What is Platform Tennis

Platform tennis is played within a raised 30' by 60' enclosure on a court measuring 20' by 44'.

Primarily a doubles game, the rules are basically the same as in tennis, with a few distinct differences.

First, only one serve is allowed.

Second, a net court serve is not a let, as in tennis, rather the ball is in play.

Third, after the ball has landed in the court, the receiving team has the option of playing the ball off the mesh screens enclosing the court.

The equipment consists of a paddle, measuring approximately 18" in length with holes through the hitting surface, and a foam rubber ball which is about the same size as a tennis ball but harder and heavier.

Platform is mostly played as a winter sport. Beneath the mesh wires are snowboards, suspended on hinges, which can be flipped up to allow for snow removal.

Better courts are equipped with heaters below the playing surface, which are used to melt off residual snow, ice, or moisture.

The court surface is specifically designed with winter play in mind, consisting of a highly gritty paint to provide better traction during inclimate weather. The modern courts are constructed of metal for longevity (as well as better conductivity for the heaters).

Because of the smaller playing area, and one serve rule, play is far more continuous than in tennis. As a result, even in subfreezing temperature, players work up a sweat fairly quickly, and maintain it until play is stopped. Players typically wear several layers of clothes that can be easily discarded as they warm up, much like runners. The layers can then be added after play has concluded.

Platform has been played on the East coast since 1928. It has slowly moved west, and several midwestern cities boast fairly sizeable contingents of platform enthusiasts. Chicago in particular is home to 20 or so clubs with platform facilities, most with four courts, and has interclub league matches from October through March involving over 1000 men and 800 women. There are also sizeable enclaves of platform players in the Denver, Colorado and SanFrancisco areas.

For more information on the sport, visit one of these websites:

American Platform Tennis Association

R.J. Reilly Co.

For information on/description of equipment, visit one of these sites:

Viking Athletics

Wilson Sporting Goods