Platform Tennis Rules

Platform Tennis Rules

In the realm of racquet sports, Platform Tennis emerges as a distinctive winter alternative to traditional tennis, birthed in the 1920s by the ingenious minds of Fessenden Blanchard and James Cogswell in the icy environs of New York.

Executed on an elevated court equipped with subcourt heating apparatus and ambient lighting, this sport transcends seasonal limitations, allowing enthusiasts to engage in outdoor play throughout the entire year.


Platform Tennis Rules
PLATFORM TENNIS


Diverging from its tennis counterpart, Platform Tennis exclusively unfolds in a doubles format, eschewing the singles variant. While no global entity governs this unique sport, various national organizations, such as the American Platform Tennis Association, play pivotal roles across the globe.


Object of the Game

The essence of Platform Tennis lies in one pair outplaying their adversaries, securing triumph in two out of the three sets constituting a match. This doubles-oriented game demands heightened cooperation and comprehension, particularly given the spatial constraints of the enclosed court, significantly smaller than a standard tennis court.

Due to the court's diminutive size and the ball's propensity to rebound off the sides akin to squash, participants must maintain robust fitness levels to remain competitive.


Players & Equipment

Platform Tennis unfolds in pairs on a court measuring 44 feet by 20 feet, adorned with markings identical to a conventional tennis court. A 34-inch net bisects the court, while a 12-foot tall-galvanized enclosure envelops the playing area.


In contrast to traditional tennis racquets, Platform Tennis employs an 18-inch paddle crafted from graphite and titanium, devoid of strings. Featuring perforations on its face, the paddle facilitates maneuverability and imparts enhanced ball control.


The balls deployed in Platform Tennis, typically crafted by Viking or Wilson, closely resemble standard tennis balls. The sole additional equipment recommendation for Platform Tennis enthusiasts is a quality pair of tennis shoes.


Scoring

Platform Tennis adopts the scoring methodology mirroring traditional tennis. Points are conceded under the following circumstances during active play:

1. The receiving team permits the ball to bounce twice.

2. A player's return lands beyond baseline or sidelines, hits the net, or any other obstruction.

3. A player strikes the ball before it wholly traverses the net to their side.

4. Deliberate catching or handling of the ball by a player.

5. The ball, in play, contacts any part of a player.

6. A player propels the ball out of play, hitting an object beyond the court that rebounds back into the court.

7. Any player touches the net during active play.

8. A player hurls their paddle at the ball, making contact.

Point accrual follows the sequence: 15, 30, 40, and then game. If a game reaches a 40-40 tie, deuce is declared, and victory goes to the first team securing two consecutive points.


Winning the Game

Securing success in Platform Tennis necessitates collaborative effort, with teams striving to clinch six games within a set. The overall triumph is achieved by repeating this feat twice, securing victory in the match.


Rules of Platform Tennis

Before initiating play, a paddle spin determines the decision-making authority, with the winner choosing to serve or receive first, along with selecting the starting end. Teams position themselves on opposing sides of the net, designating one member as the server.


The server must initiate the service from a position behind the baseline, between the sideline and the court's center mark, diagonally across from the receiver. Unlike the receiver and other team members, the server's position is predetermined.


Service alternates between the deuce court and ad court. The serve must clear the net and bounce before the receiver gains the right to return. Only one service is permitted, with a faulty serve resulting in point loss.


Once in play, the ball remains active until the point concludes, a fault is called, or a let is invoked. Scores advance through 15, 30, 40, and then game. In the event of a 40-40 tie, additional points are contested until a team secures two consecutive victories.


The initial team to claim six games attains a set victory, while the first team securing two sets emerges triumphant in the match.


Frequently Asked Questions

1: Is Platform Tennis played indoors or outdoors?

 -  Platform Tennis is primarily an outdoor sport, allowing enthusiasts to play in all seasons.

2: Are there specific rules regarding paddle design?

-  Yes, paddles are 18” in length and made of graphite and titanium, distinguishing them from traditional tennis racquets.

3: What is the significance of the fence surrounding the court?

-  The 12-foot tall galvanized fence ensures the ball stays in play and adds a unique element to the game.

4: Can Platform Tennis be played as a singles game?

-  No, Platform Tennis is exclusively a doubles game, fostering teamwork and cooperation.

5: How does scoring in Platform Tennis differ from regular tennis?

- While the scoring sequence is similar, Platform Tennis introduces unique challenges, such as the deuce rule at 40-40.


In conclusion, Platform Tennis offers a distinctive blend of strategy, teamwork, and outdoor enjoyment. Whether you're a seasoned player or a newcomer, the thrill of the game awaits.

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