Wheelchair Tennis HUB

To be eligible to play competitive wheelchair tennis, a player must have a medically diagnosed permanent mobility related physical disability. This permanent physical disability must result in a substantial loss of function in one or both lower extremities. In addition, a “quad” player must have substantial loss of function in one or both lower extremities. Athletes with a number of medical conditions; such as spinal cord injury, stroke,  amputation, multiple sclerosis, neuromuscular disease, and spina bifida; participate in wheelchair tennis. Some athletes may be able to stand and walk, but to improve their mobility and safety; they use a sport specific wheelchair to participate.

Wheelchair tennis players generally fall into two main medical categories:
1. Spinal Cord Injury
2. Amputee

Disabilities in both groups of players can be either congenital or acquired. A big difference between those players with a spinal cord injury and those with an amputation is core and trunk stability and control. Both groups of athletes may use a wheelchair for mobility, but the athlete with an amputation tends to have intact core and trunk control, allowing for overall improved function and mobility

Whether you have a tennis background or not, you are a fit for the wheelchair tennis. We can help you find a program/event that matches your skills and can help you develop. We also have ways to teach you the game.

You can go to the Player section of the website to find a program in your area to learn about how to get involved.

Yes, your everyday chair will not be practical to play wheelchair tennis. A sports chair is highly recommended. 

• Most programs have chairs to people who are getting started. When you talk with a local program, you should ask if they have a tennis chair you can try.
• This is important, because everyone’s disability and level of function is different. Your future chair will be designed to optimize your physical function.
• Once you fall in love with the game, you can make a plan to acquire your own chair.
• There are granting organizations, who help people fund their equipment.
• Otherwise, people purchase from manufacturers, including various sponsors of the USTA Florida listed at the bottom of this page

• USTA Florida has resources for starting a program, but we also usually know when a team existed in prior years, which may make it easier to restart a program.
• Often times, people drive to their next closest program to participate.
• Once people try the game, they are hooked and will make the commitment to play wherever they can.

Now that you are inspired and motivated to reach out to the wheelchair tennis community and players, find an idea that you and your organization/CTA can get excited about and commit to.

If you are not familiar with the wheelchair community, team up with a partner or guide to reach out to this community. Contact USTA Florida, other programs in Florida, or other organizations.

Now that you have your plan and your partner, time to formalize everything:

• Create a budget
• Define your milestones
• Determine ways to track success

The main goal is to make it happen. Remember that there is trial and error. As long as you are playing tennis and having fun, that is all that matters.

As you build your program, keep track of your successes and your learnings. Sharing all your learnings with other CTAs is important. The more we all learn about what works, the better we can all become at spreading the love of tennis.

Having a partner in the community in order to get started is an important first step. Start internally and work your way out and you’ll be well on your way to becoming an important part of the community yourself.

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