Individuals with autism often face challenges in developing motor skills, social connections, and self-regulation. Sports like tennis have been proven to address some of these challenges.

Taking part in an I Play 30 session can benefit participants in the following 5 areas: 

1. Improved Motor Skills Playing tennis can improve both fine and gross motor skills as it develops skills such as coordination, body and spatial awareness. Gross and fine motor skills are essential for running, hitting the ball and coordinating movements. Our I Play 30 sessions provide a fun, engaging way for participants to work on these critical skills.
2. Enhanced Social Interaction Although tennis is largely an individual sport, participants have opportunities for social interaction during I Play 30 sessions both with peers and other members within the club. Coaches encouraged collaboration through partner drills, such as rallying with together to reach a target amount. By doing so, participants started to engage more with their peers and coaches by responding to simple instructions and non-verbal cues.
3. Development of Emotional Regulation Individuals with autism may struggle with emotional regulation, leading to frustration when faced with challenges. Tennis can be a difficult game to learn which is why our actives are tailored and our coaches know that it is important to conquer the basics before moving on to new challenges. Rolling, throwing or hitting balls towards and target can help keep the player’s focussed. However when participants face frustration, our coaching teams and volunteers use techniques such as deep breathing and breaks to regain composure and focus. Over time, tennis teaches participants how to handle setbacks more constructively, learning that mistakes are part of the process – an important lesson to take in to their lives off the court.
4. Building Routine and Structure The I Play 30 sessions connected with SEN schools, offer participants a consistent routine, with scheduled lessons at the same time each week. This reduces anxiety and helps to transition the participants smoothly between different activities at schools during the day and in their lives outside of school.
5. Increased Self-Confidence Participants’ self-esteem blossoms as their skills on the court improve. Small milestones, like hitting a ball over the net or completing a rally, gives a sense of pride. Parents and teachers notice that participants carried this newfound confidence into other areas of their lives, including school and home, where participants are more willing to take on new challenges.

It’s a pleasure to see how many people are experiencing the benefits tennis through our I Play 30 sessions. Let’s work together to get more people involved and picking up a racket.