The snow has melted, but it’s still winter.  What’s there to do for fun and exercise?
What if…there was a game that you could play outdoors all winter long, whether there was snow or not?  Freezing temperatures or not?  And…
• you could learn this game easily, and be able to enjoy it after only a day’s practice;
• you could play it with your friends and family, from elementary school through age 80 or even 90;
• the equipment was simple and inexpensive;
• you could wear any comfortable winter clothing and athletic shoes;
• it was easy and affordable to reserve a space to play; and 
• you could get a good workout, enjoy social time, and feel refreshed and energized by the cold air and sunshine?

There is such a game, and officially it’s called platform tennis, or, informally, paddle tennis. The game is played on a 20’ by 44’ raised court enclosed by wire mesh walls, which can be used in play, similar to racquetball. The sport is a doubles game, played with a bouncy rubber ball and hard surface paddles. Almost all paddle tennis facilities have at least 2 courts with a warming hut, where players can socialize, view other matches, and, of course, keep warm.


Platform tennis courts in Hinsdale, IL

Check out this video from the American Platform Tennis Association (APTA) for a quick and lively overview of the game.

Want to learn more?  Here are a few ways you can find out more about platform tennis:
• The APTA National Platform Tennis Tournament is coming to the Chicago area March 10-13 at the Glen View Club in Golf, Illinois. The public is welcome to view the matches and see firsthand some of the best paddle tennis in the nation.
• Visit the APTA’s website for more information about paddle tennis
• Read Hinsdale’s and Glen Ellyn’s blogs to see current paddle tennis events in the western suburbs

Courts shown at http://www.bwplatformtennis.com/