Wimmera tennis talent Ella Thompson launches into a forehand during a practice session with coach Jeremy Quast at Horsham’s Central Park Tennis Club courts.

Outdoor social tennis, under strict rules, is one of the few sports that people can use for exercise under stage-three COVID-19 restrictions.

High-quality tennis courts are scattered across the region with most open for a social hit of singles.

While community sport training and competition is banned, a maximum of two people, if not from the same household, can play on a court and tennis coaching is allowed with a maximum of two participants and a coach.

Mr Quast, also Central Wimmera Tennis Association president, confirmed that amid uncertainty surrounding community summer sport, his organisation was still planning for a season start in October.

“We don’t know what’s going to happen after six weeks of restrictions so we need to plan for it going ahead.

"Tennis is very adaptable and if restrictions are lifted, we will be able to get some community sport happening,” he said.

Further details on stage-three sporting restrictions are available on website www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/sport-and-exercise-regional-victoria-covid-19. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER