To promote and develop tennis in Virginia.

Wheelchair Tennis

Wheelchair tennis is one of the fastest growing and most challenging of all wheelchair sports. To meet this demand, the USTA offers programs geared towards the wheelchair player.

Rules are the same as stand-up tennis, except the wheelchair player is allowed two bounces of the ball. Wheelchair tennis provides persons with disabilities the opportunity to share in activities with their peers and family, whether able-bodied or disabled. Playing wheelchair tennis adds to socialization and the normalization of life after sustaining a disabling injury. Proficient wheelchair users can play and actively compete against stand-up players.

A wheelchair tennis player must have a medically diagnosed, mobility-related disability, with a substantial or total loss of function in one or more extremities. In wheelchair tennis, the player must master the game and the wheelchair. Learning mobility on the court is exciting and challenging, and helps build strength and cardiovascular ability.

Currently, USTA/VA supports several programs for wheelchair players in Virginia, as well as a Truong Wheelchair Tennis Grand Prix, sponsored by Truong Rehabilitation.

And don't forget the PTR $15,000 Wheelchair Championships, September 15-18, 2011 in Hilton Head, SC.

USTA/VA Organizations Incorporating a Wheelchair Tennis Component:

CLOAKING

Mid-Atlantic Wheelchair Athletic Association

Richmond Tennis Association

Sportable Richmond Adaptive Sports

Resources for players/coaches and those interested in starting a Wheelchair Tennis program:

USTA/Virginia Tennis Wheelchair Tournaments

USTA National Wheelchair Site

How to Stage a Wheelchair Tennis Event

How to Start a Grassroots Wheelchair Tennis Program

Wheelchair Tennis Resource Reference Guide