Paddle Tennis

Paddle tennis is a game that has been developed from tennis, and has been played for over a century. The origins of paddle tennis can be traced back 100 years. The game was developed by an Episcopal minister Frank Peer Bea, from lower Manhattan. He wanted to develop recreational activities for the children of the neighborhood. 

Compared to lawn tennis, the court used for paddle tennis is small. It has no double side lanes and the net is also lower. The game is played with a solid paddle (compared to the stringed racquet used in regular tennis). The tennis ball used for playing the game is depressurized so it does not bounce as much.

paddle tennis match

The same court is used for playing either doubles or singles. Doubles is the most popular type of game played. The smaller court size requires faster reactions, and develops net play.

The game is becoming popular and is played in many countries in Europe. It is also played in Dubai and Egypt. Local leagues and tournaments are held frequently in the Gulf states. 

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Similar Sports

• Lawn Tennis — the popular tennis game, where players use a stringed racket to hit a ball over a net
• Soft Tennis — a version of the game of tennis played primarily in Asia, very similar to regular tennis except they play with soft balls.
• Beach Tennis — a sport which has elements from tennis and volleyball, and played on the beach
• Road Tennis — a version of tennis played on a smaller court with paddles and a low wooden net.
• Pickleball — a non-contact racket sport that is similar to badminton, tennis, and table tennis.
• Padel — a mix of tennis and squash, played on a much smaller court with walls and a solid paddle racket.