WHEELCHAIR TENNIS

Bryan Barten (Tucson, Ariz.)

Wheelchair tennis is one of the fastest growing and most challenging of all wheelchair sports. To meet this demand, the USTA offers programs geared towards the wheelchair player.

Rules are the same as stand-up tennis, except the wheelchair player is allowed two bounces of the ball. Wheelchair tennis provides persons with disabilities the opportunity to share in activities with their peers and family, whether able-bodied or disabled. Playing wheelchair tennis adds to socialization and the normalization of life after sustaining a disabling injury. Proficient wheelchair users can play and actively compete against stand-up players.

A wheelchair tennis player must have a medically diagnosed, mobility-related disability, with a substantial or total loss of function in one or more extremities. In wheelchair tennis, the player must master the game and the wheelchair. Learning mobility on the court is exciting and challenging, and helps build strength and cardiovascular ability.

Contact the USTA Southwest to become involved.

USEFUL LINKS
USTA National Wheelchair Site
Wheelchair Tennis Resource Reference Guide

How to Start A Wheelchair Tennis Program
Wheelchair Integration Ideas

USTA Wheelchair Tennis Survey
Tournament Links for USTA Wheelchair Tournaments