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Walking Tennis

Walking Tennis

Walking Tennis brings the sport back within reach for players who love tennis but can no longer manage the running and quick direction changes of the full-paced game. The scoring, the rallies, the tactics all stay the same — the pace is simply brought down to walking speed.

What is Walking Tennis?

Walking Tennis keeps almost all of standard tennis intact — the same scoring system of games and sets, the same basic rules — with one key adaptation: no running, with players keeping one foot in contact with the ground at all times, in the same way race walking is judged. To help keep rallies going at a manageable pace, the ball is often allowed to bounce twice before it must be returned, and some sessions use a smaller court.

Sessions welcome complete beginners as readily as lifelong players looking for a way to keep playing.

The history of tennis

Modern lawn tennis was invented in 1873 by Major Walter Clopton Wingfield, a retired British Army officer who patented the game after developing it at his Welsh estate. He named it “Sphairistikè” (Greek for “playing ball”), though “lawn tennis” quickly became the more popular name. The first Wimbledon Championship followed in 1877, cementing the sport’s place in British sporting history.

Walking Tennis is a recent adaptation, developed independently by tennis clubs across the UK to keep the sport accessible to players managing reduced mobility. As with most walking sports, there’s no single documented founder — it grew from many local initiatives around the same time.

Who is Walking Tennis for?

Walking Tennis has found a strong following among older adults, but like every walking sport, it welcomes players of any age and fitness level. It’s a genuine fit for:

  • Former players who want to keep playing without the running and sudden direction changes of full-paced tennis
  • Complete beginners curious about tennis without the intensity of a fast-paced match
  • Anyone managing a long-term health condition, recovering from surgery, or returning to activity after injury
  • Players looking for a sociable, low-pressure way to stay active

Why try Walking Tennis?

Walking Tennis keeps everything that makes tennis satisfying — the rally, the tactical placement of a shot, the psychological duel across the net — without the running and sudden direction changes that eventually push many players away from the full-paced game. It’s also a naturally social sport: doubles is the more popular format, and the format lends itself to a relaxed, chatty pace between points. For former players, it’s a genuine route back onto the court; for complete beginners, the double-bounce rule gives far more time to react than the full-speed game ever would, making it a genuinely approachable racket sport to pick up.

The benefits, briefly

Walking Tennis builds fitness through sustained low-impact movement, keeps hand-eye coordination and tactical thinking sharp, and offers real social connection through regular sessions and doubles play. Read the full breakdown of Walking Tennis’s benefits

The rules, in brief

The core adaptation is simple: no running, with one foot always in contact with the ground. Beyond that, the ball is often allowed to bounce twice, and most other rules — scoring, court boundaries, serving — follow standard tennis. Read the full rules guide

Getting started

New to Walking Tennis? Find out what to expect, what to bring, and how a first session usually runs. Read the getting started guide

Find a session

Ready to find your local session? Search our directory of Walking Tennis clubs across the UK — updated regularly, free to browse, no signup required. Find Walking Tennis Near You

Browse Walking Tennis by Session Type

Looking for something specific? Browse our Walking Tennis directory by session type:

FAQ

Do I need to have played tennis before?

No. Walking Tennis sessions are specifically designed to welcome complete beginners alongside lifelong players. Coaches typically spend the first part of any new player’s session talking through basic strokes, the walking rule, and the double-bounce adaptation before any real rallying starts, so you won’t be expected to arrive with existing skills.

What age do I need to be?

Most sessions are open to any adult, regardless of age. Walking Tennis has found a strong following among players in their 50s, 60s, and beyond, but clubs generally welcome younger adults too, especially those managing an injury or returning to the sport after time away from full-paced tennis.

Is Walking Tennis safe if I have joint or mobility concerns?

The no-running format significantly reduces the physical strain and injury risk associated with full-paced tennis, particularly the sudden sprints and direction changes that put the traditional game out of reach for many players. Many people specifically take up Walking Tennis to manage existing joint issues or as part of a gradual return to activity, though as with any new activity, it’s worth checking with a doctor first if you have specific health concerns.

Do I need my own racket?

Not necessarily — many clubs can lend a racket for your first session so you can try it out before committing to buying your own. Check with your specific club when you get in touch, as arrangements vary.

How do I find a club near me?

Search our directory of Walking Tennis sessions at walkingsports.com/walking-tennis/ to find clubs and sessions in your area, filterable by location, alongside all our other walking sports listings.

More Walking Tennis Guides

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Last updated: August 2026 — This guide draws on guidance from national governing bodies where available, established club practices from across our directory, and real feedback from the walking sports community. Walking Sports Hub has been connecting players for over 5 years, with 3,500+ sessions and clubs listed across 8 walking sports. Clubs and players are welcome to submit updates or corrections. Learn more about Walking Sports Hub

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