This week’s tennis came with a bit of everything—progress, people, and a rather unwelcome guest… a very stubborn blister on my heel.
Social tennis was a real highlight again. We had a great group of ladies turn up—enough for more than two pairs, which meant proper games and a really good atmosphere on court.
It was also brilliant to see some of the CTA first team ladies there, getting in doubles practice ahead of their match this week and made it look effortless. Good luck ladies!
For me, the focus stayed the same: consistency. Trying to apply what I’ve been learning, especially around volleys, and not just slipping back into old habits of “hit and hope.” It’s slowly starting to come together, and I’m beginning to trust my shots a bit more.One of the things I’m enjoying most is getting to know everyone. There’s such a mix of experience, and people are always willing to share tips or little bits of advice. It makes such a difference when you’re learning—you pick things up without even realising it.On the downside… the blister. Honestly, it has been relentless this week. I’ve tried blister plasters, tape—everything—but somehow they never stay where they’re meant to and seem to migrate mid-session! Not ideal when you’re trying to focus on your footwork and not limp between shots.Friday’s session was a really good one. We worked on a variety of shots… “DNA” —Defence, Neutral, Attack.
I quite liked having that framework in my head so I wouldn’t forget the order of shot, even if my “attack” shots do have a habit of ending up somewhere in the following week rather than inside the court! Clearly still a bit of fine-tuning needed there.We also worked on a new attacking shot that can only really be described (in my head at least) as a bit like a windscreen wiper motion. It felt quite unnatural at first—especially the direction—but I can see how effective it could be once it clicks. Another one to add to the “work in progress” list.And now… the big one. My first league game is coming up this week.Excited? Yes. Nervous? Also yes.I think the biggest challenge for me will be managing those nerves and not letting a few lost points spiral into a loss of confidence. I’m starting to realise that tennis is as much mental as it is physical—maybe more so.So the goal? Stay calm(ish), keep things simple, and remember why I started—because I enjoy it.Let’s see how it goes…