Disability Tennis Coaching Resource Contents Introduction – page 1 Inclusive Tennis – page 5 Adapting Activities – page 6 Adaptations – page 7 Coaching Opportunities – page 10 Inclusive Schools Support – page 11 Disability Tennis Festivals – page 12 Communication – page 17 Deaf Tennis – page 19 Learning Disability Tennis – page 31 Visually Impaired Tennis – page 52 Wheelchair Tennis – page 59 Further Information – page 74 Introduction Disability tennis is simply the general term we use to describe the various versions of tennis that are on for disabled people to have fun playing. Tennis is a completely inclusive sport with everyone being able to participate in its full format or when adapted. The most well-known versions are deaf, learning disability, wheelchair and visually impaired tennis but the sport is adaptable to a wide range of disabilities. But social play isn’t restricted to a particular type of tennis; disabled people can play against their non-disabled friends or family and take part in inclusive sessions and/or sessions depending on their preference. Tennis just offer people the chance to develop their fitness and coordination, but also to build social skills, confidence, specific
into positions on court. and visual aids. any other player. all of the players’ at all times as attention spans may be shorter and players could wander away from the court. Increase targets and decrease distances to make tasks easier. Repeat steps of task frequently and allow more time for assimilation. Need to set boundaries for behaviour. Adapt play to use zones, so everyone can join in. Body language is important in getting messages across. Use lots of positive praise and feedback. Consider evacuation procedures in an Use trigger words to aid movement. Be aware of players’ at all
their racket if appropriate. times. For B3s twice and for B4s once. to organise this. Create a tactile court area, using floor tape, string or ‘throw down lines’, and try to reduce background noise. Develop skills, including serve, return, and tactics. about court and ball colours, e.g. a dark floor and yellow ball work well, and vice versa. Ensure access to and from the is free from B1s play on a Mini Tennis Red court, B2s, B3s and B4s on a Mini Tennis Orange court. Use sound awareness exercises, e.g. ball rolling or throwing a ball against a wall and trying to catch it. Racket size for B1s is a maximum of 23 inches, for B2-B4 players it is a maximum of 25 inches. Keep players who are waiting for turn well away from the hitting area and court. Guide players through the size of the court and height of the net.
Make sure wheelchair players can get off court in an players (only difference is that wheelchair players are allowed two bounces of the ball). manual and powered. different abilities. help assess their ability. Is there enough room for everyone to move around? player to push and turn holding the racket. Balls, rackets, courts and scoring the same as but player is allowed two bounces of the ball. Don’t be afraid to ask what player can and can’t do. Take into account any medical or behavioural For example, dehydration can be more of an issue for some disabled people. Consider the surface. Grass and carpet are difficult surfaces to push a wheelchair on, especially for higher- Adapt the drills you do already with non-disabled players and give clear Use regular equipment such as lines, targets, etc. Try not to be patronising and speak down to a player.