Two-Bounce Tennis: The Wheelchair Tennis Rule in Mini-Tennis

Mini-tennis using wheelchair tennis's key rule: the ball may bounce twice, and the second bounce can land outside the court. Each player chooses one or two bounces, and the class analyzes how tactics change for the player with more time.

How to play

1. Intro: wheelchair tennis allows two bounces, and the first must land in. Each player declares one bounce or two (3 min).
2. Free rally in pairs trying both options to decide (5 min).
3. Games to 11 with rotating opponents; one-bounce vs. two-bounce players in at least one round (12 min).
4. Analysis: how court position shifts with two bounces and which opponent shot is hardest under that rule (5 min).

Rules

• The first bounce must be in.
• Each player sticks with their bounce choice for the whole game.
• Use foam or mini-tennis balls, never hard tennis balls on a small court.
• Players waiting stay off the court, with no loose balls on the floor.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair user: plays two bounces, exactly as in real competition, with no other adaptation.
• Low-vision student: large bright ball and two bounces.
• Student with an ankle injury: plays two bounces from the baseline without coming to the net.

Learning goals

• Apply the real wheelchair tennis rule.
• Adjust tactics to the time available to hit.
• Play fair matches with rules each player chooses.

Equipment for a class of 25

• mini-tennis rackets: 30
• foam balls: 15
• badminton nets: 4
• masking tape: 2

Teacher tip

Lowered badminton nets or a rope between two chairs work for mini-tennis. The usual mistake is assuming two bounces is easier: players who pick it tend to sit too deep and get beaten by drop shots.

More activities like this

More main activities for High School