Introduction to Tennis and Platform Tennis
Tennis and platform tennis are two closely related sports that have been popular for many years. They are similar in some ways but differ in many others. The main differences between the two sports are the court surface, equipment, rules, and scoring systems. Knowing these differences can help you decide which one to play.
Court Surface
One of the main differences between tennis and platform tennis is the court surface. A traditional tennis court is made of hard, flat surfaces such as clay, concrete, or asphalt. The court is typically 78 feet long and 27 feet wide.
Platform tennis, on the other hand, is played on a much smaller court that is only 44 feet long and 20 feet wide. The court is made of a porous, soft material like rubber or synthetic grass and is surrounded by a fence or net.
Equipment
The equipment used in both sports is similar, but there are some key differences. In tennis, the ball is a yellow felt-covered ball that is 2.6 inches in diameter. The racquet is a racquet with strings and a head that is 25.5 inches in length.
In platform tennis, the ball is usually a softer, foam-filled ball that is 2.75 inches in diameter. The racquet is a paddle with a head that is 25 inches in length and is made of a heavy-duty composite material.
Rules
Tennis and platform tennis have similar rules, but there are some key differences. In tennis, the ball must be struck within the boundaries of the court and may be hit at any height. The match is played with two players or two teams of two players.
In platform tennis, the ball must be hit within the boundaries of the court and must not go higher than the net. The match is played with two players or two teams of two players.
Scoring
The scoring systems for tennis and platform tennis are also different. In tennis, points are scored when the ball is hit into the opponent’s court and the opponent cannot return it. The game is played in sets of six games and the winner of a set is the first player to win six games.
In platform tennis, points are scored when the ball is hit into the opponent’s court and the opponent cannot return it. The game is played in sets of three games and the winner of a set is the first player to win two games.
Strategy
Tennis and platform tennis require different strategies. In tennis, the focus is on power and accuracy. Players must be able to hit the ball with power and accuracy in order to be successful.
In platform tennis, the focus is on spin and placement. Players must be able to use spin and placement to keep their opponent off balance and to set up their own shots.
Physicality
The physical requirements for tennis and platform tennis are also different. Tennis is a physically demanding sport that requires speed and agility. Players must be able to move quickly and have good hand-eye coordination.
Platform tennis is a less physically demanding sport. Players must have good hand-eye coordination, but the game does not require as much running and agility.
Popularity
Tennis is one of the most popular sports in the world. It is played in countries all over the world and is a popular spectator sport.
Platform tennis is not as popular as tennis, but it is growing in popularity in the United States. It is popular in the northeastern and Midwestern United States and is gaining popularity in other parts of the country.
Cost
The cost of playing tennis and platform tennis can also be different. Tennis courts are often expensive to build and maintain, so the cost of playing can be high.
Platform tennis courts are less expensive to build and maintain, so the cost of playing can be lower.
Conclusion
Tennis and platform tennis are two closely related sports that have many similarities, but there are also many differences between them. The main differences are the court surface, equipment, rules, and scoring systems. Knowing these differences can help you decide which sport to play.