Watching athletes with physical disabilities play tennis with the Head YouTek racquet or Babolat tennis shoes restores one's faith and optimism during such turbulent times. Wheelchair tennis players are a fresh reminder that our society can overcome obstacles and meet its challenges. The sport enjoys a wide international presence as it is played by athletes in more than 100 countries.
Wheelchair tennis began in 1976 by Brad Parks who is credited with creating competitive wheelchair tennis. Since that time the sport has been promoted vigorously in hopes of eliminating any misunderstandings or negative stereotypes that may be associated with sports for people with disabilities. The sport quickly gained international popularity and recognition. It was then introduced to Paralympic games for the first time at the 1988 Summer Paralympics in Seoul as a simple demonstration event. During the 1992 Summer Paralympics in Barcelona, wheelchair tennis attained the status of a full-fledged competition. Thanks to the 2000 Summer Paralympics in Sydney, the sport gained even more publicity which led to the introduction of this sport to Grand Slams of pedestrian tennis. With lightweight tennis racquets, such as the Head YouTek, physically challenged athletes can combine control and power during their matches.
According to the Paralympic Movement's website, "The (wheelchair tennis)game follows able-bodied tennis rules and athletes must have high levels of skill, fitness and strategy. The only difference in Wheelchair Tennis competitions is that the ball is allowed to bounce two times - the first bounce being within the bounds of the court. Athletes must have a permanent substantial or total loss of function in one or both legs. For the quad division the eligibility criteria require that a player has a disability in three or more limbs. The events are singles (between two players) and doubles (between two pairs). The winner of a match is the first athlete or pair to win two sets."
Paul Brower, a USTA professional who has been teaching tennis for 20 years said, "You learn the proper way to hold the racquet and learn the basic strokes. Most beginners are up and going in a few weeks. As long as they can move their chair and arms, they can play tennis. We even have quads that play."
The Head YouTek or the Wilson racquet is held in the dominant hand with four fingers, leaving the thumb free. Since the pad of the hand is free, it gives the player a target point with the wheel or push rim. The free hand pushes and turns the chair and does the majority of the work on the court. The strategy for returning serves differs somewhat from able-bodied players since wheelchair players usually do not play the net. "It's easy to lob over someone's head, so many wheelchair players stay further behind the base line for more slice and more drop shots, much like able-bodied team players do," Brower said.
As the USTA awards grants to organizations that promote and develop wheelchair tennis, sports enthusiasts can help promote this sport to their local communities. Some may provide assistance by donating Head YouTek tennis racquets or tennis backpacks for any disabled athletes who aspire to greatness.
Do It Tennis is based in the city of Oceanside and is located in San Diego County, CA. We began Internet operations in March 2005. Our knowledgeable staff has extensive experience in the tennis industry and all our stringers are highly experienced and expert at their craft.
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