Tennis
Blind Tennis is an inclusive form of tennis for low vision and blind players.
ABOUT BLIND TENNIS
Overview
Tennis is a fast paced and rewarding sport that combines skill, strategy and fitness. Played around the world by people of all ages, it offers a fun way to stay active while building confidence, coordination and social connections.
For people who are blind or have low vision, tennis can be adapted to suit different levels of vision, making it an inclusive sport that is both challenging and enjoyable. Whether you're looking to play socially, improve your fitness or compete at a higher level, blind and low vision tennis provides opportunities for everyone to get involved in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Training and coaching for Blind Tennis takes place at the Somerton Park Tennis Club, and league matches are played on Friday evenings at Memorial Drive.
BLV tennis holds regular tournaments at national and international level. SA has high-ranking players in a number of sight categories.
Singles & Doubles
Adapted Court Sizes
Best of 3 Sets
Key Information
Who Can Play
People who are blind or have low vision of all ages and skill levels.
Equipment
Audible tennis balls, racquets
Where It's Played
Indoor or outdoor tennis courts at participating clubs and community venues across South Australia.
Get Involved
Find a club, attend a come and try session, or contact us for more information!
How It Works
Blind Tennis - often called Soundball Tennis - is played on either a badminton court or a standard tennis court using a junior tennis racket and an adapted sponge ball that makes a noise when it bounces. Balls can be either black or fluorescent yellow to give maximum contrast with the colour of the sports hall.
The standard rules of tennis apply with just a few modifications: if you’re totally blind you’re allowed three bounces, those with partial sight are allowed two. Just like standard tennis, you can play singles or doubles. Sighted players can play against visually impaired players, but they’re allowed only one bounce and no volleying.
| Classification | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| B1 | Visual acuity poorer than LogMAR 2.60. |
| B2 | Visual acuity between LogMAR 1.50 and 2.60 (inclusive). |
| B3 | Visual acuity between LogMAR 1.00 and 1.40 (inclusive), or a visual field of less than 10° diameter with visual acuity better than LogMAR 0.50. |
| B4 | Visual acuity between LogMAR 0.50 and 0.90 (inclusive), or a visual field of less than 40° diameter with visual acuity better than LogMAR 0.50. |
Eligible Competitions
Players across all classifications (B1–B4) are eligible to compete in:
- State Blind & Low Vision Tennis Tournaments
- Australian Blind & Low Vision National Tennis Championships
Want to know more?
Contact us to find your nearest club!