What is Paddle Tennis Called in America?
Paddle tennis, or ‘platform tennis’ as it is more commonly known in the United States, is a hybrid sport derived from the traditional game of tennis. The game is played on a smaller court, with a lower net and specially designed paddles. Played during the winter months, paddle tennis is a popular sport among tennis players in the US, due to its fast-paced and competitive nature.
The History of Paddle Tennis in America
Paddle tennis was first introduced in the US in the late 1920s. It was created by two tennis players, Fessenden Blanchard and Charles Davis, who wanted to find a way to play tennis during the winter months. They developed a game that could be played on a smaller court with a lower net and specially designed paddles.
The game quickly became popular in the northeast US, as it allowed tennis players to continue playing during the colder months. The first paddle tennis club opened in Scarsdale, New York in 1928, and the sport quickly spread across the US. Today, paddle tennis is played in nearly every state in the US.
How Paddle Tennis is Different From Traditional Tennis
Paddle tennis is similar to traditional tennis in some ways, but there are also some significant differences. One of the biggest differences is the size of the court; paddle tennis is played on a smaller court, usually about half the size of a traditional tennis court. The net is also lower, making it easier for players to reach shots.
In addition, paddle tennis is played with specially designed paddles. These paddles are larger than traditional tennis racquets and have a textured surface that helps players control their shots. The ball used in paddle tennis is also slightly different, with a softer and slower bounce.
The Rules and Scoring of Paddle Tennis
The rules and scoring of paddle tennis are similar to those of traditional tennis. Players must hit the ball over the net (with the paddle) and into their opponent’s court. The first player to accumulate four points wins the game.
Unlike traditional tennis, there is no “second serve” in paddle tennis. If a player fails to hit the ball over the net on their first attempt, the point is lost. There is also no “let” in paddle tennis; any ball that touches the net is still considered in play.
The Benefits of Playing Paddle Tennis
Paddle tennis is an exciting and competitive sport that offers numerous benefits to players. One of the main benefits of playing paddle tennis is that it allows players to stay active during the winter months, when outdoor sports are not an option.
In addition, paddle tennis is a great way to improve hand-eye coordination and mental focus. The fast-paced nature of the game requires players to stay alert and focused, which can help improve concentration and reaction time.
The Equipment Needed to Play Paddle Tennis
In order to play paddle tennis, players will need to purchase the following equipment:
- Paddle: A specially designed paddle is needed to play paddle tennis. These paddles are larger than traditional tennis racquets and have a textured surface that helps players control their shots.
- Ball: The ball used in paddle tennis is slightly different than the ball used in traditional tennis. It is typically softer and has a slower bounce.
- Net: A net is needed to play paddle tennis, although the height of the net is lower than a traditional tennis net.
Where to Play Paddle Tennis in the US
Paddle tennis is a popular sport in the US, and there are many places to play it. Most cities and towns have paddle tennis courts, although they may not be open during the winter months. Many tennis clubs also offer paddle tennis, and some even offer lessons and leagues.
Tips for Beginner Paddle Tennis Players
Paddle tennis is a great sport for players of all skill levels, but it can be intimidating for beginners. Here are a few tips for beginner paddle tennis players:
- Take Lessons: Taking lessons from a qualified paddle tennis instructor is one of the best ways to learn the game. Lessons can help beginners develop their skills and become more confident on the court.
- Find a Partner: Playing with a partner can help beginners learn the game faster and stay motivated. Having a partner also makes the game more fun and competitive.
- Practice: Like any sport, paddle tennis requires practice. The more you practice, the better you will become.
Competitive Paddle Tennis Tournaments
Paddle tennis is a competitive sport and there are a variety of tournaments held throughout the US each year. The US Paddle Tennis Association (USPTA) sponsors the US Open Paddle Tennis Championships, which is held each year in October. The tournament attracts some of the best players in the country and is a great opportunity for players of all skill levels to compete.
Conclusion
Paddle tennis, or ‘platform tennis’ as it is commonly known in the US, is a popular sport among tennis players in the US. The game is played on a smaller court, with a lower net and specially designed paddles. The rules and scoring of the game are similar to traditional tennis.
Paddle tennis offers numerous benefits to players, including the ability to stay active during the winter months and improve hand-eye coordination and mental focus. There are many places to play paddle tennis in the US and a variety of competitive tournaments held each year. For beginner players, taking lessons and finding a partner can help improve skills and make the game more enjoyable.