Tennis

Tennis & Padel
Through the LTA's Open Court Programme, there are opportunities across Great Britain to play either Wheelchair Tennis/Padel and Para-Standing Tennis/Padel. These formats are designed to ensure that amputees, including upper and lower limb impairments and limb difference, can enjoy the physical, social and mental benefits of tennis.

Both versions (tennis/padel) can be played recreationally with friends, as part of a local group, or competitively at regional, national and even international level. Whatever your ambitions, there is a place for you in the game.

Which version of tennis or padel is right for me?

Wheelchair
Wheelchair tennis is one of the fastest-growing and most exciting disability sports in the world. The game follows almost the same rules as traditional tennis/padel, with the addition of one key adaptation: players are allowed up to two bounces of the ball.

You do not need to be a wheelchair user in everyday life to play wheelchair tennis. Many players with limb loss choose to play in a sports wheelchair because it provides greater mobility, confidence and freedom of movement on court.

Wheelchair tennis/padel offers:
A fast-paced and highly accessible format of the game.
Opportunities to play socially, recreationally and competitively.
A strong network of clubs, coaches and competitions across Great Britain.
Pathways from beginner sessions through to elite international competition in tennis and padel has a developing structure too.

Para-Standing
Para-Standing allows players with physical impairments to compete while standing and follows the same basic rules and scoring system as mainstream tennis. Players compete within classification groups based on their impairment, creating fair and inclusive competition. Depending on classification, players may be permitted one or two bounces.

Benefits include:
Playing on a standard tennis/padel court with minimal adaptations.
Opportunities for coaching, social play and competition.|
A growing national community of players with limb loss and other physical impairments.
National and international competition opportunities through Para-Standing tennis globally and on the Inclusive Padel Tour.

What equipment do I need?
Getting started is easy, and most venues can provide equipment to help you try the sport before making any investment.
You'll typically need(but clubs may provide for your first session):
|A tennis racket/Padel bat.
Ball.
Comfortable sports clothing and footwear.

For Wheelchair, many venues can provide a sports wheelchair to borrow during sessions. Whilst any suitable sports chair can be used initially, specialist tennis wheelchairs are designed to maximise movement, speed and manoeuvrability on court.

If you decide you would like your own tennis wheelchair, organisations such as the Dan Maskell Tennis Trust and Whizz Kidz may be able to provide financial assistance.

How much does it cost?
Tennis is often more affordable than people expect.
Group sessions typically cost around £5-£10 per session, depending on the venue. Padel can be more expensive. Individual coaching is also available through local clubs and accredited coaches. Most introductory sessions include equipment or offer it free of charge.
Many disability-specific programmes provide subsidised opportunities for new players.

Why choose tennis/padel?
Amputees and individuals with limb impairments tell us that tennis helps them:
Improve fitness, strength, balance and coordination.
Build confidence and independence.
Meet other people with similar lived experiences.
Enjoy an activity that can be played for life.
Challenge themselves physically and mentally.
Become part of a supportive and welcoming community.
Most importantly, tennis is fun, social and adaptable, making it one of the few sports where people can start at any age and progress at a pace that suits them.

How do I get involved?
If you're interested in trying tennis, the LTA can help connect you with opportunities near you.

Find your nearest Wheelchair Tennis programme:
LTA Wheelchair Tennis

Find out more about Para-Standing Tennis:
LTA Para-Standing Tennis

Explore the Disability Tennis Pathway:
LTA Disability Tennis Performance Pathway Resource Guide

Contact the LTA for more information on adaptive padel:
LTA Contact Us

Want to give it a go?
Whether you want to play standing, in a sports wheelchair, socially with friends, or with ambitions to compete, tennis offers a welcoming environment where people with limb loss can thrive, stay active and be part of a growing community. There's a place for you on court.