The Coach & Play Workout session offered by the Victorian Tennis Academy not only gets the blood pumping – it’s loads of fun.  The Coach & Play Workouts are designed to suit all levels and the on site babysitting service means it’s perfect for mums with preschoolers.

When:  Monday – Friday 9.30 – 11am, babysitting on Wednesdays & Fridays from 9.15 – 11.15am

Where:  Orrong Park Tennis Centre, Corner Orrong Rd & Sydney St, PRAHRAN

Cost: $25 per session, babysitting $7.50 per session.

playroom toys

Playroom

Post workout coffee at *TOFWD

Review

Tennis can be lots of fun – but it comes with a few buts… there’s a question of finding other players of a similar level, there’s commitment, there’s game skill (let’s face it, unless you can serve and hold a bit of a rally it’s pretty boring), there are the kids to take care of and there’s also the weather.

The Victorian Tennis Academy can’t control the weather but it has solved all of the other hurdles as well as added extra benefits with its Coach & Play Workouts.  You don’t need to commit, you don’t need to find other players, there is an onsite babysitting service and, because you’re not playing traditional games, it suits beginners right through to champs all in the same session.  At the end of the day it’s just you playing for yourself, so you can’t lose or let a team mate down, and you get an awesome workout!  It’s also not a lesson – but there are coaches there to lead the players through a series of activities, designed to keep you moving and having fun.

My friend Sophie and I joined a Friday morning session at Orrong Park and had an absolute ball.  We are going back – and the wonderful thing is we didn’t have to sign up, we can go back anytime.  And while we were tearing up the court our boys had a lovely time playing with Alice in the park. During the hour and a half session we did not stop moving – but because we were busy hitting balls we didn’t really notice; I have since felt some muscles that obviously haven’t worked for awhile!

It’s been about 10 years since I’ve picked up a racquet – and I would have to say Coach & Play was possibly the most fun I’ve ever had on the court.  As a kid I played lots and lots and lots of tennis – weekly lessons for about 7 years and regular summer holiday clinics as well as games with my dad and brother after school.  I was largely a reluctant player (as I was one of those painfully uncoordinated kids and totally rubbish at ball sports) but my family were tennis lovers so I had no choice in the matter really.

Anyway enough about me!  Because I can’t say it any better myself, here are the words lifted off the Tennis Academy website:

WHO IS THE PROGRAM SUITED TO?

*The program is for all ages & abilities
*Those who require flexibility & no need to commit long term
*Those who require babysitting during the session
*Players looking for a fun, social tennis group lesson

WHAT DOES THE PROGRAM INCORPORATE?

• Fun energetic workouts
• Flexible programs
• Combining cardio, basket drills, game based activities & matchplay

WHAT IS THE PROGRAM DESIGNED TO DO?

*teach technique & tactics in a group environment
*provide a fun, energetic workout
*give a platform for social play