Blind/Low Vision Tennis

Tennis is more than just a sport; it's a community that offers something for all. Vision impairments are no barrier to excelling and enjoying time on court.

Blind/Low Vision Tennis often called “Soundball Tennis” is usually played on either a badminton court or a standard tennis court using a smaller tennis racket and an adapted foam ball that makes a noise when it bounces. You can play singles or doubles matches.

Whether you're dreaming of playing competitively, or just keen to enjoy a fun and social hit, tennis is a fantastic option.

Here you can find where to play, upcoming events and current information for all things regarding Blind/Low Vision Tennis in New Zealand and throughout the world.

Blind/Low Vision tennis has been developed to maintain the 3D aspect of traditional tennis, with play and scoring the same.

The number of bounces, and the courts size is modified for each different visual category, the ball is slightly larger, and it has a rattle in it to make it audible for the players to track it.

  

Our goal is that any BLV person who wishes to play tennis in New Zealand will be able to access information to play competitively or as a social participant.

The BLV community is small, but inclusive. At present we are working towards building data on who plays BLV Tennis, where Have a Go/exsisting programmes are available, who our coaches are and the competition opportunities for existing BLV tennis players.

There are opportunites for BLVT players to compete internationally. The IBTA has released the 2025 Competition Calendar IBTA EVENTS CALENDAR

Players of any ability, whether classified BLV or other, may engage in competition independently in other parts of the world within their personal capacity to gain experience and develop their abilities. This is not seen as selection to represent Blind Sport NZ or Tennis NZ. Any participation or inquiries should clearly reflect this distinction and be recognized as individual initiatives. 

Express interest in learning more about Blind Low Vision opportunites   

Other helpful links for more info:

Blindsport New Zealand

Blind Low Vision NZ

International Blind Tennis

Tennis Australia BLV

International Blind Sport Association