Adaptive Tennis
Adaptive tennis is a form of tennis for those who have disabilities. It is played on a regulation tennis court, with no modification to the balls and racquets. The only modification is that players get two bounces of the ball before it has to be hit, instead of one.
Wheelchair Tennis
Wheelchair tennis is one of the forms of tennis adapted for wheelchair users. The size of courts, balls, and rackets are the same, but there are two major differences from pedestrian tennis: athletes use specially designed wheelchairs, and the ball may bounce up to two times, where the second bounce may also occur
Learn More
Houston has proven to be a hot spot for wheelchair tennis since 2009. With the combined effort of the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, West Gray Adaptive Center, and HTA volunteer coaches, wheelchair players have access to free racquets, FREE use of two newly resurfaced courts, loaner sports chairs and free coaching.
Today, Houston has a core group of five to seven players that travel throughout Texas and participate in national wheelchair tournaments. Houston also hosts the US Tap Open which is in part sponsored by the Houston Tennis Association (HTA).
Did you know there are social events called “Run/Rolls” where chair and able-bodied players collaborate for doubles tournaments? Furthermore, the USTA has different divisions for singles, doubles and mixed doubles.
Get Involved
Join the Facebook Page and keep up with all wheelchair tennis players, be informed regarding practice times, weather updates and upcoming tournaments. The page is also aides in joining the growing wheelchair community in Houston.
You do not need any tennis experience. If you do not have a sports chair, do not worry. Simply give advance notice, and one will be provided. Please note that the Tuesday Clinic is FREE!
Are you interested in coaching?
Come join the group on Tuesday night at the West Gray Adaptive Center. You do not need a certification in wheelchair tennis to coach.
Programs in Houston
Spring Rollers
Meet every Wednesday from 4:30-6:30 in the Woodlands at Ridgewood Park at 4192 Interfaith Way. This program is free, no experience is needed and equipment is provided. For more information, contact Jenny Lee at thelees100@yahoo.com.
University of Houston Adaptive Athletics (In partnership with TIRR Texans)
The University of Houston’s Adaptive Tennis Program provides students with disabilities the opportunity to develop their tennis skills and to play competitive tennis. The Program promotes the highest standards of sportsmanship and conduct while developing students’ leadership and interpersonal skills through the sport of tennis. For more information contact Dr. Michael Cottingham (Director, Adaptive Athletics at UH) mcotting@central.uh.edu or at (713) 743-9065
The West Gray Adaptive Center (owned by the Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPRD))
The West Gray Adaptive Center center comes alive on Tuesday and Friday nights as wheelchair players arrive for free weekly tennis clinics organized by HTA volunteers. These clinics have introduced tennis to over 100 chair players ranging from 8 years old to 60 years old. Many of the attendees have never played before or were able-bodied players before becoming wheelchair bound.
In addition to the free weekly clinics, wheelchair tennis demonstrations have been in the spotlight at both the Abilities Expand Metal and Muscle conferences at NRG Stadium.
Free Wheelchair Tennis Clinics
When: Tuesdays & Fridays*
Time: 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Where: West Gray Adaptive Center
Address: 1475 West Gray Street, Houston, TX 77019
*Volunteer coaches attend on Tuesday evenings, while Friday evenings is an open hit session (without a coach) for all wheelchair players.
For more information, please contact the HTA via email, or at (281) 580-8313.
