It is All Abilities Week- So, What is Adaptive Tennis?

Adaptive Tennis (sometimes called “All Abilities Tennis”) refers to tennis programs and formats that have been modified so people of all abilities — physical, intellectual, sensory, or otherwise — can enjoy, participate in and progress in tennis. According to Tennis NSW:

“Tennis can be adapted so that everyone can participate in the sport. People of any age, environment, condition or ability are invited to enjoy the game.” Tennis Australia

In other words – rather than expecting every participant to conform to the “standard” tennis format, adaptive tennis looks at how the game can be tweaked (coaching style, equipment, rules, environment) so people with disability can play, develop skills, socialise and compete (if they want to).

How does it work?

Here are the key components of how adaptive tennis programs are designed:

1. Adapted formats & rules

Different streams have different specific adaptations. For example:

• For players with vision impairment/blindness: use of a sound ball (a ball that makes a noise when bouncing) + allowing extra bounces. For instance, the City Community Tennis site explains:
  “Blind & Low Vision Tennis (BLV) … played on either a badminton court or a standard tennis court using a junior tennis racket and an adapted sponge ball that makes a noise when it bounces.” - City Community Tennis

• For wheelchair tennis: the same court size, same net height, but players use specially designed sports wheelchairs and may be allowed two bounces of the ball in certain competitions.

2. Coaching, equipment & environments

Adaptive tennis programs often provide:

• Specialist coaching: coaches trained to adapt drills, communication and support for people with disability.

• Modified equipment: For example, sound balls, contrast-coloured balls, sports chairs & mini nets

• A welcoming environment & accessible facilities: including ramps, trained staff, and inclusive culture.

3. Pathways & social connection

• Come & Try Open days at local clubs & venues

• Social sessions: fun, non-competitive programs where people meet others, play, and build community

• Integration of Adaptive tennis into School Sports programs

• Competitive pathways: Some players may wish to move into higher levels, tournaments or ranking systems. More info about pathways can be found here. 

Why Adaptive Tennis is Important

• Inclusion & access: In Australia, about 1 in 5 people live with a disability. Adaptive tennis helps ensure those people are not excluded from the physical, social and psychological benefits of sport.

• Health & wellbeing: Regular physical activity is beneficial for everyone. Adaptive tennis gives people with disability a structured, fun way to exercise, build fitness and connect socially.

• Community & belonging: Many adaptive tennis programs emphasise social connection: meeting peers, making friends, feeling part of a club. As one participant described: “My perfect Saturday morning is having a hit, a laugh, a great conversation, followed by brunch or lunch with my tennis friends.” Cerebral Palsy Alliance

• Challenging perceptions: When mainstream clubs adopt adaptive tennis, it changes the culture of “what tennis is” — more inclusive, diverse and dynamic.

• Pathways: For those who wish, adaptive tennis can lead to competitive sport, representation, achievement and identity as an athlete too.

How to Get Involved at Your Club (And How Your Club Can Support It)

Here are some practical steps and tips you can share with your club/community:

• For players/families:

• Reach out to your local club and ask: “Do you offer adaptive tennis or all-abilities tennis?”

• Ask about the specific stream (wheelchair, blind/low vision, para-standing, intellectual disability, deaf/hard of hearing) and what adaptations are provided.

• Bring your support person if needed, let the coach/facility know any adjustments required (mobility aid, vision aid, etc).

• Participate in a “come & try” session to explore and feel comfortable before committing.

• For clubs/coaches:

• Review your physical venue: Are courts accessible (ramps, accessible toilets, venue signage)? Are coaches trained in inclusive practice?

• Use resources from governing bodies: Check out Tennis NSW’s “Adaptive Tennis (All Abilities)” page provides information and contacts

• Adapt the programming: Provide sessions for all levels, mix social and competitive, integrate with mainstream programs where possible for inclusive play.

• Educate your members: Promote the value of inclusive tennis, avoid “othering” language, make sure everyone feels welcome.

Adaptive tennis is much more than “regular tennis with a disability tag.” It’s a re-imagining of tennis so that it’s genuinely for everyone — regardless of age, ability, mobility, sensory or cognitive profile. It opens doors to physical activity, social connection, skill development and sport pathways that might otherwise be closed.

By thinking about how you can be more inclusive, you’re helping to build a welcoming, accessible and vibrant tennis community — one where every body feels valued and able to play.

Keen to join us on court? Contact us for more info on our programs at the Milton Ulladulla Tennis Centres 🎾