Tennis for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Tennis for the blind and visually impaired is an adapted version of the popular sport, using special aids. Blind tennis, also known as sound tennis, is all about your hearing, orientation and feel. Whether you are young or old, no matter what level. Just for fun or for the fanatic, it is all possible. What is Blind Tennis? Blind tennis is one of the fastest-growing disability sports in the world. The ball in blind tennis is specially designed. It is slightly larger than an ordinary tennis ball and contains a rattle that makes a sound when it moves. This sound helps you locate the ball. You usually play on a smaller court, with a softer ball and a lower net, giving you enough time to react. Levels (Classification Categories) The sport accommodates players with different levels of vision. Players are graded according to their eyesight. B1 for completely blind, and B2, B3 and B4 for partially sighted. Rules of play are adapted to what you need. Depending on the category you play in, the ball is allowed to bounce 1 to 3 times. Where, for example, B1 and B2 are allowed up to 3 bounces. During the game, you meet other visually impaired people. It is not just a sport, but also a chance to share experiences, make friends and encourage each other. Blind and Visually Impaired Tennis in the Netherlands Blind and visually impaired tennis is an official sport and one of the fastest-growing disability sports in the world. It is currently already played in 27 countries worldwide. The IBTA (International Blind Tennis Association) is working to get the sport paralympic. Fanny van den Heuvel and Elise Dolmans want… Read More »Tennis for the Blind and Visually Impaired