Platform Tennis

Many people have not yet heard of platform tennis. It is just now beginning to gain a great deal of popularity and here are some of the reasons for that. The main reason is platform tennis is the only racquet sport that is played outdoors in cold weather.

Platform tennis is played on an elevated aluminum deck which is just one-fourth the size of a regulation tennis court. In most cases it works out to a 60' x 30' deck with a 44' x 20' in-bounds area. The playing court is surrounded by a 12 foot high fence which is used in play as in racquetball and squash.

In many cases, the base of a platform tennis court is enclosed, allowing for a heating system beneath the deck. The heating system melts ice off the deck surface, and this allows play year round. While the official platform tennis season runs from Fall through Winter, the game can be enjoyed year-round.

Platform tennis is a doubles sport with two players on each side. The net is set at 34 inches high. Rules of the game are identical to tennis with a few exceptions: only one serve, serves that touch the net are played, and what many consider the best thing about platform tennis—the ball can be played off the screened walls.

There is one important difference between other racquet sports such as racquetball and squash and that is in platform tennis all of the regular rules of tennis apply after the ball is struck.

For example, an opposing player may hit the ball past their opponents, and they may retrieve the ball after it bounces off of the screen. However, they must then hit the ball directly back into the court, without it touching the screen before it lands in the court, or is struck by their opponents.

As far as equipment goes, platform tennis paddles are made of a composite material with aerodynamic holes drilled in the head. Generally speaking, the paddles are 18 inches long. The ball used in this game is a spongy, rubber ball that measures 2.5 inches in diameter. A flocking material on its exterior keeps the ball from skidding on the surface.

You can learn more about platform tennis by visiting the American Platform Tennis Association for rules and information. There are also many online clubs that have information and guidance on this creative game that can be played in the dead of winter!