Visually impaired tennis training camps begin at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on Saturday 31 January, providing specialist tennis coaching on the world class indoor courts that are of the same standard as those used for the US Open.
Supported by the Tennis Foundation, the sessions for participants aged over 11 will run on the last Saturday of every month from 14:00 to 17:00 and are free for all under 18s with adults paying just £2.50.
This London 2012 legacy venue was specifically designed to be fully accessible for everyone and these sessions will offer coaching for players new to the game as well as matchplay opportunities for more established players.
A sighted guide service is also available for players to and from Leyton underground station with pick up at 13:30.
Jack Pringle, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority Sports Development Officer said: “These visually impaired tennis training camps have been designed to bring together players of all standards by providing matchplay opportunities in addition to expert coaching.
“We’ve been working closely with key partners including the Tennis Foundation, Metro Blind Sport and East London Vision to organise these sessions and hope to see both newcomers and players that already participate on a weekly basis coming along.”
Equipment including racquets and tennis balls are provided and participants are recommended to arrive 15 minutes in advance. The sessions will be flexible and tailored to suit the participants.
Visually impaired tennis is played with smaller racquets and a ball with audible ball bearings inside. Players who are blind are allowed three bounces while partially sighted players are allowed two bounces.
Tape can be put on the court to create raised lines and players communicate at the start of each point to make sure their opponent is ready.
Advance booking is essential. For more information and to book call 08456 770 604.
For more information go to: www.visitleevalley.org.uk/