved…….

Taster sessions
Regularly organised by clubs and leisure centres, giving people the chance to give badminton a try.  Equipment is often provided and a coach on hand to give tips on the basics.  These sessions are perfect for beginners or those looking to dust of those old, somewhat redundant rackets.

Court Bookings
If you would prefer to play independently, with friends or family, why not make a Court Booking. Leisure centres, community halls and schools often have courts available to book casually.  Prices will vary dependant on the time and quality of facility and be sure to check whether equipment is available to hire.

Pay and Play Clubs
Allow individuals to participate without committing to a long term membership.  You will be able to get the benefits of a club atmosphere, including competitions (and social nights!) without the obligation of having to attend every week.

Coaching sessions
Fancy learning how to perform that award winning drop shot? Want to fine tune your service? Sign yourself up for some badminton Coaching Sessions.  There are many junior coaching sessions about, usually run by leisure centres or the community departments of schools. Adult sessions are available, adult education often being a popular choice.  Don’t forget to ask what abilities the sessions cater for.

Senior & Junior Clubs
If you would prefer to learn and play within a club environment there are over 100 Senior and Junior Clubs in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Some clubs are purely social, and do not compete, others enter teams into local leagues.  Check that the club caters for your needs before you sign up!

Over 50 sessions
Many leisure centres offer badminton as one of many on a recipe of sports within their Over 50’s Sessions.  The sessions often run during the day and run at discounted prices.  Not only a brilliant way to stay on your toes but a great social opportunity too.

Return to Badminton
If you are a novice to the sport or the shuttle is a little dusty this is the perfect opportunity for you to get back into it.  Within the 6 to 10 week sessions a qualified coach will set you up with all the skills and drills needed for you to progress forward to join a club.  Sessions are held throughout Hampshire and the IOW. More information can be found on the Return to Sport section.

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Get going - Squash

To find a squash club near you take a look at our sports club guide.

If you have children between 8 and 11 years why not try them out with a game of mini squash.  The game, designed as an exciting introduction to Squash is currently running at 8 approved centres throughout Hampshire.  Take a look at www.minisquash.com to learn more.

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Get going - Tennis

How to get involved……..

Indoor Tennis Centres
The Indoor Tennis Initiative (ITI) set up by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has set up Indoor Tennis Centres throughout Britain allowing members of the public to play tennis indoors on a pay-and-play basis.  Find your local facility on our sports guide and facility listing.

Tennis Clubs
For something a little more structured why not join one of the extensive range of Tennis Clubs throughout Hampshire and the IOW.  Joining a club will give you further opportunity to improve your skills monitored by qualified coaches, take part in club and league competitions and share the experience with other tennis enthusiasts! Find your local club.

Junior Tennis
Take a look on the LTA website for information on junior tennis tournaments.  They run in a number of different formats for various abilities incorporating differing age ranges.  Also check out the training camps available for more experienced junior players.    

Disability Tennis
A number of Indoor Tennis Centres are now running subsided coaching sessions for people with disabilities.  To find out more and where your local centre is go to www.btf.org.uk or contact your local tennis development officer.

Got something a little special?
For those of you with a  flare for tennis look out for up and coming tennis I.D events.  If you think you’ve got what it takes contact your local LTA officer for more information

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Get the Knowledge

A little history………..

  • Games using fists, hands and rackets have been played for over 1,000 years
  • Tennis originated from a French game ‘le Paune’ which means ‘palm of the hand’
  • ‘Rackets’ was first played by prisoners in Fleet prison who exercised by hitting balls against walls using rackets
  • Squash was invented in Harrow around 1830 when pupils discovered a punctured ‘Rackets’ ball provided a greater variety of shots when hit against a wall.  The school later (1864) built the first four Squash courts.
  • Tennis rackets used to have a lop-sided top to ‘scoop’ the tennis ball out of the corners
  • The first British Junior Championships will held at Ventor on the Isle of Wight in 1908

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Get the Top Tips

  • When enquiring about a rackets session don’t forget to ask what abilities the session caters for
  • If you attend a rackets ‘Open Day’ be sure to look out for information on further participation opportunities or ask the organiser for advice
  • If you are aiming to compete in your chosen rackets sport it is advisable to check that the club is affiliated to their National Governing Body.
  • Many clubs run a trial basis, where over a few weeks the player can decide whether the club is right for them and vice versa.  Be sure to ask when you make your query.
  • Each of the racket sports above has a Development Officer.  The officers will be happy to help with any queries you may have regarding getting started in their sport.  You can find their contact details at the beginning of this guide.

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Get the Contacts

Badminton

Squash

Tennis

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