Tennis

There is a strong infrastructure within tennis built through their Open Court programme where venues offer Wheelchair tennis opportunities as well as Para-Standing tennis opportunities. Both of these opportunities are available to anyone with a physical impairment. If you wish to or need to play tennis in a wheelchair then we can guide you into the right opportunity local to you if you wish to play standing with other people with a similar impairment to you then we will be able to create those connections also.

What are my options to play?

Wheelchair tennis follows the same rules as non-disabled tennis except for the fact you are allowed two bounces of the ball. The sport is available to anyone with a physical disability and you don’t have to be a wheelchair user in everyday life to play wheelchair tennis, the wheelchair is just a piece of equipment to help you enjoy the sport!

Para-Standing tennis also follows the same rules as non-disabled tennis, however there are four classifications that you play within depending on your impairment. Some of these classifications allow one bounce others allow for two.

What equipment do I need?

To play the sport you will need a racket and balls, (most venues will be able to provide these for you at a small cost). To begin with you can play in any type of sports chair, however you will find it easier in a tennis wheelchair which is designed specifically to move around the court quickly and easily. Many venues will have sports wheelchairs you can borrow and if you wish to purchase your own a number of organisations such as The Dan Maskell Tennis Trust and Whizz Kidz can provide financial support with this.

What will it cost me?

The cost of a group tennis session varies depending on where and when you want to play but on average you can expect to pay around £7 an hour. Individual lessons can also be arranged through local clubs and coaches however these can be more expensive due to the cost of the court + coach. Most equipment will be available to borrow for free or purchase for a small fee from venues especially at the beginning of you trying the sport.

How do I get involved?
To find out more about Wheelchair tennis and where to find your nearest venue visit:

https://www.lta.org.uk/play/inclusion-disability/wheelchair-tennis/

To find out more about Para-Standing tennis please visit:

Join Para Standing Tennis Community Today | LTA

Disability Tennis Performance Pathway resource guide can be found here:
https://www.lta.org.uk/4a000b/siteassets/play/disability-tennis/file/lta-disability-pathway-resource-guide.pdf

To contact the Lawn Tennis Association please visit:
https://www.lta.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/