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Join one of the fastest growing wheelchair sports in the world
Getting started in wheelchair tennis is as easy as 1, 2, 3:
1. Grab Some Equipment & Start Playing
All you need is a racquet and some balls – most sporting goods or department stores carry inexpensive options for both, and a wall to hit against. And when you're ready to take your game to the next level, we have everything you need.
Your go-to wheelchair tennis checklist
2. Find a Partner or Join a Program
Call a friend or reach out to your local Provincial Wheelchair Sports Association to learn about beginner programs in your area.
Find your provincial association
3. Reach Out for Assistance
Need advice on accessible programs and locations? Contact us directly for guidance and resources at wheelchairtennisinfo @tenniscanada.com
Wheelchair Tennis 101
Learn the Wheelchair Tennis Basics
Wheelchair tennis follows the same rules as able-bodied tennis. The only difference is that wheelchair tennis players are allowed two bounces of the ball; provided the first bounce occurs within the confines of the court.
Start with progressive tennis
Progressive tennis breaks the game into stages that use different-sized courts, racquets, and balls (red, orange, and green) to match a player’s development level. This approach helps you improve at your own pace, making it easier to gain confidence, develop technique, and enjoy the game.
Who Can Play
The beauty of wheelchair tennis is that you can play with your able-bodied family and friends as well as other wheelchair players.
Anybody with a permanent mobility related physical disability can enter a sanctioned tournament. Check out the International Tennis Federation’s (ITF) full eligibility criteria as well as the latest wheelchair tennis rules and regulations.
Wheelchair Guidelines
When starting out, a specialized sports wheelchair isn’t required. You can play in your everyday wheelchair. To improve stability:
- Use straps around your waist, knees, or ankles as needed.
- Some players tape or strap the racquet to their hand for better grip.
Associations and Dedicated Coaches
Contact Your Provincial Association
Find the wheelchair sports association nearest you for local programs, support, and events.
Québec | Parasports Québec | parasportsquebec.com |
info@parasportsquebec.com | 514-252-3108 |
|---|---|
Manitoba | Manitoba Wheelchair Sports Association | mwsa.ca |
office@mwsa.ca | 204-925-5790 |
Ontario | Ontario Para Network | owsa.ca |
btg@ontwheelchairsports.org | 416-426-7189 |
British Columbia | BC Wheelchair Sports Association | bcwheelchairsports.com |
info@bcwheelchairsports.com | 604-333-3520 ext. 201 |
Alberta | Wheelchair Sports Alberta | abwheelchairsport.ca |
wsa2@telus.net | 780-427-8699 |
Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan Wheelchair Sports Association | swsa.ca |
swsa@shaw.ca | 306-975-0824 |
New Brunswick | Tennis New Brunswick | newbrunswick.tenniscanada.com |
tnb@tennisnb.net | 506-444-0885 |
Nova Scotia | Tennis Nova Scotia | novascotia.tenniscanada.com |
mnel@sportnovascotia.ca | 902-423-3682 |
Nova Scotia | Parasport Nova Scotia | parasportns.com |
parasport@sportnovascotia.ca | 902-425-5450 ext. 375 |
Prince Edward Island | Parasport and Recreation PEI | parasportpei.ca |
cathleen@parasportpei.ca |
Get to know our coaches
A coach will help you improve and will be able to advise you on how to get the most out of your game so that you play with family, compete in a local event or even at the highest level on the Uniqlo Wheelchair Tennis Tour. Contact us to connect with an experienced wheelchair tennis coach.
If you are with a coach who has not worked with wheelchair players before, do not worry, you will have a lot of fun learning together. Tennis Canada and the International Tennis Federation (ITF) produce a lot of material to support coaches working in wheelchair tennis.
Pathway to Pro
Reach your competitive potential
Ready to compete at the highest level? Our Wheelchair Tennis Whole Player Development Pathway (WTWPDP) provides recommendations to guide player development at each stage and foster a lifelong passion for wheelchair tennis.
Find a Court
Accessible courts are available through Tennis Canada or your Provincial Wheelchair Sports Association. Don’t have a dedicated court nearby? You can play on a basketball or volleyball court with portable tennis nets.
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