LTA Advice on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Based on the advice provided by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) on the 19th March 2020 Advantage Over is continuing with an altered schedule which focuses on ensuring the social isolation guidance and increased hygiene advice is complied with.

LTA ADVICE (19/03/2020)

The information has been produced based on the latest information available to us and in consultation with both Tennis Scotland and Tennis Wales, and follows our continued dialogue with Government.

Running recreational coaching programmes and tennis activity

We all know tennis is a unique sport which has many benefits – the main one being health and wellbeing. While the LTA has suspended its organised activity, the Government has currently indicated that physical exercise (including grass roots coaching) that takes place at a safe distance from others and in safe exercise environments is something that can continue at this time.

The Department of Culture, Media and Sport has specifically advised us that tennis is in fact one of the best examples of social distancing in practice, and so should be encouraged as long as the guidance permits.

Venues and coaching businesses across the country are all different and operate in different local contexts. They are also independent organisations and businesses. Making an assessment as to whether a safe exercise environment can be provided also depends on a range of factors, which will apply differently at each venue. If a venue decides to continue coaching or tennis activity, we want to provide some practical suggestions to help you to operate in line with the Government’s advice:

Adapting sessions to accommodate the advice on social distancing:

Adopt low player-to-court ratios (such as singles or doubles) or individual coaching as per the Government’s advised social distancing measures (defined by Public Health England as spending no more than 15 minutes and not within a 2-metre distance talking to someone)
Avoid close proximity when giving feedback, or when players are resting
Ensure no physical contact between players during warm-ups or games
No other unnecessary extra-curricular or social activity should take place

Adopting best practice in relation to hygiene, especially before and after training sessions, including but not limited to:

Players should wash hands before and after a tennis session without exception (or use an alcohol gel if washing hands is not possible)
Clean and wipe down equipment, including rackets, courtside benches, cones. Do not allow racket sharing or use of communal rackets.
For tennis balls, consider using new balls where possible, and consider using a small number of balls for a lesson so fresh balls can be used for each session. To achieve this in a financially feasible way, coaches can consider using a small number of balls (1-2 cans) for a lesson so fresh balls can be used for each session. Adaptations to drills will be needed, such as the use of live ball drills over basket drills. Furthermore, it is recommended that only coaches touch the balls and players avoid touching the balls.
Avoid touching your face
Outdoor courts and open spaces are preferable to small indoor spaces