If cold weather and thoughts of snowfall on the horizon are making you think you can’t be as active, let us tell you a little bit about platform tennis.
As one of the fastest growing sports in the United States, platform tennis is a mix of some of your favorite activities like tennis (who would’ve thought?), pickleball and racquetball. The most intriguing part of platform tennis is that it can be played year-round, outside, on our heated courts.
The game was invented in 1928 and after the first court was built into the side of a hill, the courts were then constructed on a platform in order to keep the court level. It also made it easier to remove snow from the court. The construction has since come a long way as courts are now built up off the ground with heating systems installed under the courts to keep them dry. With the heated courts melting snow and ice away, athletes are able to play year-round, allowing them to stay on top of their game even if the weather isn’t favorable. The courts are also built with a lighting system, making platform tennis an all-day, year-round activity.
Platform tennis is played on an aluminum deck approximately one-third the size of a regulation tennis court and surrounded with 12’ high, taut “chicken wire” fencing that allows you play the ball off of the walls, much like you would in racquetball. With the use of wooden paddles that are built with aerodynamic holes through them to reduce wind resistance, players will hit a spongey, rubber ball back and forth over a net. Typically, the game is played in singles or doubles and is scored like it is in a regular tennis match.
If you’re interested in trying your hand at platform tennis, visit our Bridgewood Platform Tennis page for more information. When the outdoor tennis courts are covered in snow but you’re still eager to play outside, platform tennis is the perfect activity to keep you active in winter!
