There are ways to play tennis, whether you are in a wheelchair or have physical restrictions. There is a type of tennis called "adaptive standing tennis" for people who can stand and sit. In this type of tennis, you can play on the same court as an able-bodied person.
It's not for the faint of heart to play tennis in a motorized wheelchair, but it's a lot more fun than it seems. The nicest aspect is that you can see and hear your adversaries. And you get a lot of competitive cheers, oohs, and ahhs in return. Some of the players are so competitive that while you're not looking, they'll yell your name, "Oh yes!" This means that the environment will get more competitive, which is a positive thing.
Not only can you see your opponents, but you can also have face-to-face chats, which are impossible when you're pressed against a wall. and you can't help but become excited about the big game. The same is true for your family and friends. Who knows, after all? You might even win the following round. Furthermore, a few rounds of ping pong can become tedious. A well-thought-out game plan will enhance the experience.
Wheelchair tennis, which began as a demonstration event in Seoul, South Korea, was formally introduced to the Paralympics in 1992. It has since been designated as a medal sport. It's also one of the most popular sports for athletes with physical limitations.
The rules are the same as in able-bodied tennis. The main goal is to keep the other player from returning the ball. The goal of wheelchair tennis is to bounce the ball twice before hitting it. The first bounce might occur either within or outside of the court's perimeter.
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) governs the regulations. In 2016, the ITF Wheelchair Tennis Classification Manual was changed. All players must meet the functional ability standards in order to participate.
Furthermore, players must have a medical diagnosis of a mobility-related physical limitation. Spinal cord damage, partial to complete joint ankylosis, and multiple sclerosis are examples of these disorders. They may also be affected by an amputation or impairment that affects three or more limbs.
Adaptive standing tennis is a type of tennis played by athletes who are physically disadvantaged. Previously, these athletes would have had to play in a wheelchair. They have, however, begun to play the game standing up.
Adaptive standing tennis is a relatively new sport in the United States. The inaugural USA TAP Open was held in Houston in December 2016. The tournament featured 28 players from 11 different countries. The competition was part of the TAP World Tour.
Jeff Bourns discovered the TAP World Tour after playing wheelchair tennis for a few years. He was the first American to participate in a TAP tournament. His experience motivated other athletes and aided in the establishment of a program in the United States.
Jeff has been appointed to the USTA Texas adaptive and wheelchair committee. In addition, he established an amputee tennis program. He used to play ambulatory tennis as a kid. He began looking for a program for amputees who practiced standing sports. He discovered the program in Houston and enrolled. He is currently undergoing physical therapy. He does, however, expect to return to tennis soon.
