11/09/2026
Many of our children at ITA and KidzPlay Therapy present with Dyspraxia, or Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) alongside their primary disability, intellectual disability or Autism.
DCD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the acquisition and ex*****on of coordinated motor skills.
For children with DCD, everyday movement and sporting activities may require significantly more effort, concentration and repetition. This can influence a child’s ability to participate confidently and successfully in sports such as tennis.
Tennis is a complex, dynamic sport requiring the child to process visual information while simultaneously planning and coordinating their movements.
Children with DCD may experience difficulties with:
• Hand–eye coordination – coordinating the racquet with the path of the ball
• Motor planning – organising and executing the movements required for a stroke
• Timing and sequencing – coordinating multiple movements in the correct order
• Balance and postural control – maintaining stability while moving, reaching and hitting
• Spatial awareness – judging distance, positioning and movement around the court
• Learning new motor skills – requiring additional repetition and practice for movements to become more automatic
• Processing multiple demands – listening to instructions while simultaneously managing movement, equipment and the environment
These challenges can sometimes lead to frustration, fatigue, reduced confidence or reluctance to participate — particularly when activities move quickly or a child feels they are being compared with their peers.
An inclusive coaching environment can reduce barriers and support successful participation.
When we adapt the task, equipment and environment rather than simply expecting the child to adapt, we create more opportunities for skill development, confidence, enjoyment and meaningful participation.
🎾 The goal of inclusive tennis isn’t for every child to perform in the same way — it’s to provide every child with the support they need to participate and experience success. 🎾
