Adaptive Equipment for Tennis
Adaptive Equipment for Tennis
Adaptive equipment exists to promote participation of individuals in tennis. The options for adaptive equipment for tennis include various types of sport wheelchairs, tennis balls, and other accessories. Scroll below to learn more…
WHEELCHAIRS
TENNIS BALLS
ACCESSORIES
WHEELCHAIRS
There are various types of wheelchairs that can be used to play tennis. Wheelchairs specifically designed for tennis are available, and a standard sport wheelchair can also be used to play the sport of tennis. While there are many variations and customizations available for sport wheelchairs, see just a few examples below to learn more.
Sport Wheelchair
Sport wheelchairs are available that are designed to be used for a range of sports rather than just one. In addition to tennis, this wheelchair can be used to play basketball, softball, floor hockey, table tennis, and more. Sport wheelchairs typically consist of a lightweight material and have cambered (angled) wheels for increased maneuverability. Sport wheelchairs are highly customizable to suit varying abilities and sizes, with available customizations for center of gravity, seat depth, seat height, footrest height, and more.
Information and photo pulled from Top End. Sport Wheelchair.
Tennis Wheelchair
Tennis wheelchairs are typically made of a lightweight material and have an anti-tip caster wheel in the back to prevent tipping backwards while serving the ball and during play. The low back rest allows for the player to serve the ball without being blocked by the back of the chair. There are cambered (angled) wheels and front casters for ease with maneuverability, and straps for increased safety during play. The wheelchair shown in this photo is made to measure to best the individual.
Information and photo pulled from RGK. Tennis Wheelchair.
TENNIS BALLS
In addition to a standard tennis ball, further types of tennis balls are available to suit varying abilities. Use of these balls helps some to reach their athletic goals and improve their tennis playing experience. See below to learn more:
Sound Tennis Ball
Sound tennis balls are made from foam and make sound during play. This tennis ball is very lightweight and specifically designed to be used by people with visual impairments or blindness, as the sound created by the ball helps the player to locate the tennis ball while playing. This product is available in bright yellow and black, offering the highest contrast to the playing surface for ease with tracking the ball.
Information and photo pulled from Lusu Sports. Sound Tennis Ball.
Red Tennis Ball
Red tennis balls are low-compression balls (75% less than a standard tennis ball), resulting in less bounce during play and a traveling speed 75% slower than a standard ball. These balls are lighter in weight and slightly larger in size, making them easier to hit with the racquet by the player. Red tennis balls are oftentimes used by beginners due to being easier to control than a traditional tennis ball.
Information and photo pulled from Wilson. Red Tennis Ball.
Orange Tennis Ball
Orange tennis balls are low-compression balls (50% less than a standard tennis ball), resulting in less bounce during play and a traveling speed 50% slower than a standard ball. Orange balls are lighter in weight and are oftentimes used as a part of the transitional process to train to use a standard yellow ball.
Information and photo pulled from the Trade Wheel. Orange Tennis Ball.
Green Tennis Ball
Green tennis balls are lower-compression balls (25% less than a standard tennis ball), resulting in less bounce during play and a traveling speed 25% slower than a standard ball. Green balls bounce lower and slower, making it easier to hit than a standard yellow ball. This ball is the last step of the transitional process of training to use a standard yellow ball.
Information and photo pulled from the Wall Street Journal. Green Tennis Ball.
ACCESSORIES
Accessories are available to improve an individual’s tennis playing experience! See below to learn more.
Wheelchair Hand Rim Cover
Wheelchair hand rim covers are intended to help individuals to have better grip, which increases control while pushing, turning, and stopping the wheelchair. Hand rim covers are simply applied over the hand rims and are ready for use.
Information and photo pulled from How I Roll Sports. Wheelchair Hand Rim Cover.
Wheelchair Straps
A variety of wheelchair strap products are available. Straps are used to hold the athlete securely in place while engaging in sports for increased safety and injury prevention. The image to the right is an available padded ratchet strap that secures the waist in place for extra security during play. Thigh straps, calf straps, and foot straps are other types of leg straps that secure the legs and feet into place.
Information and photo pulled from Living Spinal. Wheelchair Straps.
Wrist Guard
Some tennis players wear wrist guards for increased stability of the wrist to prevent injuries to their wrist and hands. This wrist support has an adjustable velcro strap and helps to keep the wrist cool by reducing heat retention. The compression provided by this device helps to prevent the occurrence of soft tissue injuries while playing tennis.
Information and photo pulled from Academy. Wrist Guard.
