Getting active with adaptive tennis

Hitting the Court With Wheelchair & Adaptive Tennis

Although both adaptive and wheelchair tennis are unique in their own way, the benefits to participating in this lifelong sport apply to all ages, levels and skill sets.

Adaptive tennis is about learning skills that are specific to an individual’s needs. Some athletes need one-on-one attention and just working on hand-eye coordination in a fun and exciting atmosphere is very useful in building their skills. For others, the focus may be tracking the ball and learning the rules or keeping score.

Brian Smallwood, tennis director at Center Court Tennis, says that when it comes to adaptive and wheelchair tennis, many athletes enjoy the instant gratification of a tennis ball going over the net, instead of winning a match.

“Tennis for both adaptive and wheelchair athletes creates a platform to use their individual skills, as well as using their minds to achieve a goal,” Smallwood says. “This can be transformative and empowering for the athletes.”

Anyone is welcome to participate in adaptive tennis without prior knowledge.

Adaptive tennis provides opportunities to build skills and work on hand-eye coordination in a fun atmosphere.

The first lesson for wheelchair athletes is to learn how to use a “sport chair,” which is different than a normal wheelchair, according to Smallwood. He says that tennis clubs often have this type of chair, in addition to all other equipment, available to use for free.

“My proudest moment as an adaptive/wheelchair coach happened just recently,” he adds. “One of our adaptive athletes participated in his first tournament. He was able to keep score, play points and participate in an event with neurotypical athletes.”