# Law 32: Rules of Wheelchair Tennis (ITF Rules of Tennis)

Tennis · Law 32: Rules of Wheelchair Tennis · Insporta Book (https://book.insporta.app/tennis/laws/law-32-rules-of-wheelchair-tennis/)

How wheelchair tennis differs from the standard Rules: two bounces, the chair as part of the body, the wheelchair service, when a player loses the point, what the chair may be, propelling with a foot, and mixed matches.

## 32.321 Wheelchair Tennis

The game from the chair, and the wheelchair and how it is moved.

### Test 1: The game from the chair

- The return must come before the ball bounces a third time. (Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rules of Wheelchair Tennis (a), (d))
- Every rule about the player's body applies to the chair too. (Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rules of Wheelchair Tennis (b))
- The server starts still and may push once before striking the ball. (Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rules of Wheelchair Tennis (c))
- The wheels stay behind the baseline between the centre mark and sideline extensions. (Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rules of Wheelchair Tennis (c))
- The player or someone else may drop the ball; the same method is used for the whole match. (Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rules of Wheelchair Tennis (c))
- Losing seat contact at the hit loses the point. (Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rules of Wheelchair Tennis (d))
- Using the feet or lower limbs against the ground or a wheel during play loses the point, subject to the foot-propulsion rule. (Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rules of Wheelchair Tennis (d))
- Still, one push, strike, with the wheels behind the baseline throughout. (Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rules of Wheelchair Tennis (c))
- Two bounces are allowed; the third is too late. (Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rules of Wheelchair Tennis (a))
- Each player follows their own rules: wheelchair two bounces, able-bodied one. (Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rules of Wheelchair Tennis (g))

### Test 2: The wheelchair and how it is moved

- A reflective chair could hinder the opponent. (Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rules of Wheelchair Tennis (e))
- Wheels may have a single pushrim only. (Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rules of Wheelchair Tennis (e))
- Nothing that gives a mechanical advantage is permitted. (Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rules of Wheelchair Tennis (e))
- Powered chairs, for eligible players, must not exceed 15 km/h in any direction. (Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rules of Wheelchair Tennis (e))
- Applications go to the ITF's sport science and medicine commission at least 60 days ahead. (Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rules of Wheelchair Tennis (e))
- The foot must be off the ground from the start of the forward swing to contact, and through the serve motion. (Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rules of Wheelchair Tennis (f))
- Seat height, cushion included, is fixed. (Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rules of Wheelchair Tennis (e))
- Straps and a single pushrim are allowed; gears are not. (Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rules of Wheelchair Tennis (e))
- The request goes in early, and a refusal can be appealed. (Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rules of Wheelchair Tennis (e))
- Gears and levers that give a mechanical advantage are not permitted. (Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rules of Wheelchair Tennis (e))

Sources: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rules of Wheelchair Tennis (paraphrased in original wording; original questions authored from the Rules, not reproduced)

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