Judy Murray: My lockdown party trick? Beginners’ tennis with old socks and paper plates

Just a few weeks ago, our days were filled with things like dinner dates, exercise classes, drinks with friends, pub quizzes and going out to work – and now, every one of these activities has moved online.

It’s crazy to think just how much we now rely on technology, as apps, social media platforms and websites like Zoom, WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook and HouseParty allow us to stay connected with friends, family and colleagues.

I actually enjoyed the first few weeks of lockdown because it was an opportunity to switch off, slow down and stay home – a novelty for someone who usually lives out of a suitcase.

But then I got bored and started to feel a little directionless. Like many self-employed people, especially in the sporting world, I was faced with all my work commitments being cancelled for months, and I did wonder how I was going to fill my days.

But, when the last quarantine extension was announced, I decided to start exploring what else I could do to help people stay active at home.

I had already shared lots of clips and tips online, showing how to use everyday items such as balloons, paper plates and rolled up socks to develop the skills needed to play starter tennis, and I wanted to see how else social media could help me stay connected with the community.

So, two weeks ago, I did my first Instagram Live with Davis Cup captain Leon Smith. We didn’t publicise our chat too much as we were a little worried about messing up the technology but about 200 people joined us to ask questions and since then we’ve done another, which was even more popular.

I have several others lined up, including ones with Jamie and Andy. Family banter at its best.

I also contacted a coach who runs a tennis academy near my home and offered to set up a Zoom conference call for his players. The kids had the opportunity to ask their questions and I was able to answer them face-to-face, but virtually!

I loved it, and that opened the floodgates for requests and my online coaching has grown arms and legs. I have at least two virtual training sessions a day with various clubs, coaching associations, players, parents and youth groups, including two involved in football.

And this wonderful modern technology is also ensuring I stay busy after work hours, too.

For the last four weeks, our family has gotten together to create our own online quizzes, which has really helped us to stay in touch while self-isolating at different ends of the country.

And apparently we aren’t the only ones doing what I like to call “social gatherings from the sofa”. According to the British Quizzing Association, lockdown has led to an explosion in people taking part in online quizzes, with many using virtual challenges to boost their general knowledge and enjoy a bit of competitive fun.

We may not be able to get together in person but we can still keep in touch, which is so important.

In fact, I don’t think we should call it social distancing – it should be physical distancing because we can still find ways to interact.

We often moan about spending too much time on screens but, right now, we can all agree every minute on the iPad, computer or laptop has been a real saviour.