Paton family, of Morven, play tennis in farm machinery shed

Hamish, Abby and their daughter Indi Paton take their raquets and balls for a hit in the farm machinery shed, as you do!

Mr Paton has fashioned up a hitting wall made from marine ply at the back of the expansive shed so the family can have a hit among the tools and tractors whatever the weather.

It's also a big help for 14-year-old Indi, who is trained by Jade Culph and Phil Shanahan at Margaret Court Tennis Academy.

Ongoing wet weather and the constraints of COVID-19 have played havoc with junior sport across the Border region.

But when you're determined to follow your passion - and when you throw in a bit of practical Aussie know-how from Dad - nothing can stop this talented young player chasing her dreams.

The hitting wall tickled the fancy of the academy's new senior coach at Thurgoona, Jon Altringer, who originally hails from the US and spotted the invention during a visit to the Paton property.

He posted a video of Indi practising her shots against the wall in the shed - dressed in typical farming attire of jeans and her Ariat riding boots - to his US of Tennis Facebook page.

The post, titled 'Issue: You want to play tennis in Australia, but it is raining?' attracted plenty of amusement and attention overseas.

Mr Altringer even gently suggested Aussie councils adopt the idea for indoor and outdoor facilities.

Mrs Paton said the family also enjoyed a hit in the shed of an evening during summer - often it's with a beer in one hand for the adults and a swim afterwards.