Paddle Tennis: A Beginners Guide to Getting in the Game
- Popular Tennis
- Aug 22, 2022
- 9 min read
Updated: Sep 14, 2022
We all know that feeling when you can't make up your mind about what to have for dinner. You flip through a few cookbooks, but nothing really catches your eye. The same thing happens with sports. There are so many to choose from and it's hard to decide which one is right for you. If you're having trouble finding a new fitness routine - paddle tennis may be the right choice if you want to switch up your old routine.
Paddle (also know as Pop, paddle, paddleball and - when played on a raised court "platform tennis") is a game that has been adapted from tennis and played for over a century. The game is similar to classic tennis but instead of rackets, short-handled, oval "paddles" (they look like a hybrid of a ping pong paddle and a tennis racket) are used with a slower depressurized ball. The game is quickly growing in popularity all over the world and, with the pandemic, more and more in the U.S. after enjoying immense popularity in Spain and Europe.
Do you want to learn more about this fun, fast-paced sport and how to play? If so, you have come to the right place! Below, we will discuss how to play each of these games and provide some tips on how to become a successful player. We will also cover the rules of each game so that you can start playing today. First, we've broken down the key information you need to learn more about this fun sport and get into the game and skip around the page to the pieces of information that are most relevant to you.
Who Created Paddle Tennis?
POP Tennis, which until recently was called Paddle Tennis (learn more about the different names Pop, Paddle and the Platform tennis variation in our article here and below) is believed to have been created in 1898 by Frank P. Beal as an outdoor game for children. In 1959, Murray Geller revised the format and rules and the standardized game of Paddle Tennis took off for players of all age groups.
You can read more about Mr. Beal in the below obituary, which the New York Times printed in 1965.
While Paddle has been around since the early 1900s and, many of its players call it Paddle, in an effort to grow the game and eliminate confusion, a core group of top players led by Leo Recagni came up with the name “POP” because everything about the game "Pops".
What is paddle tennis vs. platform tennis vs. pop tennis vs. padel vs. classic tennis?
What’s in a name? Well, everything actually.
Is it Paddle Tennis, POP Tennis, Platform Tennis or just plain Tennis? If you’re reading this, you likely got here by searching for “What is Paddle?” or “What is the difference between paddle tennis and platform tennis?” We get it. We’ve been there too.
It can be confusing even for long-time players of the game. So, let's start at the beginning, shall we?
Platform Tennis was invented in 1928 and is a racquet sport played on platforms of raised aluminum planks. It is designed to be enjoyed year round and played with composite paddles instead of strung racquets and a sponge like rubber ball versus a traditional fuzzy tennis ball.
It can also be played as a singles or doubles game.
While paddle tennis has been commonly referred to as Paddle, POP Tennis and Platform Paddle Tennis interchangeably throughout the years - and paddle is the original name of the sport - it was trademarked in 2001 by USAPA (United States Paddle Association).
In an effort to grow the game and eliminate confusion, a core group of top Paddle Tennis players set out to find a new name. Leo Recagni came up with the name “POP” because everything about the game "Pops". The new, state-of-the art racquets POP (like this Grandcow paddle - it's one of our favorites for beginners), the colorful clothes that catch the eye and POP, and the fast exchanges and volleys POP. Get it?
Long time fans of the game still call it "paddle tennis" or even just "paddle" for short. So technically, the phrases "platform tennis", "paddle tennis", or "paddle" can all mean the same. The jury is still out on whether or not the “Pop Tennis” name will catch on but we’ve high hopes over here at PopularTennis that this one will stick.
So, there you have it. Paddle, pop, or platform tennis? It's all the same great game. Move into the section below to get out there and enjoy!
Where Can I Play Paddle?
Whether you're looking for a place to have some fun with friends or relief from the stresses of daily life, we've got you covered.
To start, we have some great news: there's an endless variety of courts available! You'll find courts all over the city and even at your school or work. It is possible for anyone at any time of day or night (unless they're sleeping), to play paddle. Some places where people often meet up include...
Tennis Court: In 2014, the POP Tennis Association adopted the thirty thousand-plus countrywide U.S. Tennis Association’s 60 foot courts, as a means to spread the sport nationally. This addition made the game more popular. People loved the larger court size.
Grass Court: Similar to a standard size tennis court, grass courts (like the ones you see in professional matches today) are still used in today, and they provide an interesting challenge for players.
Paddle Court: 50' Long* by 20' Wide (no doubles lanes). Singles and Doubles are played on the same court. Due to court availability, POP tennis is now often played on 60' x 27' full tennis courts (see above).
Platform Tennis Court: This court has a raised deck where the court typically is 60’ x 30’ with the net at 34 inches at its center. Typically these courts are also surrounded by a high fence (similar to other kinds). Paddle is a year-round sport with winter options being played on platform tennis courts that have heaters underneath that melt snow and allow for year-round play.
Looking for a tennis court where you can play paddle? Below we've rounded up the best places for you to find a court near you:
Tennis Court: The best place to find a full-size court is over at the USTA's website.
Paddle Court: You can find the best map of paddle courts in the USA here.
Platform Tennis Court: The American Platform Tennis Association has a list of elevated courts where you can play paddle all-year-round.
How to Play
First, let's start with how to play paddle tennis. Paddle tennis is a game that can be played by two or four players. The object of the game is to hit the ball over the net and into your opponent's court. The player who hits the ball into their opponent's court wins the point. To keep score, each player starts with zero points and the first player to reach eleven points wins the game.
If you are playing with four players, then each player will have a partner and you will play against the other team. If you are playing with two players, then it is singles play and you will not have a partner. In singles play, can be different rules for how to keep score (but more on that later. See below for the basics that most people follow.
Key notes:
Pop and platform tennis are similar to paddle tennis and, in fact, many players say they're the same game (forgive us, paddle-purists, but it's true!)
The game uses the same scoring system as tennis. A game is scored exactly the same as tennis (15/0, 30/0, 40/0 etc.).
Six games are needed to win a set and the team that wins two sets wins the match.
Platform tennis is played on a smaller court than paddle or pop tennis. The net is also lower with a height of 36 inches at the center and 34 inches at the posts.
Now that you know how to play paddle, pop, and platform tennis, it's time to get out there and start playing! These games are great for getting exercise and spending time with friends or family. So grab your racket and some balls and head to the nearest court.
If you're looking for more information on how to play these games, be sure to check out our website for more tips and tricks. And don't forget to have fun!
What Are the Official Rules of Paddle?
The player who wins a flip of a coin or a racquet spin decides if they want to serve or receive the ball first. Their opponent starts with the remaining option.
Serving:
The winner of the flip is allowed to serve only once. If the winner “faults,” they lose the point.
A ‘fault’ happens when:
The server misses the ball during a serve,
The ball is served and lands outside the box
The ball is served into the net and falls back onto the servers side
The ball touches the net and lands outside the correct box on the other side of the net.
POP Tennis has the same rules as tennis except for one: The underhand serve.
An underhand serve is one that is struck below the player’s waist.
In all POP Tennis, the serve must be struck at the same height or below the court net height, respectively.
Failing to do so will result in a warning. Only one warning per set is allowed before sacrificing the point.
In all POP Tennis, the serve must be struck at the same height or below the court net height. Similarly, no part of your body should cross the baseline (the farthest line parallel to the net) while serving. Doing this will be considered a “foot fault” and the player will lose a point. At the end of each game, there is a role reversal. The receiver becomes the server, while the server becomes the receiver.
In POP Doubles, serve and volley is allowed. This means the server can immediately charge the net after the ball has been served.
In POP singles, serve and volley is not allowed. The server must wait until the return bounces once back on their side before they are allowed to hit it. In other words, in singles, the 4th shot(including the serve) is the first shot that can be volleyed. This gives an advantage to the returner who has the first chance to hit a volley.
Scoring: Similar to tennis, the first point is called 15, second point 30, third point 40, while the fourth point is called Game. In order to win a set, the player should have a lead with a margin of two games over his opponent. The match is usually best of three sets.
Where Can I Buy Paddle Gear?
Heard enough and are convinced you want to try? If so, having the right gear is essential to getting into the game, starting with making sure you get the right paddle with the right grip.
There are a few different ways that you can buy gear. You can either buy it online at stores like Amazon or PadelMarket.com or, of course, in-stores (but admittedly we've yet to find a good in-store selection anywhere!).
Shop Amazon If You Want the Widest Selection
If you want the widest selection, shipping and pricing, then you should definitely check out Amazon as your first-stop. They have a great selection of paddle-specific tennis gear, and they also have a lot of platform tennis gear (especially for those of you who are playing year-round on platform tennis courts.)
In addition to finding all the gear you need to play at Amazon, some of the individual online store-fronts like Wilson also have a wide variety of paddle gear, resources and more that are particularly helpful if you're just starting out. Amazon is definitely the way to go if you're looking for the best deals, widest selection, and free shipping.
Shop PadelMarket.com for the Best Selection
Paddle (or Padel as its called in other places outside of the U.S.) is wildly popular in Spain. Padel Market is the place where top players buy their gear (example: it's Paquito Navarro’s favorite shop). The store has everything you need for your game including shoes and clothes that will help improve performance on any court. It also offers a wide variety of paddles, including BullPadel, which is difficult to source in the U.S., as well as some of today's best-known brands as well as equipment made by companies who want nothing more than success in this sport we love so much.
Also, the other feature on PadelMarket.com is the ability to search by your favorite player. For instance, let's say you follow padel legend Paquito Navarro. (For those of you who don't already know, Paquito Navarro is a world-famous Spanish paddle tennis player. He's currently the number one player in Spain and ranked sixth in the world.)
When you visit PadelMarket.com, you're able to filter your search for Paquito's gear, enabling you to purchase the same equipment he uses for the game.
Shop In-Store if You Want to Touch the Item First
If you're looking for something more specific, or for those of you who like to hand the product in your hands before buying (like a racket or smaller accessories) then you might want to try your local sporting goods store as they typically stock a small variety of the well-known brands. They usually have a pretty good selection of tennis gear, and they might even be able to special order something for you if they don't have it in stock. Either way, buying tennis gear is easy and there are plenty of options available to you.
Another great alternative is PaddlePro.com. You can find everything you need to get started playing paddle tennis, from paddles and balls to shoes and clothing. This company has been the expert in paddle gear since 2001 and is recognized as an industry leader in racket sports.
So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and order that new racket or those shoes you've been wanting. Your game will thank you!
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