Tennis
There are many adapted variations of the game to ensure that tennis can be enjoyed by all. See below for information on each of these variations:
Wheelchair Tennis
Wheelchair tennis was founded in 1976 and is one of the fastest growing wheelchair sports in the world. It was first contested at the Barcelona Paralympic Games in 1992. Wheelchair tennis is played at all four Grand Slam tournaments, and the ITF Wheelchair Tennis Tour now includes over 150 events. Opponents hit a tennis ball with a racket back and forth over a 0.914 metre (3ft) net in the middle of the court. The goal is to hit the ball into the opponent’s half of the court without them being able to return it. There are no modifications to the size of the court, rackets or tennis balls. The main differences are the specially designed wheelchairs and the “two-bounce rule,” whereby the ball can bounce twice before being hit.
Deaf Tennis
Deaf tennis has a long history in Britain and playing the sport requires few adaptations. The most important adaptation is making sure that communication is clear between players, coaches, and officials.
Learning Disability Tennis
When we refer to learning disability tennis at a recreational level, we are including a wide range of impairments. This includes: Down’s Syndrome, Asperger’s Syndrome, Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Sensory Tennis
Sensory tennis is a set of activities designed by Sense and the LTA in partnership to make tennis accessible for people with complex disabilities.
Visually Impaired Tennis
Visually Impaired Tennis is different to traditional tennis — it's played on a smaller court with a lower net. Some courts also have tactile lines (B1 only) so players can touch them, and players use an audible tennis ball that makes noise so they can hear it bounce and being hit.
Further information on each variation of tennis can be found on the LTA website: Here.
Get Involved
To find out how to start participating in Tennis you can refer to the LTA Website and the DSW club finder.
National Governing Body for Tennis in Wales:
Tennis Wales
insport NGB Standard: Silver Learn more about insport NGB
For more information about coaching and volunteering, please Contact Us.
Competitive Pathways
There are pathways that lead to:
Paralympic Games
Virtus GamesTo find out what your potential is and and for guidance in competitive pathways, please complete the Disability Sport Wales #inspireform.
Eligibility
Wheelchair Tennis is contested at the Paralympic Games and on the ITF Wheelchair Tennis Tour which includes all four Grand Slam tournaments.
You can find out more about the eligible impairment types and classes in each variation of Tennis by clicking here.
