What is Pop Tennis?
Pop Tennis is a fun and fast-paced sport that combines elements of tennis and ping-pong. It is set on a smaller court surrounded by walls, similar to a squash court. It’s a two-player game, with each player using a long-handled racket and a small, lightweight ball. The objective of the game is to hit the ball off the walls to the opposing player and keep the ball in play as long as possible. The rules are similar to tennis, with a few key differences.
What is Paddle Tennis?
Paddle tennis, also known as platform tennis, is a racquet sport similar to tennis. It is played on a raised, enclosed court with a shorter net and a shallow playing surface, usually made of asphalt or concrete. The game is played with two players using special rackets that are slightly larger than a standard tennis racquet. The ball is made of a foam core covered with a rubberized material, and it has a lower bounce than a regular tennis ball.
Differences Between Pop Tennis and Paddle Tennis
Playing Surface
The most obvious difference between the two sports is the playing surface. Pop Tennis is played on a smaller court surrounded by walls, while Paddle Tennis is played on a raised, enclosed court with an asphalt or concrete surface.
Racket
The rackets used in both sports are also different. Pop Tennis rackets are longer and have a larger head size, while Paddle Tennis rackets are slightly larger than a standard tennis racquet and have a slightly larger head size.
Ball
The ball used in Pop Tennis is a small, lightweight ball, while the ball used in Paddle Tennis is made of a foam core covered with a rubberized material. The ball used in Pop Tennis has a higher bounce than the ball used in Paddle Tennis.
Scoring
The scoring system is also different in the two sports. Pop Tennis is played to 11 points, with the winner being the first player to 11 points. Paddle Tennis is played to 7 points, with the winner being the first player to 7 points.
Rules
The rules of the two sports are also different. Pop Tennis is usually played as a singles game, while Paddle Tennis is usually played as a doubles game. In Pop Tennis, a player must hit the ball off the walls to the opposing player; while in Paddle Tennis, the ball must be served and hit over the net to the opposing player.
Strokes
The strokes used in the two sports are also different. In Pop Tennis, a player can use any type of stroke, while in Paddle Tennis, the strokes must be underhand and the player must use a special serve.
Court Dimensions
The court dimensions are also different in the two sports. The court used for Pop Tennis is typically 10 feet wide and 20 feet long, while the court used for Paddle Tennis is typically 18 feet wide and 36 feet long.
Which Sport is Right for Me?
When it comes to deciding which sport is right for you, it is important to consider your skill level and the time you have available to dedicate to the sport. Pop Tennis is a great sport for beginners and those with limited time, as it is a fast-paced game that can be played in a relatively short amount of time. Paddle Tennis is a great sport for those who are more experienced or have more time to dedicate to the sport, as it is a more complex game with a slower pace.
Where Can I Play?
Pop Tennis can be played in most public parks, as well as some tennis clubs. Paddle Tennis, on the other hand, is usually only found in private tennis clubs.
Costs Involved
The costs involved in both sports are relatively similar. Pop Tennis rackets start at around $20, while Paddle Tennis rackets start at around $50. Balls for both sports can be purchased for around $10. Court rental fees vary depending on the facility, but typically range from $10-$20 per hour.
Conclusion
Pop Tennis and Paddle Tennis are both fun and engaging racquet sports that can be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels. While the two sports may have some similarities, they are also quite different in terms of playing surface, racket, ball, scoring, rules, strokes, court dimensions, and costs involved. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide which sport is right for them.