Tennis a sport that captures the essence of both physical agility and mental prowess, has become an increasingly common pastime for children and adults alike. Its growing popularity stems from the exhilaration of play and the inspiration drawn from world-renowned tennis icons, and Grand Slam tournaments such as Wimbledon and The Australian Open are important dates for the sporting calendar. Celebrated for its blend of swift movements and precise strikes, tennis offers more than just physical exercise; it's a holistic activity that sharpens the mind, enhances bodily health, and nurtures emotional well-being. It also goes very well with strawberries and cream.
Let's delve into the perks of tennis court playground markings and discover how you can bring the magic of Wimbledon to your school, shaping the lives of young enthusiasts and helping them discover a love of sports — no pun intended
Tennis Court Playground Markings
Incorporating tennis into PE lessons at school serves — again, no pun intended — as a fantastic complement to the academic curriculum blending physical education with motor skills development. Its introduction in schools goes beyond participating in sports; it promotes teamwork, discipline, and healthy competition among students. Tennis encourages physical fitness and coordination, and it’s particularly beneficial in enhancing focus and strategic thinking. The sport's adaptability to various skill levels makes it inclusive, allowing students of all abilities to engage and thrive. It's the perfect sport to relieve stress and improve mood, putting smiles on faces and boosting those happiness hormones.
Thermoplastic Lines: Long Lasting Court Markings
Thermoplastic is a material that's transforming how we view sports court markings. Unlike traditional painted lines, thermoplastic offers a range of benefits that align perfectly with the needs of a bustling school environment trying to keep costs down.
Durability: These markings last up to ten times longer than regular paint. This means less frequent reapplications, ensuring the court is always game-ready.
Safety First: We understand the paramount importance of student safety. Thermoplastic markings are non-slip, reducing the risk of falls and injuries during play.
Eco-friendly and Safe: The non-toxic nature of thermoplastic makes it a safe choice for schools. It's a relief knowing students are playing on a surface free from harmful chemicals.
Cost-Effective in the Long Run: Initially, thermoplastic might seem like a higher investment compared to paint. But, its longevity and reduced need for maintenance make it a cost-effective solution over time.
Incorporating tennis court playground markings into a school playground brings numerous benefits. The clear boundaries and lines of a tennis court aid in teaching the rules and techniques of the game more effectively. Additionally, these markings can transform a regular playground into a versatile sports area — you're not just limited to the green ball. For other racquet sports, what about badminton? Remove the net, and you've got a perfect dodgeball pitch. Keep the net up, and give volleyball, or foot-tennis a try. You could even try simple throwing and catching games for PE warm-ups or EYFS motor skills. They can also be integrated as part of a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) by layering with other sports courts such as netball, football or basketball, using different coloured lines to easily show which game is which.
The presence of a tennis court can enhance the school's sports curriculum, providing an excellent resource for physical education classes and extracurricular sports clubs. This not only enriches the students' physical fitness but also develops skills like hand-eye coordination, strategic thinking, and teamwork, essential for their overall growth.
Flexible Installation Options: Remark or a New Court.
We understand that every school's needs are unique. Whether you're looking to breathe new life into an existing court or install a brand-new one, we're here to help.
Remarking Existing Courts: Our team can expertly reapply markings to your current court with our thermoplastic lines. Please note this does depend on how much of the old court is still visible (please contact us to discuss) as it's not good practice to install new lines onto material which is letting go.
New Installations: If you're considering adding a tennis court to your school playground, we offer complete installation services. We tailor the court size to fit your available space or adhere to the standard dimensions of 24 x 11 metres, ensuring a perfect fit for the available space.
Customised to Your Needs: Our team will work closely with you to determine the best course of action, ensuring minimal disruption to your school schedule.
Professional and Trustworthy Team: Rest assured, our team members are fully DBS checked and highly qualified in their roles. Your school's safety and satisfaction are our top priorities.
How To Play Tennis
Playing tennis involves hitting a ball over a net into the opponent's court using a racket. The game starts with a serve, where the player hits the ball diagonally across the net into the opposite service box. Players score points by hitting the ball in a way that the opponent cannot return it within the boundaries of the court. The objective is to win points, games, and sets. The game can be played as singles (one player per side) or doubles (two players per side). Basic skills include ground strokes, volleys, serves, and learning to strategically position oneself. Regular practice and understanding the rules are key to enjoying and improving in tennis.
A full set of the rules of tennis can we fund on the Lawn Tennis Association website.
Tennis Scores Explained
The unique tennis scoring system can be a little tricky to get your head around to begin with. A game of tennis consists of points, games, and sets. A standard match is played to the best of either three or five sets. Each set is made up of games, and each game is made up of points.
Still with us? Good.
The points are scored as 0 (or 'love'), 15, 30, 40, and then game point. If both players reach 40 (a situation called 'deuce'), a player must win two consecutive points to win the game. The first player to win six games (with at least a two-game lead) wins the set. If the set reaches a 6-6 tie, it is usually decided by a tiebreak game.
Games to Play on a Tennis Court
As we mentioned before, you're not just limited to one sport. Here are some suggestions for other ways to get the most out of your playground tennis court:
Badminton
Similar to tennis, badminton is played by hitting a shuttlecock back and forth over a net with a racket. The different shaped, smaller racquet and lighter, high-drag projectile present a new challenge, and requires a different approach to the heavier tennis ball. The objective is to land the shuttlecock in the opponent's half of the court. Each time the shuttlecock lands on the ground within the court boundaries, the player or team scores a point. The game can be played as singles or doubles. A match is typically best of three games, with each game played to 21 points. Players must win by at least two points unless the score reaches 29-29, in which case the first player or team to reach 30 points wins. The players serve diagonally across the net and alternate serving each point.
Dodgeball
Dodgeball is a team sport where players aim to hit opponents with a ball while avoiding being hit themselves. The game is played on a court divided into two halves, with teams occupying each half. The objective is to eliminate all players on the opposing team by hitting them with the ball or catching a ball thrown by them. A player is out if hit by a direct throw or if the ball they throw is caught by an opponent. The game continues until all players of a team are eliminated or a set time expires. The team with the most players remaining, or the first to eliminate all opposing players, wins. This one is a great game to save for special occasions such as Golden Time, or end-of-term fun!
Volleyball
Volleyball is a team sport where two teams compete to score points by grounding the ball on the other team's court. The game starts with a serve, where a player sends the ball over the net to the opposing team. The receiving team must return the ball over the net in a maximum of three touches, often using a combination of bump (forearm pass), set (overhead pass), and spike (overhead hit). A point is scored when the ball touches the ground on the opponent's side, goes out of bounds after being touched by an opponent, or if the opponent fails to return it properly. The first team to reach a set number of points, typically 25, and lead by at least two points, wins the set. Matches are usually best-of-five sets. Traditionally, volleyball is played on sand with a much higher net, but the rules can easily be adapted to suit the playground environment.
Foot Tennis
As the name suggests, foot tennis is a combination of football and tennis. Like volleyball, it's typically played on a beach court with a net. The game involves teams who use their feet, head, chest, and knees to hit a football back and forth over the net. The primary rule is to prevent the ball from touching the ground on your side of the net while trying to make it land on the opponent’s side. Players can touch the ball up to three times before sending it over the net. Points are scored when the ball hits the ground on the opponent’s side, similar to volleyball. The first team to reach a predetermined number of points wins the set, and matches are often best of three sets. Again, some playground-safe adaptations may need to be made for this game.
Conclusion
Incorporating tennis court playground markings into your playground offers a dynamic approach to physical education. These markings not only facilitate the teaching of tennis fundamentals, but also open avenues for a multitude of other games, as well as innovative lessons in physical health, strategy, and team play. Educators can leverage the structured design of the court to introduce students to spatial awareness, motor skills, and the rules of the game. This integration supports a holistic educational experience, where students not only engage in physical activity but also learn valuable life skills such as teamwork, resilience, and strategic thinking. By integrating tennis into the curriculum, schools can create an enriching, active, and educational environment that resonates with students of various interests and abilities.
Anyone for tennis?!
Let's talk tennis. If you'd like to know more about our tennis court playground markings or othe sports courts, get in touch, or book a free site survey. We can talk you through the ins and outs of installation and the details of design — and with sports premium funding on the way, there's no better time!