Tennis Information

Information for Tennis Parents
In order to ensure you have a great experience, we believe it is important for both participants and parents to understand what they can expect from a course with us. This page is designed to summarise some key information about our programme, our team and give you an insight into how you can enhance your child’s tennis journey.
Tennis Programme Structure


Future
These squads concentrate on developing basic tennis and movement skills including agility, balance and coordination.
We focus on the players sending and receiving skills and learning basic technique. The children learn transferable skills for a range of sports not just tennis.

Challenger
Challenger squads are the next step up the programme at our venues. These squads will continue to improve the childrens’ movement and co-ordination skills needed to be successful in tennis. We also focus on improving their technique and tactics so that they are able to start competing.

Grand Slam
Grand slam level is about supporting young athletes who have a desire to reach the performance level of the game.
This exciting stage is delivered by our performance coaching team. The Grand slam sessions are by invitation only and require players to train twice a week and commit to regular competition. Individual and/or small group private lessons are also encouraged.
How can I improve quicker?
Many participants will join multiple groups per week to give them the best opportunity to improve and play more. Playing more than once a week means that your child will be able to practice their new skills more often and improve at a faster rate. We also offer 1 – 2 – 1 private coaching lessons for those seeking to take their progress to the next level. 1 – 2 – 1 lessons give players the chance to hone their techniques, so they can then practice them further within the group classes against the other players.
Meet the Team

Paul Bishop
Tennis Director
PTR International Coach, LTA Coach Accreditation+.
BSc (Hons) Health Science
ATP World Ranking: 1268 singles, 1035 Doubles
NCAA Div II National Champion 2008 & 2009
Coached several world ranked juniors as well as an Orange Bowl Champion
Coaches all standards and abilities
Coach Rate: £40 per hour

Sharna McNally
Tennis Manager and HBS LTC Head Coach
LTA Senior club coach (Level 4), Coach Accreditation+.
BSc (Hons) Sports and Exercise Science.
LTA Performance pathway representative. Coaching and playing experience in Australia. LTA Coaching mentor for level 1 and 2’s aspiring coaches.
Bedfordshire county Women’s Vice Captain and junior county captain for a number age groups.
Currently coaching several county players and working with regional players.
Coaches all standards and abilities.
Coach Rate: £35 per hour

Micheal Chin
Biggleswade Club Coach
LTA club coach (Level 3), Coach Accreditation.
Over 7 years experience coaching tennis in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.
Ex county player, Biggleswade singles champion and Junior player at Biggleswade.
Experience of coaching all ages and abilities concentrating on self confidence, improve and FUN.
Coaches all standards and abilities.
Coach Rate: £25 per hour

Gary Chamberlain
HBS LTC Club Coach
LTA Senior club coach (Level 4), Coach Accreditation+.
LTA Performance Pathway representative.
International playing experience with various top 100 pros.
Training and coaching experiences in several top academies in Europe and the US. Currently working with players competing at National, Regional and county Level.
Coaches all standards and abilities.
Coach Rate: £35 per hour

Udev Makwana
HBS LTC Club coach
LTA Club Coach (Level 3), Coach Accreditation and PTR Association Pro
Over 15 years coaching experience and 5 years with uPlay Sports
Ex county player, cardio tennis coach and 10u LTA Mini Tennis Pathway specialist
Experience of coaching all ages and abilities, from beginner to county standard
Experience and currently delivering disability tennis in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire
Coaches all standards and abilities
Coach Rate: £30 per hour
Frequently asked questions
Do you run in all weather conditions?
Can I make up cancelled/missed sessions?
What equipment do I need?
How fast will my child progress?
Want to test your new skills?
What age can I leave my child unattended at the club?
What is our toilet policy?
What do I need to do if I or my child has any medical/behavioural conditions?
How do we finish the session?
What is our behaviour policy?
Who can I talk to if I have a complaint or would like some more information?
Covid 19 Rules and Procedures
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING COVID-19 CLUB RULES PRIOR TO STARTING THE COURSE: Club Rules:
- All group sessions will run for a duration of 55 minutes (this is to help with the crossover at the entrance / exit of the club).
- Turn up on time for your session but NOT EARLY. (If you are early, wait outside until it is the time of your session.
- Use the hand sanitiser provided at the club when entering and leaving.
- Always avoid touching hard surfaces where possible.
- If you are a parent that wishes to stay for the duration of the session, there will be limited outdoor furniture available. Feel free to bring your own portable chair, stand, or sit on the grass.
- The clubhouse remains closed, however entry to the toilets are permitted.
- We advise that all players bring their own racket for all sessions, all borrowed equipment has to be cleaned prior and post use.
- Do practice social distancing whilst you are at the club at all times
Rules for parents to follow:
- Make sure your children go to the toilet before leaving the house reducing the chance of them needed to use the toilets here.
- Send your children on to court with a fully filled water bottle.
- We need to minimise the amount of people at the club at one time. If you live close enough to the club where you can ‘drop and go’, please do so. If you have to stay please bring minimal family members with you.
- Social distance yourself from others whilst at the club
- Explain to your children the importance of social distancing whilst at the club.
- Collect your children from the gates closest to the their court.
Rules for players to follow:
- Always listen to the coach’s rules
- Listen to the demonstrations as it will contain information on how you will be able to maintain social distancing throughout the drills
- Use hand sanitiser before and after you play
- If you touch your face at any time during the session, let the coach know and reapply hand sanitiser
- Where possible the coaches will be the only ones handling equipment.
- All players will be handling tennis balls throughout their session.
Hygiene Rules:
- Always follow 2 metre social distancing whilst at the club
- Wash your hands at home before and after tennis
- STAY AT HOME if you have any symptoms of coronavirus and notify sharna@uplaysports.co.uk
Want to see what else we do?
uPlay Sports offers a range of in-school and after-school clubs, in a variety of different sports.
See what else we could offer in your school.