Tennis for blind & partially sighted people

Sound Ball Tennis – a new sport for blind and partially sighted people

Metro started running training sessions in tennis in 2007, following an impressive demonstration of the sport by Japanese blind and partially sighted players.

The game is played on either a badminton court or a standard tennis court using a short tennis racket and an adapted spongy ball that makes a noise when it bounces. Balls can be either black or florescent green 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; and if partially sighted you’re allowed two. See rules for more info.

Just like standard tennis, you can play singles or doubles. Sighted players can play against VI players, but they’re allowed only one bounce and no volley.

It’s a great game to play on holiday with friends and family – you just need two rackets and a ball in your suitcase!

We can offer:

• Regular evening practice sessions in London with a coach on hand
• An annual national tournament in the Autumn (Metro would like to thank the Dan Maskell Trust for their help with the 2012 Tournament).
• Support to achieve a coaching certificate
• Taster sessions for adults and juniors.
See ‘fixtures and events’ for more info.

Want to know more?

Read a view from a new player, and learn about the Metro 2011 Tennis Tournament by visiting the 'articles' link on this page.

To read an umpire's view of the 2012 Tournament, Visit:
http://www.csp.org.uk/frontline/article/viewpoint-tennis-anyone

Read more about tennis for blind and partially sighted people on the Tennis Foundation website at the link below:
http://www.lta.org.uk/Tennis-Foundation/Tennis-for-Disabled-People/Visually-Impaired-Tennis/

For the story of blind tennis, visit: the CNN website

To read about Miyoshi Takei, the inventor of blind tennis, visit: http://www.hanno.jp/matsui/

To find out more about our tennis sessions at Islington Tennis Centre, including testimonials from current players, visit ITC's website

To find out more about what we offer or to get involved, contact:
Odette Battarel
odetteb@pocklington-trust.org.uk

You can watch a video of Odette being interviewed about Sound Ball Tennis at the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGOjB5ZVSj4