The mecca for "#solotennis" [Nova Autotennis] Vol.2 ~ A place where you can face your own tennis

Official "Ohitorisama Tengoku" restaurant

I have previously talked about the appeal of Nova Auto Tennis in this column, and this time I would like to talk about the appeal of Nova Auto Tennis in detail again.

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The mecca for "#solotennis" [Nova Auto Tennis] Vol.1 ~ Find your own tennis

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This place was chosen as one of the "Restaurants in Japan that can be enjoyed by solo diners" in a special project to celebrate the release of Nogizaka46's (a group I'm a huge fan of) 33rd single, "Ohitorisama Tengoku." As an otaku, this is a very moving spot.

First of all, I would like to make it clear that tennis is something you can't play unless you play with someone.Not necessarily.Of course, playing tennis with friends on the court is fun. But hitting the ball against a wall by yourself is also fun and interesting.

Hit the ball that comes out of the machine at a set rhythm and hit it back against the wall - you can hit it while thinking about it to improve your technique, hit it to relieve stress, or hit it to clear your mind and calm your mind, using not only your body but also your brain. You can enjoy "tennis" from various angles.

When I play tennis alone at Nova Auto Tennis, I can experience the same "refreshed" feeling as I do in a sauna. I feel refreshed, my mind is cleared of evil thoughts, and my insides are reset. I also like the comfortable feeling of moderate fatigue.

Nova Auto Tennis is the perfect place to enjoy being alone.

There are "Ohitorisama Tengoku" certified store stickers posted at the entrance and inside the store, so be sure to look for them.

Photography/Kei Nagata

First of all, when you enter the store...

Using Nova Auto Tennis is very simple.

After entering the store, you check in, pay the amount according to the number of games you want to play, have your shoes and racket checked, and then head to the court.

One medal costs 470 yen / 530 yen on weekends and holidays (medal insertion system, 1 medal can be used for 8 minutes). (※1) Shoes do not have to be tennis shoes, as long as they are sneakers with clean soles.

You can also rent tennis shoes for a fee, so you might want to use those too. Personally, I recommend that beginners wear sneakers rather than rental tennis shoes. The reason is that you might get blisters. Rackets can also be rented for a fee.

Although it is possible to just show up empty-handed on a whim, we recommend making a reservation online as this is the safest option.

*1: As of November 2024

Photography/Kei Nagata

Tennis beginners are especially welcome to visit

Nova Auto Tennis is recommended not only for experienced tennis players, but also for beginners who are just starting out. The reason is that it is a place where you can enjoy tennis freely without bothering anyone, no matter how bad you are at it.

The most important thing is to enjoy it, but first try hitting the ball at the slowest speed, without having to be from behind, with a steady rhythm. If you want to improve at the same time, it's a good idea to take a video of yourself hitting the ball. I think it's a good idea to aim to find the swing and form that suits you.

The way you actually hit the ball is quite different from how you imagine it...it's almost embarrassing at first (laughs). It's best to find a form that suits you by comparing the feeling of actually swinging the racket with how you look from the side. Once you've decided on that, you'll be able to manage as long as you hit the ball in the center of the surface. (Of course, this is only for auto tennis.)

Photography/Kei Nagata

Photography/Kei Nagata

For those with tennis experience, review the basics

It is often said that auto tennis is only good for practicing your form. That is why I think it is perfect for reviewing and tuning the basics. Strokes, serves, volleys, smashes, rising shots, etc.

If you set the ball to alternate between left and right, you can hit the ball alternately with your forehand and backhand, and if you set the ball to the center, you can move around while hitting the ball, which will help you practice your footwork. It's also good to set the ball to be fixed on the right or left side and practice moving and hitting the ball from the opposite side.

Adjust the ball speed, height, left and right position, and think about how you will move - the combinations are free, and the ways of practicing are infinite. You can really practice various shots, and it is also possible to consult with the staff about how to practice.

Photography/Kei Nagata

There are 10 ball speed settings. I usually choose the slower 2 or 2.5. When I first started going, I was satisfied with hitting fast balls by increasing the ball speed. Hitting a ball with momentum makes a better hitting sound and feels better. However, after I realized how difficult it was to hit a slower ball, I started practicing with a slower ball speed.

Those with court experience may be concerned about the net and in/out, but there is a net and the court lines are painted on the walls, so if you use them as a guide you shouldn't have any problems.

I think there is no other place like auto tennis where you can hit the ball with all your might without worrying about in/out, so I hope you will hit the ball with all your might. It is surprisingly difficult to "hit the ball with all your might".

There are things you can only learn by hitting the ball with 100% of your might.

Photography/Kei Nagata

A special experience of tennis that can only be experienced here

I enjoy playing tennis with my friends, but I also like playing alone at Auto Tennis, and it's a very important time for me. I go to Nova Auto Tennis regularly to keep myself in balance.

Fortunately, all the things I like were gathered in this place, and my love (tennis) x love (Nogizaka) created an environment of "eternal love."

I like talking about tennis with the staff and other customers here, and sometimes I meet people who share the same favorite sport and we have lively discussions about our favorites; it's an experience that can only be experienced here.

This time I introduced the "Nova Auto Tennis" that I go to, but there are Auto Tennis all over the country. I would be happy if "Auto Tennis" becomes an entrance to tennis for some people and another place for tennis for others.

Photography/Kei Nagata

[Nova Auto Tennis]
〒234-0056
694 Nobacho, Konan Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture
https://nova-autotennis.jp/
＠nova.autotennis