Wheelchair Tennis

Wheelchair tennis is played on a regular tennis court. Players use special sports wheelchairs to move quickly and hit the ball. The biggest difference is that the ball can bounce twice before a player has to hit it back.

How It Is Played

The rules are almost the same as regular tennis. Players serve, volley, and score the same way. The court is the same size too. The one big difference is that the ball is allowed to bounce two times instead of just one.

Players need great hand skills. They have to steer their wheelchair and swing the racket at the same time. Many players hold the racket and push the wheel with the same hand.

Growing the Sport

Wheelchair tennis began in 1976 when Brad Parks tried playing tennis in a wheelchair. He loved it and helped start the sport. It quickly became popular around the world.

Today, wheelchair tennis is played at all four Grand Slam tournaments. It has been a Paralympic sport since 1992. Top players like Shingo Kunieda and Diede de Groot are famous athletes.

Fun Facts

• Wheelchair tennis is played at Wimbledon, the US Open, and other big tournaments.
• Players can reach speeds of over 15 miles per hour in their wheelchairs.
• The sport is played in over 100 countries worldwide.

Did You Know?

Wheelchair tennis players often practice for hours every day, working on both their tennis skills and their wheelchair speed!