Whether you’re just starting out or looking to compete, PWII tennis offers opportunities for players with intellectual disability or autism to be active, social, and skilled in the game.

Getting Started

Adapted play: PWII tennis sessions use modified rules, equipment, and coaching strategies to make the game accessible and enjoyable. This can include low-compression balls, lighter racquets, smaller courts, simplified scoring, and extra time or visual cues to help players feel confident on court.

Programs near you: Local PWII tennis programs in NSW are delivered through clubs and organisations including Special Olympics Australia, Tennis NSW, and Sport Inclusion Australia, offering weekly sessions, development days, and community play.

Classification: To compete in organised tournaments, PWII players are classified to ensure fair and supportive competition. Guidance on how to get classified is available through Tennis NSW and PWII partners.

Play & Participation

Social and club tennis: Many players begin by joining club-based sessions or all-abilities tennis programs, where they can meet others, build confidence, and practise skills in a supportive environment. Speak to your local club to see what sessions are available.

Coaching support: Qualified coaches with experience in PWII tennis can help develop technique, confidence, and game awareness. Coaches use adapted drills, visual cues, clear instructions, 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 PWII-specific championships.

Event formats: Competitions are adapted to suit players’ abilities, with singles and doubles matches, simplified scoring, or extra bounces to ensure fair and enjoyable play.

Pathway opportunities:

• State-level events: Local and regional tournaments across NSW provide development and competition opportunities.
• National PWII tournaments: Competitions that bring together players from across Australia.
• International pathways: For high-performance athletes, there are opportunities to connect with global events sanctioned by Virtus, the international governing body for athletes with intellectual impairment.

Ranking & goals: Competitive players can track progress through national PWII rankings, recognising results from sanctioned tournaments over a 12-month period.

Support & Resources

Finding a club or program: Tennis NSW and partner organisations 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 Sport Inclusion Australia HERE.

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

For general enquiries, please contact [email protected].