Tennis

Wheelchair Tennis

If a person with a physical impairment chooses to use a sports chair they are joining one of the fastest growing wheelchair sports in the world, wheelchair tennis integrates very easily with the non-disabled game since it can be played on any regular tennis court, with no modifications to rackets or balls.

Wheelchair tennis is a really exciting game and there are lots of places where you can play it. Have a look at the LTA website to find a wheelchair session near you. Wheelchair players can play with non-disabled players. The only rule change is that if you’re in a wheelchair, you’re allowed up to two bounces of the ball before returning it.

You don’t even need to be a wheelchair user to play it. In fact, you don’t have to use a wheelchair at all. Ambulatory tennis (playing on your feet or prosthetics) is another way of playing the game that might be right for you.

Wheelchair Tennis WheelPower National Junior Games

Wheelchair Tennis is a sport that provides individuals and their family and friends with many opportunities to play and compete – all whilst having fun. The greatest thing about Wheelchair Tennis is the only adaptation is that players in a chair are allowed up to two bounces.

Wheelchair Tennis is easily adaptable; you can play with your family, friends and also non-disabled people. Our sport is also great at improving your physical, mental and social wellbeing, and individual development with great career opportunities from playing to coaching.

Haven’t got your own sports wheelchair? Not to worry, the events and venues across the country will have access to their own stock of wheelchairs that are readily available to use for new players. Whether you are a full-time wheelchair user, ambulant, new to tennis or have not picked up a racket in a while, why not give it a try!

Getting started with Wheelchair Tennis

What do you really know about Wheelchair tennis?

Visit the LTA YouTube Channel

Find a Tennis Court Near You 

There are over 50 venues across Great Britain that deliver specific Wheelchair Tennis sessions. Click on the link below to find out where you can play using a new interactive map from the LTA:

Find a Wheelchair Tennis Session

Could you be a future Wheelchair Tennis champion? The LTA is set to host a number of indoor one day-events across Great Britain this year. The events will be delivered by our passionate, friendly and experienced LTA Performance Wheelchair Tennis coaches, where you will have the opportunity to learn and develop new qualities, skills and attributes for tennis. Each of the days will run for approximately three hours following fun and engaging content for players of all standard, experience, age and ability.

“The Wheelchair Tennis Initiative aims to inspire, attract and engage people with physical impairments into Wheelchair Tennis who may want to just give it a go or have aspirations to be our next Wheelchair Tennis Champion.” (LTA)

To ensure you experience all the benefits of tennis, following the one-day event we will provide you with suitable and appropriate signposting opportunities to tennis venues local to you which will help you develop as an individual and as a player, with opportunities to meet new people and friends.

  • 4 hours of tennis (incl. breaks)
  • Learn and develop fundamental skills, such as: chair and mobility skills, rackets skills, shot selection, and competitiveness
  • Delivered by experienced and passionate performance coaches and staff

Wheelchair Tennis Initiative: 2024 Schedule

  • Saturday 11th May 2024: Newport Tennis Centre, Wales, 10am – 3pm
  • Sunday 19th May 2024: Silksworth Community Pool Tennis & Wellness Centre, Sunderland, 10am – 3pm
  • Sunday 15th September 2024: Nottingham Tennis Centre, Nottingham, 10am – 3pm
  • Saturday 28th September 2024: University of Bolton Arena, Bolton, 10am – 3pm
  • Saturday 19th October 2024: National Tennis Centre, London, 10am – 3pm

*Please note – more dates will be added in due course throughout the year

Who is it for?

  • Young people under 18 years old*
  • Have a physical disability.

Find out more about the initiative

Click on the graphic below to open the NEW Wheelchair Tennis – Interactive Document

Designed and created by the LTA Wheelchair Performance Pathways Team, the aim of this resource is to support the development of Wheelchair Tennis across Great Britain. This resource contains a series of activities presented in four core areas of Wheelchair Tennis, making it fun, exciting, engaging and inclusive. Click on the button below to download (.pdf)

LTA Performance Pathway Activity Cards 

The LTA is the National Governing Body for tennis in Great Britain, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. We’re here to govern and grow tennis in Britain, from grassroots participation through to the professional game. We play an important part in ensuring the popularity and future of our sport. Our vision is to get tennis opened up; and we’re working towards a future where tennis is truly a sport for all.

For all enquiries related to Wheelchair Tennis, please email disabilitytennis@lta.org.uk.

Alfie Hewett serving at Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games

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