Wheelchair tennis is considered an athlete’s sport for someone who has a disability or impairment and competes using standard court dimensions, rackets, balls, net heights, and scoring systems. Players are physically active using a lightweight sports wheelchair while they play tennis competitively against each other.
Players use the same core skills as standing tennis, including serving, returning, rallying, volleying and constructing points. The major adaptation made to the rule is known as the two-bounce rule. Under this rule, a player can return the ball after it has bounced twice but only if the first bounce occurs in the correct court according to the rules. While the second bounce may also land in or out of bounds, the ball must be returned before it bounces a third time.
This action-packed sport can be played in a singles format or as pairs (duos), for enjoyment or in serious competition, for example, at a Grand Slam tennis tournament or the Paralympics.
What Are the Main Rule Differences?
Most rules are the same as in standing tennis, including scoring, court dimensions and match procedures.
The main differences are:
- The ball may bounce twice before being returned.
- The wheelchair is considered part of the player’s body.
- Players must serve from a stationary position, though one push before striking the serve is allowed.
- Players are classified into divisions such as Open and Quad in official competition.
What Is Quad Wheelchair Tennis?
Quad wheelchair tennis is played by people who have a substantial impairment that affects 3 or more of their limbs. This includes difficulty using an individual’s arms and legs at the same time.
As a result of having limited grip, reaching ability, or wheelchair propulsion, players are able to use approved adaptations including taping a racket to their hand. Quad divisions are mixed-gender divisions where both male and female athletes compete against each other in various brackets.
Can You Play Wheelchair Tennis Without Being Disabled?
Yes, recreationally. Non-disabled players can use a sports wheelchair to practise movement, train with wheelchair players or play socially. Players must comply with eligibility and classification criteria for official wheelchair tennis competitions that are based on a permanent physical disability.
How Many Sets Are Played in Organized Wheelchair Tennis Tournaments?
Most organized wheelchair tennis matches are played as best of three sets. Event formats differ based on the type of event played. Some doubles formats replace an entire final deciding set with a tiebreaker. Grand Slam tournaments and those at the Paralympics have their format determined under that respective tournament’s regulations.
Who Started Wheelchair Tennis and When?
Jeff Minnebraker using one of his first rigid style chairs to play tennis. c1977. Sarah Bunting, More than Tennis: The first 25 years of wheelchair tennis (Houten, Premium Press, 2001)
Wheelchair tennis originates in the United States in 1976 and is very closely affiliated with Brad Parks, the pioneer of the game. After a skiing accident injures his spine, Parks discovers tennis while in therapy for his injury and realizes it can develop into a highly competitive sport for people in wheelchairs.
Jeff Minnenbraker is instrumental in establishing and supporting the game in California. Through his efforts, he helps create the first wheelchair tennis tournament in 1977; this event allows the growth of the sport through clinics and exhibitions and provides competitive play among wheelchair tennis players.
Is There Wheelchair Tennis at Grand Slam Tournaments?
Wheelchair tennis is played in all four Grand Slam events: the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. The Australian Open makes history by adding wheelchair events to its official program for the first time among the Grand Slam tournaments in 2002. The other Grand Slam tournaments begin to do the same in the late 2000s, and by the end of that decade wheelchair tennis becomes a part of the sport’s elite tournament schedule.
Is Wheelchair Tennis in the Paralympics?
Yes. Wheelchair tennis is a Summer Paralympic sport. The first time it appears as an event is when it is demonstrated at Seoul 1988 Paralympic Games, and Barcelona 1992 follows with full medals. Quad events are added later, which provides additional opportunity to athletes with more complex impairments.
Where Can I Play Wheelchair Tennis in Seattle?
There are a number of wheelchair tennis programs in the Seattle area, including:
- Tennis Center Sand Point / Access Tennis Seattle (7135 Sportsfield Drive NE, Seattle, WA 98115)
- Galbraith Tennis Center — Tacoma (1680 S. Mildred St., Tacoma, WA 98465)
Play casually outdoors at any Seattle Parks outdoor tennis court (which can be reserved in advance) or indoors at locations like Forest Crest Athletic Club.
If visiting and looking for transportation, there are a number of rideshare/taxi companies with accessible vehicles and excellent public transportation, for short visits, plus wheelchair van rental services in Seattle to choose from if planning an extended stay.
Court Rentals Available at Basha Tennis/Forest Crest
Wheelchair tennis is a very competitive sport played by individuals with disabilities that includes more than a few minor rule changes to allow more people to play tennis.
Basha Tennis, located in Mountlake Terrace, provides the environment for players to become better players and stay involved with tennis while being in a fun atmosphere. Our facilities are available for rental if you’re looking to book a court!
Visit Basha Tennis’s website to check out the coaching, beyond just regular instruction, along with all the educational resources available through the Tennis Glossary.