Platform tennis, also known as “paddle,” is a unique racquet sport that was invented in the United States in the mid-20th century. It is a hybrid of tennis, squash and badminton, and is played on a slightly smaller court with a lower net. It is a fast-paced game that is growing in popularity, particularly in the Northeastern United States. But how does it compare to pickleball, another racquet sport that has recently gained in popularity? In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between platform tennis and pickleball to answer the question: Is platform tennis the same as pickleball?
History of Platform Tennis
Platform tennis was created in 1928 by Fessenden Blanchard and Charles “Chuck” Roesch. Blanchard and Roesch both lived in the same apartment building in Scarsdale, New York, and were looking for a way to stay active during the winter months. The two men decided to create a court on their rooftop by enclosing the area in chicken wire and adding a net. The court was heated, allowing them to play even in the coldest months. The game quickly caught on, and in 1954 the United States Platform Tennis Association was formed.
History of Pickleball
Pickleball was created in 1965 by a group of friends in Washington State. Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum created the game as a way to keep their families entertained on summer afternoons. The game was originally played with a perforated plastic ball and wooden paddles. The men named the game “pickleball” after Pritchard’s dog, Pickles, who would chase the ball around the court. The game has since grown in popularity, and the USA Pickleball Association was formed in 1984.
Gameplay
Platform tennis and pickleball have some similarities when it comes to gameplay. Both games are played on a court with a net, and players use paddles to hit a ball over the net. However, there are some key differences between the two games. Platform tennis is played on a court that is 44 feet long by 20 feet wide, while pickleball is played on a court that is 44 feet long by 22 feet wide. The net for platform tennis is 34 inches high, while the net for pickleball is 36 inches high.
Equipment
The equipment used in platform tennis and pickleball are also quite different. Platform tennis is played with a hollow plastic ball that is filled with air and has a larger, more aerodynamic shape than a pickleball. The ball is also heavier and travels faster than a pickleball. The paddles used in platform tennis are larger and heavier than those used in pickleball. They also have a larger sweet spot, which allows players to hit the ball with more power and accuracy.
Scoring
Platform tennis and pickleball also have different scoring systems. In platform tennis, a match is typically played as the best three out of five sets. Each set is played to 11 points, and a player must win by two points. In pickleball, a match is typically played as the best two out of three sets. Each set is played to 11 points, and a player must win by two points.
Strategy
The strategies used in platform tennis and pickleball are also quite different. In platform tennis, the strategy is focused on controlling the center of the court and using angles to hit the ball. Players will use a variety of shots, such as lobs and drop shots, to keep their opponents off balance. In pickleball, the strategy is focused on executing shots with power and accuracy. Players will use dinks, slices and volleys to keep their opponents on their toes.
Rules
The rules of platform tennis and pickleball are also quite different. In platform tennis, doubles games are the most common, and each team has one server and one receiver. The server must serve the ball diagonally across the court, and the receiver must return the ball before it bounces twice. In pickleball, doubles and singles games are both common. The serve must be hit diagonally across the court, and the receiver must let the ball bounce before returning it.
Popularity
Platform tennis is most popular in the Northeastern United States, while pickleball is popular all over the United States. Platform tennis is also popular in Europe and Canada, while pickleball is becoming increasingly popular in those countries as well.
Conclusion
In conclusion, platform tennis and pickleball are two very different racquet sports. They have different histories, different equipment, different scoring systems, different strategies and different rules. While both sports are growing in popularity, platform tennis is more popular in the Northeastern United States while pickleball is popular all over the United States. So, to answer the question: Is platform tennis the same as pickleball? The answer is a resounding “no”.