Marc West finally got his racquet out again and had a hit with promising young players at Oxford Sports Lawn Tennis Club

I’ve walked past the tennis courts at the end of my street on an almost daily basis since I moved to Oxford... that was nearly five years ago.

Each time I promised myself to make the effort to find my racquet from under the stairs and give it a go, but there was always a reason (or was it an excuse?) not to. Thankfully, the Lawn Tennis Association launched a scheme this summer to give sporting refuseniks like me little option but to make the effort.

The Great British Tennis Weekend was an opportunity for anyone of any ability to get outdoors and try the sport.

All equipment was provided free of charge, so whether you were a seasoned regular or a complete newcomer, there was hope for us.

I’ll admit, the most action my racquet had seen recently was during an impromptu air guitar session after a slightly drunken night out.

So, there was no chance Sir Cliff would be singing my praises on Centre Court any time soon.

But not one to turn down a challenge, I wolfed down a banana or two and laced up my Dunlop Green Flash ready for action – with childhood memories in my head of sitting crossed-legged face-to-screen day-after-day during those endless school summer holidays eating PYO strawberries and willing McEnroe to make the final (again).

Founded in 1919, Oxford Sports Lawn Tennis is a friendly family club – with very patient coaches. Rob Brion certainly had his work cut out with me. We began by trying to maintain a series of volleys from the service area, before moving back to the baseline.

After a short while of free play, I soon got a feel for it, but it’s not as easy as the pros make it look on TV. I was trying to stay light on my toes, move around the court, get it over and get it in – that’s how you win. Oh, and lots and lots of practice.

Salty sweat was threatening to pour off my brow and into my eyes – were it not for the retro Fila headband I’ve kept at the back of my drawer all these years ready for this very moment. In my head, this was getting very serious, maaan! I was in danger of getting thrashed by a bunch of teenagers – who I thought were normally just the ball boys.

Nope, as it happens, the club has a strong emphasis on nurturing young talent and regularly churns out fine young players who have scooped honours in every competition going so far in 2015.

So, after an hour in the scorching heat, I threw in the towel and conceded it was time for a nice refreshing glass of Robinson’s Barley Water – or, maybe a pint at The Fishes over the road.

TRY IT
The club offers weekly pay-to-play sessions to non-members every Tuesday from 7.15-8.30pm until the end of September on their eight all-weather floodlit courts in North Hinksey.
Rusty Racquets is a mixed-ability social coaching session and is ideal for those wanting a taster or refresher of the sport.
For all details visit oxfordsportsltc.org