Platform Tennis

Tennis is a fun, exciting sport. It is a good exercise routine and you can also enjoy the great outdoors. But if you live in a snowy country, you can’t just go out and play. All those clothes reduce your mobility and the ball freezes over before it even gets to you. Thanks to James Cogswell and Fessenden Blanchard, that problem is solved by their brilliant invention: platform tennis.

Platform tennis, invented in 1928, is the only racquet sport that is played in cold weather. It is mainly available in sports clubs and public parks. But you can have a platform tennis court built on your own backyard.

The platform tennis court is 60 feet by 30 feet with 44 feet by 20 feet in-bounds area. The court is surrounded by 12 feet high firm 16-gauge chicken wire fencing. The fence allows players to play off the walls similar to squash. The base of the court is usually enclosed, with a heating system below the deck. The heating system melts ice off the deck surface. Lightning systems are also installed on most courts for nighttime play.

There are platform tennis court construction specialists such as R.J. Reilly, Incorporated, Bulletworks and Premier Platform Tennis that offer quality-built courts. The platform tennis court may be a little too large to have on your backyard year-round. There are also portable platform tennis court plans which is readily transportable and stored so you could enjoy regular tennis come spring time. Now that you have planned for a court, it is time to get the right gear.

Tennis requires a lot of side-to-side running, so your shoes must be durable and comfortable. Make sure to get platform tennis shoes with cushioning to avoid ankle sprain. Platform tennis shoes made with light, breathable material with a snug fit also allows quicker reaction times.

Platform tennis racquets are different from regular tennis racquets. Instead of a mesh of strings, platform tennis racquets are made out of composite material with aerodynamic holes drilled in the head. Top rated platform tennis racquets have dense grit surface to prevent the ball from skidding and adding more spin to the ball. The sweet spot area, or the area with the best combination of feel and power, is large to give a more flexible game play. Top rated platform tennis racquets are also lightweight with moisture resistant grips for a better hold. Platform tennis’ vigor and energy is enough to keep you warm throughout winter. So, you don’t have to be bored, cold and idle until spring comes. Just play a little platform tennis with your friends and family and hit the winter blues away.