Wheelchair Sports in the Spotlight – Wheelchair Tennis
Published: November 18, 2013
There are a number of different sports that have been adapted to fit the needs of individuals in wheelchairs. These sports not only provide a form of exercise and recreation for persons with lower body disabilities, but a sense of freedom and independence as well. Partaking in a sport (or any form of competition) can provide a person with a deep sense of satisfaction. Sports such as wheelchair tennis can allow a person with a disability to take charge and pursue hobbies that they might not realize are open to them.
For individuals who are getting into the sport, it is important to realize that wheelchair tennis – like all wheelchair sports – is not therapy but rather true competition, and it provides all of the same rewards and challenges. If you are confined to a wheelchair, sports can kindle a passion for competition, provide you with an outlet for your energy, and provide a means of forming new friendships. Get involved today!
The History of Wheelchair Tennis
The birth of the sport can mainly be attributed to Brad Parks, who created competitive wheelchair tennis in 1976. Its first inclusion in the Paralympic Games was in 1988 in Seoul, South Korea. There, it was initially included only as a demonstration event. However, four years later in Barcelona, the sport became a fully eligible competitive event. With its inclusion into the Paralympic Games, it has enjoyed a huge boost in popularity and public awareness. It is now managed by the International Tennis Federation, or ITF. In the United States, the governing body is the U.S. Tennis Association.
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The Rules of Wheelchair Tennis
There are a number of ways to determine if your destination of choice is wheelchair-accessible. You can:
Wheelchair tennis is very similar to standard tennis in rules and strategy. However, certain adjustments have been made to make the sport more feasible for individuals with lower body disabilities. Players use specially designed wheelchairs that have been developed specifically for maneuverability and speed. Featuring wheels with a large degree of camber (or angle in relation to the ground), they are incredibly stable. Advanced materials such as carbon fiber are often used to make the wheelchairs as light and nimble as possible. In this regard, wheelchair racing is very similar to bicycling, in its hunt for ever more capable materials and design.
Regarding the rules of wheelchair tennis, only slight changes have been made from standard tennis. The ball can bounce twice rather than once, and the second bounce can occur outside of the field of play. This makes it more feasible for individuals who are impaired to get to the ball in time, allowing them to complete volleys back and forth. Other than that, the spirit of the game is the same!
Major Tournaments
The four major wheelchair tennis tournaments, all of which are organized by the ITF, form what is known as the Super Series. The four tournaments are:
There is also the World Team Cup, the NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters singles event, and Camozzi Doubles Masters tournament. Additionally, wheelchair tennis is an official competition event in the Summer Paralympics.
To find non-professional, amateur wheelchair tennis events in your community, contact your local recreation centers and hospitals for more information. These groups may be able to point you in the right direction.
