Blind and Low Vision (BLV) Tennis
Blind and Low Vision Tennis is an adapted version of traditional tennis, designed to make the game accessible to people who are blind or have vision impairment.
Played on a smaller court with tactile lines, a lower net, and an audible ball
that makes a sound when it bounces, the sport provides a unique and engaging sensory experience for players of all ages and abilities.
BLV Tennis can be played in singles or doubles and offers opportunities for social play, local competitions, and national tournaments.
The Game
BLV Tennis is usually played on either a badminton court or a standard tennis court, using a smaller tennis racquet and a modified foam ball that rattles when it moves or bounces. The game’s rules and court size are adjusted depending on a player’s level of vision, with four classifications from B1 (totally blind) to B4 (vision impaired).
Players in the B1 category wear blindfolds to ensure equality, while all players rely on the sound of the ball and the tactile markings on the court to guide their play.
Coaching Resource
The Blind and Vision Impaired Tennis: Beginners Guide to Coaching is a free resource created by Blind Sports Australia, in collaboration with Tennis Australia.
This guide provides practical information to help coaches, clubs, and community sport providers learn more about BLV Tennis — including how to adapt training, support players at different levels, and create inclusive environments.
Download the guide here:
👉 Blind Tennis Coaching Guide (PDF)
Rules and Equipment
Ball
An audible foam tennis ball is used, available in either black or fluorescent yellow for contrast depending on the playing surface. The ball is designed to make a sound as it moves and bounces.
Court
B1 Court: 12.8m x 6.1m, net height 83cm.
- Service line: 1.8m from baseline and 4.6m from net.
- Tactile lines are used on all lines except the service boxes.
B2–B4 Court:
- 18.28m x 8.23m, net height 90cm.
- Service line: 2.74m from baseline and 6.4m from net.
Racquet Size
- B1: up to 23 inches
- B2–B3: up to 25 inches
- B4: up to 27 inches
Bounces Allowed
- B1 and B2: up to 3 bounces
- B3: up to 2 bounces
- B4: up to 1 bounce
The first bounce must always land inside the court or, for a serve, in the correct service box.
Serving and Communication
Before serving, the player calls “Ready?” and waits for the receiver to reply “Yes.” The server must then call “Play!” before hitting the ball. Standard tennis rules apply with these slight modifications.
Classifications
There are 4 classifications/categories of Blind and Low Vision Tennis.
| Classification | Eligibility criteria | Tennis Australia events |
| B1 | Visual acuity poorer than LogMAR 2.60 | State Blind & Low Vision Tennis Tournaments Australian Blind & Low Vision National Tennis Championships |
| B2 | Visual acuity ranging from LogMAR 1.50 to 2.60 (inclusive) | |
| B3 | Visual acuity ranging from LogMAR 1.0 to 1.40 (inclusive) OR visual fields less than 10 degrees diameter and visual acuity better than 0.5 (B4) | |
| B4 | Visual acuity ranging from LogMAR 0.5 to 0.9 (inclusive) OR visual fields less than 40 degrees diameter and visual acuity better than 0.5. |
Talent Pathways
Tennis Australia offers state-based squads, training camps, and tournaments that can lead to national team selection and international representation at the International Blind & Low Vision Tennis Tournament.
To find a Blind and Vision Impaired Tennis session near you, or to learn more about local opportunities in your state, visit Tennis Australia.
How to Get Involved
Ready to have a Hit?
Here’s How to Join!
STEP 1: Submit your Inquiry: Fill out our quick form below to tell us about your interest.
STEP 2: We Connect You: Blind Sports Australia will connect you with BLV Tennis for follow-up.
STEP 3: Start Playing: Your local club will reach out to help you get started.
