Paddle tennis, also known as platform tennis, began in the 1920s. Two friends were looking for a way to practice their tennis skills during the winter season. They came up with a concept to build an unusual court designed for winter. The court dimension was 30 feet by 60 feet, about a quarter of a tennis court, enclosed by 12-foot-high screens. In addition to preventing balls from straying off the court, the screen’s purpose was to allow players to bounce off of it much like racquetball or squash.

Little did the creators know that the sport would become popular enough to be played by men and women of different experience levels and ages. Or that it would be enjoyed throughout the United States and Canada, not to mention the different countries of the world.

Padel is very easy to play. Anyone can just pick up a paddle and learn while having fun. It’s not the same as in tennis, where you need speed and raw power to win. In paddle tennis you have to have the patience and strategy of a chess player. This is why it can be an addictive game.

The ability to play outside of the screens makes the game more interesting. Part of her appeal is being able to turn the tables in a man vs. woman match. A woman can’t be outdone by just the raw power of a man if she can play his cards right. Due to the screens, it is difficult to predict an opponent’s movement. But this is part of the strategy.

Currently, the courts are constructed of aluminum with heating underneath so that falling snow doesn’t accumulate because it melts as it lands on the surface. There are also cozy cabins nearby with fireplaces and modern amenities. The court is also equipped with lights for playing at night. From September to April, the season for this sport is longer than the summer games.

This sport complements your tennis skills, such as overhead and volleyball. Therefore, you do not have to stop playing tennis completely. The good thing about this sport is that women can play against men in tournaments. Unlike in tennis, where the sexes have to be segregated because a man’s raw power is generally no match against a woman’s.

Another brilliant idea about this sport is that parks that are never used during the winter can be equipped with courts to make them useful.