National Program Handbook
Tennis Canada’s National Program handbook outlines High Performance (HP) guidelines, policies and program direction. This handbook should be used as an ongoing resource tool for our high performance development. In addition, the “pathway to excellence” long-term plan can be found in this resource. NP Handbook (PDF)
Wheelchair Tennis Doubles Manual
Tennis Canada is pleased to present the first manual written worldwide on wheelchair tennis doubles. Written by Canadian Louis Lamontagne-Muller, and supported by Tennis Canada, the manual focuses on “Building the Team” including basic doubles styles, picking a style and communication. Part Two focuses on “Training the Team” and includes implementing a chosen style and positioning and taking or regaining control of the point. A special section on doubles mobility is included in the appendices. This is a must read for wheelchair tennis coaches and players.
Wheelchair Coach Articles
To read or print any of these articles, simply click to view a printable PDF.
Wheelchair Coach- “Get a Grip”
Wheelchair Coach- “The 'Pronated' Backhand”
Wheelchair Coach- “The 'Wheel-around' Forehand”
The Grant Program
Tennis Canada is committed to fostering the growth and development of wheelchair tennis in Canada. Through increased awareness, coaching education, new training programs, facility upgrades, and introductory clinics, this sport can flourish with countless new players.
To stimulate this growth Tennis Canada has designed the Participation Development Grant Program. If you qualify in one of the following areas, or feel you have a valid initiative, please complete the grant application process.
New Training Program
If you are an administrator, certified coach, or player who is creating a new wheelchair tennis program in your area you may qualify. The program must be ongoing, involve a Tennis Canada certified coach and be offered at a nominal rate. Grants are given to a maximum of $1000.
Introductory Clinics
If you are a coach, administrator or player who is offering an introductory clinic to attract new wheelchair tennis players to the game you may qualify. The clinic must use a Tennis Canada certified coach and offer a follow-up program afterward. Grants are given to a maximum of $500.
Wheelchair Tennis Promotions
If you are designing and conducting a promotional and awareness campaign specific to wheelchair tennis you may qualify. The program may include the media, posters, brochures or booklets. Grants are given to a maximum of $500.
Coaching Education Program
If you are conducting coaching awareness and training programs specific to wheelchair tennis you may qualify. The goal is to expose as many coaches as possible to wheelchair tennis and provide them with the basic coaching techniques and resources. Grants are given to a maximum of $750.
Facility Upgrades
If you are a club owner who wants to make upgrades to your tennis facility to accommodate wheelchair tennis players you may qualify. That may include building accessible washrooms, adding ramps or widening doorways. Grants are given to a maximum of $500.
Other Initiatives
If you have another initiative that you feel stimulates the growth of wheelchair tennis you may qualify. Grants are given to a maximum
Wheelchair Loan Program
Tennis Canada recognizes the impact a tennis chair has on new players’ enjoyment and progression in the sport. The Wheelchair Loan Program is designed to provide quality used tennis chairs to programs across the country. The chairs are rented for a nominal price on an annual basis.
Birmingham Family Tennis Chair Award
The Birmingham Family Tennis Chair Award is made possible by a generous donation from the Birmingham Family of Toronto. The award provides $3,500 annually to a developing athlete for the purchase of a new tennis chair. This award is available for five years, from 2006-2010.
The Birmingham Family developed this award to allow a deserving athlete to access the appropriate equipment to meet his/her high performance development needs. The award recipient is announced at the Birmingham National Wheelchair Tennis Championships each year. In 2009, the recipient was Philippe Bedard of Quebec.
The award selection will be made by Tennis Canada’s wheelchair tennis high performance committee. Athletes who do not currently have a tennis chair sponsorship are eligible to apply. The selection committee will consider the following factors when determining the award winner:
- Commitment to high performance tennis development.
- Potential to achieve the National Team Program goals and/or the Paralympic Games.
