Whether you’re just starting out or looking to compete, Blind & Low Vision Tennis (BLV) offers opportunities for players who are blind or have low vision to be active, social and skilled in tennis.

Getting started

Adapted play: BLV Tennis is played using audible balls, tactile court lines and adapted rules so that players of all visual abilities can enjoy the game. Verbal cues, slower serve starts and extra time for orientation help create a comfortable on‑court experience.

Programs near you: There are local BLV tennis programs in NSW delivered by organisations including Blacktown Tennis Centre, Blind Low Vision Tennis NSW & ACT, and City Community Tennis — offering weekly sessions and community play.

To find a club near you CLICK HERE 

Classification: To compete in organised tournaments, players have defined sport classes (B1–B4) based on vision levels. A provisional classification helps tailor competitions and coaching. Guidance on how to get classified is available through Tennis NSW and BLV partners.

Play & Participation

Social and club tennis: Many players begin by joining club‑based sessions or all‑abilities tennis programs where you can meet others, build confidence and practise skills in a supportive setting. Talk to your local club to see what’s available.

Coaching support: Qualified coaches with experience in BLV Tennis can help you develop technique, confidence and game awareness. Coaches use adapted drills, clear communication and tailored feedback to support players at every level.

Pathways & Competition

Players can progress from social play to community leagues and state or national tournaments, including the Australian BLV Tennis Championships. For those interested in high‑performance, Australia also connects into international pathways like the IBTA World Championships.

To compete in formal events and championships, players can undergo BLV classification. Classification defines an athlete’s visual ability into categories (B1–B4), ensuring competitions are fair and tailored. Once classified, players can enter sanctioned tournaments and compete in singles and doubles draws that match their class.

After gaining experience through local competition, players can progress to:

• State-level BLV events and Opens — such as the NSW BLV Open, where players from across the region compete.
• Australian Blind & Low Vision Tennis Championships — a national event that brings together players from across Australia.
• International pathways — including global events sanctioned by the International Blind Tennis Federation (IBTF), where elite players can compete at World Championships and other international fixtures.

Event formats are adapted for each classification (B1–B4), including singles and doubles, with additional bounces or modified rules to ensure fair and enjoyable play.

Ranking & goals: Competitive players can track progress through national BLV rankings, which recognise results from sanctioned events over a 12-month period.

Support & Resources

Finding a club or program: Tennis NSW and local BLV partners can help you locate sessions, coaches, and upcoming events. Click here to view tournaments and events page

Classification forms & guidance: Required to compete in sanctioned events. Please contact [email protected]

Pathway support: Coaches and partner organisations can advise on development and competitive opportunities. Please contact Holly Hurst – [email protected]

For general enquiries, please contact [email protected]