Paddle? Pop? Platform 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. Get out there and enjoy!