What is Soft Tennis?
Soft tennis is a game that is played worldwide. It is a simplified version of tennis and is played by two players or four players in doubles. The scoring system is the same as tennis, but the rules and equipment used are different. Players use a soft, light tennis ball and racquets with a larger head size than regular tennis racquets. The court size is also smaller than a regular tennis court.
History of Soft Tennis
Soft tennis was first developed in Japan in the early 1960s. It was created as a way to make tennis more accessible to schools and other recreational facilities. The game quickly became popular in Japan and has since spread to many other countries, including the United States, Australia, and Europe.
Why is it Called Soft Tennis?
The name “soft tennis” comes from the balls and racquets used in the game. The balls are made of a soft, lightweight material and the racquets have a larger head size than regular tennis racquets. The larger head size allows players to hit the ball with a softer impact and make the game easier to play.
Benefits of Soft Tennis
Soft tennis has many benefits compared to regular tennis. Here are some of the advantages of playing soft tennis:
- It’s easier to learn. The rules and equipment used in soft tennis make it easier to learn the game than regular tennis.
- It’s less physically demanding. The softer ball and racquet make the game less physically demanding and easier on the body.
- It’s more accessible. Soft tennis is more accessible to people of all ages and abilities due to the simplified rules and equipment.
- It’s more affordable. Soft tennis is more affordable than regular tennis due to the lower cost of equipment.
Soft Tennis Rules and Scoring
The rules of soft tennis are similar to those of regular tennis. The court size is smaller and the ball is softer and lighter. The scoring system is the same as regular tennis, with players competing to reach four points (15, 30, 40, and game).
Soft Tennis Equipment
Players who play soft tennis require specialized equipment. The most important pieces of equipment are the racquets and balls. Soft tennis racquets have a larger head size than regular tennis racquets and the balls are made of a lightweight, soft material. Players may also use protective eyewear and other protective gear depending on their skill level.
Soft Tennis Tournaments
Soft tennis tournaments are held all over the world. The International Soft Tennis Federation (ISTF) is the governing body of soft tennis and organizes tournaments and events throughout the year. The ISTF organizes the World Soft Tennis Championships and many other tournaments for players of all ages and skill levels.
Soft Tennis in the Olympics
Soft tennis has not yet been included in the Olympic Games but is gaining momentum as an Olympic sport. The International Soft Tennis Federation (ISTF) is actively lobbying for the inclusion of soft tennis in the Olympic Games.
Conclusion
Soft tennis is a fun and accessible game for people of all ages and abilities. The game has many benefits compared to regular tennis and is gaining popularity around the world. With the ongoing efforts of the International Soft Tennis Federation, we may see soft tennis become an Olympic sport in the near future.