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| Robin Ammerlaan (NED) uses an Invacare chair |
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| Michael Jeremiasz (FRA) playing at Roland Garros in 2009 |
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| Korie Homan (NED) playing at the Invacare World Team Cup |
Invacare® is the global leader in the manufacture and distribution of medical products that promote recovery and active lifestyles for people with disabilities and home care needs. The company enjoys a long-standing relationship and commitment to many of the world-class athletes who participate in ITF events each year.
The Invacare World Team Cup is the premium team wheelchair tennis event in the world, representing the ultimate combination of world class wheelchair sports and a “can-do” mentality. The presence of international athletes during the competition week serves to illustrate Invacare’s powerful philosophy of “Yes, you can”.
In 2010, the Invacare World Team Cup will celebrate the Crystal Anniversary (15 years) of the partnership between the ITF and Invacare®.
Invacare® Top End®: leaders in tennis wheelchairs
Wheelchair tennis is a great activity for all wheelchair users. Improvements in wheelchair technology and performance in the last decade have helped increase the popularity of the sport. Now, more players are reviewing their tennis wheelchair options to determine what type of wheelchair works best for them. Invacare® Top End® has long been at the forefront of this field, constantly introducing innovative technologies and high-performance designs to improve athletes’ performance and to accelerate developments in the game.
Sports wheelchairs – a history
In 1992, tennis athletes were still playing in multi-purpose wheelchairs - everyday wheelchairs that could also be used for basket-ball and/or tennis. After the 1992 Paralympics in Barcelona, Spain, Invacare® Top End® introduced a patented three-wheel wheelchair designed specifically for the tennis court.
The three-wheel wheelchair became the sport standard for players as it was easy to turn and feet could be placed in a ‘tucked in’ position. Compared to the older multi-purpose wheelchair, the three- (and later, the four-wheel) sport-specific tennis wheelchair offered players a more compact position with feet turned towards the axle, speeding up turns.
Current trends
Trends in sports wheelchairs today favour for a four-wheel design with a swivel anti-tip or 5th wheel, which offers players an optimum tall seated position, ideal for serving. Four-wheel wheelchairs also offer more stability than their three-wheel counterparts.
Fixed or adjustable wheelchairs: play style determines type
Experienced players prefer everything on a wheelchair, from the centre of gravity to the front and rear seat heights, camber and backrest, to be fixed. Fixed wheelchairs are customized to fit the player; by leaving out adjustability, there is no extra hardware, making the wheelchair lighter. A fixed wheelchair requires less maintenance and travels well. These models only have adjustments where needed, such as backrest height, footrest height and adjustable upholstery for fine-tuning.
Less experienced tennis players may prefer adjustable tennis wheelchairs that will allow them to modify the front and rear seat heights, the centre of gravity, footrest height and angle, backrest and seat upholstery. These models allow players to constantly fine-tune their position - a major benefit for beginners or players who are still trying to find their best position.
Benefits of an anti-tip
Another consideration when choosing a tennis wheelchair is the anti-tip option. Invacare® Top End offers a swivel anti-tip to its tennis wheelchair. The swivel anti-tip, with a caster and a three-inch skate wheel, works like a regular anti-tipper, but can be placed closer to the ground. The anti-tip mechanism is designed to move with the wheelchair, preventing players from being slowed down and from falling backwards when hitting overheads or serving.
Material options
Tennis wheelchairs are typically made from aluminium or the more high-end material, titanium. Both are strong, light and durable.
If you are looking for a tennis wheelchair or would like more information about Invacare® products, please contact us at www.invacare.eu.com or www.topendwheelchair.com.