Learning Disability tennis
When it comes to tennis, a learning disability includes conditions such as Down’s Syndrome, Asperger’s Syndrome, Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
We understand that each person’s learning disability has different symptoms and characteristics, so our expert coaches tailor each session to suit their client’s needs.
Who can compete in Learning Disability tennis?
For those looking to compete, criteria for entry are connected to the person’s IQ, with anyone with an IQ of less than 75 eligible.
Want to start competing? Check out our Disability Competitions Calendar to find out how you can get involved.
Who knows, you could even end up representing Great Britain at the Special Olympics or compete at the Virtus World Championships!
Game on (Performance Pathway)
Want to take your game to the next level? We’re here to support you on every step of your path to becoming the best player you can be – whether you’re looking to become a regular competitor or go on to become the next international disability tennis star.
Find out more about disability tennis, our different player developmental pathways and programmes, national and international competitions, and how we can support you on your journey.
Read more about our Disability Tennis Performance Pathway
What's sensory tennis?
Sensory tennis is a set of activities designed by Sense and the LTA in partnership to make tennis accessible for people with complex disabilities.
There are lots of ways to make tennis more inclusive for disabled people – you can make adaptations like using a ball with a bell in it, or making the court smaller. For people with complex disabilities, it’s often the concept of rules, tactics and aims of the game that can be a barrier to participating.
The Sensory Tennis Toolkit, from Sense, can be found below which gives coaches and volunteers all the information they need with regards to running sessions. Our sensory tennis sessions break the sport down into more meaningful chunks of activity.
Head to the Sense website to learn about what they do.
If you want to know more about the equipment needed for sensory tennis, head to LUSU's coaches page.
Get involved with Open Court
Funded by Sport England and the LTA, the Open Court Programme supports more than 500 tennis venues across Britain deliver sessions for disabled people and those with long term health conditions.
So, if you’re a player or a parent or guardian or carer interested in finding out more, you can find your nearest venue here: