The racquet's been in the cupboard for years. The forehand is probably still in there somewhere too.
You don't need to book a court and hope. Christchurch has a few easy ways back in.
Maybe skip the beginner course
Tennis Canterbury's Tennis Xpress is a six-week course for people new to tennis. If you used to rally, it's probably pitched below you.
Te Kura Hagley Park
Social doubles, no booking. Wednesdays 6 to 8pm and Saturdays 1 to 3.30pm, both all year round. Wednesdays are free for members and $10 for guests, and balls are provided. Saturday is organised doubles with a change of partner every 25 minutes, and afternoon tea afterwards. Probably the gentler one for a rusty player. Guests pay $10.
If you'd rather have a coach, there's a Tuesday 6 to 7pm group for Xpress and intermediate level players. $18 for non-members. Text Hugo on 022 646 0617 at least 24 hours before.
St Albans
Visitors can play as a guest of a paid-up senior member for $5 a session, up to five times a season. So it helps to know someone. If you'd rather not, a casual membership is $190 and is meant for people who'll only use the courts now and then. It doesn't cover Club Days. Social tennis runs Wednesday twilight from 6pm and Thursdays from 1.30pm.
One lesson, not a course
If it's just the serve that's gone, St Albans has one-on-one coaching at $60 an hour.
Why it matters
Getting back on court is the easy part. The hard bit is the second hit: finding someone around your level, who's also rusty, and free on the same evening.
Hitter is for that: adult players nearby, at your level, at a time that works for both of you.
More at hitter.nz.
