Tennis offers a dynamic and engaging way for individuals with autism to build coordination, focus, and social interaction skills. Its structured format and repetitive skill-building create opportunities for participants to develop independence, confidence, and decision-making abilities in a supportive setting.

Participation in tennis also supports communication, motor development, and emotional regulation, while providing meaningful opportunities to connect with peers and build positive relationships through play.

Program Overview

The Ernie Els #GameON Autism Tennis program is infused with evidence-based practices for teaching tennis to people with autism. 

Participants learn tennis skills while practicing specific autism learning concepts, including communication, emotional regulation, motor, and social skills. 

The goal of the program is for participants to achieve their individual tennis successes and to build confidence and self-esteem in a fun, welcoming, and supportive environment. 

Program Structure

The Ernie Els #GameON Autism Tennis program consists of 12 group lessons, each of which has a specially designed lesson plan that delivers comprehensive tennis instruction and incorporates autism-focused learning concepts, specifically referred to in each lesson as the “autism learning concept.” It is a comprehensive program for individuals with autism which utilizes multiple evidence-based practices identified by the National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice (Steinbrenner, et al., 2020).

How to Become an Official Program Provider

Would you like to bring the Ernie Els #GameON Autism Tennis Program to your community? Individuals can become an Official Program Provider (OPP) through a structured training and certification process in this and other sports. For more information and/or to become an Official Program Provider, contact: sports@elsforautism.org.