Adaptive & Para Tennis
Learn the sport of tennis. This sport is truly inclusive and will allow you to play against your friends and family with and without disabilities. You can play mixed doubles with a seated and standing player.
Who can participate in adaptive and para tennis?
Anyone, youth and adult, who has a mobility or cognitive challenge that makes participation in traditional programming difficult. This program is co-ed.
- Spina bifida
- Spinal cord injury
- Cerebral palsy
- Congenital limb issues
- Amputations
- Leg length discrepancy
- Short stature
- Muscular dystrophy
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Motor dyspraxia
- Limited range of motion
- Balance issues
- Post stroke
- Blind and visual impairment
- Down syndrome
- Autism spectrum
- Learning disabilities
- Cognitive impairments
- Low muscle tone
- Other congenital syndromes
Individuals may ambulate independently, or use assistive devices, or wheelchairs.
How do I play wheelchair tennis?
The rules for wheelchair tennis are easy to remember. The only difference between wheelchair tennis and stand-up tennis is that a wheelchair may allow the ball to bounce two times if desired.
Did you know?
Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota students are able to represent their school on the tennis team. With the skills you learn you may also enjoy community recreational tournaments against other wheelchair users or standing players.
Participants can compete in local, regional, and National Wheelchair Tennis Competitions thru USA Tennis. STAR Center will be hosting two tournaments in the summer of 2022.
Do I have to be a full time wheelchair user to play?
No. You do not need to be a full time user of a wheelchair. You can play wheelchair tennis if you have mobility issues that prevent you from playing stand up tennis.
I use a power chair. Can I play wheelchair tennis?
Yes. You can play from your power chair!
I have difficulty with my grip strength, can I play?
Yes. We can use a lighter weight racket and give modifications to secure your grip.
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